Farmers’ children will be unable to apply for a tractor driving licence this summer because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Every year, hundreds of young people who reach 16 years apply for a tractor licence after finishing school term.

They sit the driver theory test and then apply in person for a W-category learner permit at one of the country’s National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) centres. Once they have obtained the W-category learner permit, they are generally in a position to drive a tractor including on public roads.

However, all theory test centres closed on 25 March 2020 because of COVID-19 and will remain closed for the time being.

All NDLS centres are also closed to the public for normal services, according to the RSA.

The closures also affect young people who have reached 17 years and want to start driving a car. They, too, are unable to sit a theory test or obtain the relevant learner permit.

Young people who obtained the learner permit before the pandemic are also affected as driving lessons are not available at the moment. For those who completed the necessary 12 lessons, driving tests are currently not being scheduled or carried out.

However, the RSA is continuing to accept applications for driving tests so the number of people awaiting a test date is likely to be increasing.

Through much of 2018, the number was approximately 45,000, while for much of 2019 the number was over 28,000.

The NDLS says that its centres continue to provide emergency services for individuals who support services that are essential for dealing with COVID-19.