I had not noticed before but I started the car in the dark and the only lights on the instrument panel were the sweep needles.

I turned the light control to first (on) position and the instruments lit up.

Is this normal? I had not driven in the dark since March due to corona virus.

That's normal. The control panel only lights up in the dark as you turn on the lights. 

Thank you very much, it has been a long time since I drove at night!