Showing posts with label driving lessons for keyworkers.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label driving lessons for keyworkers.. Show all posts

Friday 15 May 2020

Can I Learn To Drive as Lockdown Eases ?


Can I learn to drive as lockdown eases?

Official routes to obtaining a licence are suspended, except for key workers

The short answer is: no. Although driving instructors are technically  able to return to work during this first phase of lockdown easing, none of their clients will be able to join them in the car – unless the instructor erects a screen between himself and the driver. 
And if they did it would leave the instructor without proper control of the car – he or she wouldn’t be able to grab the wheel in an emergency, for example, so that probably isn’t going to work.
Driving  Instructors will not  be able to accompany learner drivers under social distancing guidelines, but  there are some exceptions.
Official advice to instructors from the Driving Instructors’ Association is that they are still allowed to train key workers who have an essential need to drive –doe example a key worker who need to drive on motorway or at night etc.

In these circumstances, driving instructors are being told to conduct a risk assessment, and to follow safe working practices, so if you can find a driving  instructor willing to teach you, you may take lessons but be prepared to answer  about your and your household before each lesson; you may have to sanitise your hands or to wear a face mask. 
Learning to drive privately
There’s nothing in the regulations which prohibits provisional DRIVING licence-holders from driving to essential  shopping trip, as long as they’re accompanied by an eligible member of their household and the car is correctly insured and wearing L-plates. 
Learning to drive with someone who isn’t within your household is not allowed under the current lockdown rules.
Are driving tests still taking place?
Currently driving tests are suspended until at least June 20, and this suspension may  be extended further. If you already had a car driving test booked, and it was cancelled, you’ll be emailed details of a new date when tests are once again taking place. 
If you’re a key worker, and you need to drive in order to continue to do your job, it may be possible for you to apply for an emergency driving test. However, you’ will need to be available  to take your driving  test at short notice if you apply, so only do so when you’re ready and you feel you’ve had enough training and practice.

What about theory tests?
Theory tests have been suspended until at least May 31. And suspension may be  further  extended. If you already had a theory test booked, and it has been cancelled, you’ll get a refund and you’ll have to rebook it yourself when tests suspension is lifted.
As with the practical driving test, if you’re a key worker you can apply for an emergency theory test. Again, the DVSA says you’ll need to be  available  at very short notice, so make sure you’ve done plenty  of  practice and feel confident enough to take the test at short notice.