Driving lessons and theory tests resumed on 4 July as the country relaxed after almost four months of coronavirus lockdown. But if learners and instructors are to maintain social distancing and stay safe they are going to have to hold driving lessons in a very different learning environment.
What learner drivers can expect in the months ahead
While driving lessons and theory tests resumed on 4 July, practical tests will not begin again until 22 July.
The lockdown and ban on driving lessons from the beginning of March means instructors, and their trainees, have a lot of catching up to do. Each day during lockdown around 4,500 driving tests were postponed. Add to the mix the 2,000 people each day who have turned 17 and it will be clear to see how busy driving instructors are going to be in the coming months.
With the anticipated rush for driving lessons, some people will inevitably be disappointed. And driving schools are likely to prioritise customers who have a series of lessons pre-booked. That not only means you may jump the queue, but you will get the best price for your lessons too.
And as for the practicality of lessons, driving schools have put into place all manner of safety precautions.
Car cleaning between driving lessons
Instructors are being advised to “thoroughly” clean vehicles before and after each lesson, “paying particular attention to areas of the car that are touch points, such as door handles.”
Other measures for instructors include:
- Wearing clothes that cover arms and legs
- Wearing face coverings and disposable gloves (to be changed after each lesson)
- Keeping windows open throughout the lesson to help ventilate airborne particulates
Those taking driving lessons will also be asked to wash their hands before each lesson, to wear disposable gloves and a face covering, and to declare that they are coronavirus symptom-free before taking a lesson.
Some driving instructors may have also fitted Perspex screens between the driver and passenger seats.
When lessons and tests will restart
While basic car driving lessons have now restarted, other test services will restart depending on what vehicle you’re learning in or on. Check out the DVSA’s breakdown of when lessons and tests can restart here. There are different dates for Northern Ireland.
Driving lessons, theory tests and driving tests are still suspended in Scotland and Wales, in line with guidance from the devolved administrations.
Sterling insurance is a specialist insurance provider offering cover to learner drivers from as little as 75 pence a day. As a broker, Sterling can also offer highly competitive driving instructor insurance with outstanding levels of cover, whether you are an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI). Book a free call back at a time that suits you and find out how much you could save.
