Latest COVID 19 Update – Learning To Drive
With the fourth week of isolation rapidly approaching here’s Pass Me Faster’s latest COVID 19 Update – Learning To Drive. This article includes some useful information, not just for learner drivers but also for instructors out in the field.
Unless You’re A Key Worker You Cannot Apply For A Provisional Driving License
Due to the current Coronvirus pandemic, the government has canceled all provisional license applications. However, key worker’s applications are still ongoing.
Scams
Keep an eye out for scams. There have been a few con artists trying to mis-sell provisional licenses online. Remember, if it’s not the official direct.gov.uk website it’s most likely a rogue company.
How Long Will This Go On
As of now, we’re still unsure as to how long things have been suspended. The lockdown looks set to continue for at least another month. As for any further advice for learner drivers as to when you can restart, we will keep you informed. Alternatively, you can keep an eye out by checking the direct.gov.uk website yourself.
Apart from key workers, the advice is still to stay inside and only go out if you really have to. This could be for food, one form of exercise, health reasons or for essential work. Social distancing (a 2-meter minimum) is still advised. Unless your learning to drive in a hummer there’s no chance of conducting driving lessons safely.
As a result and to keep in line with government recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, Pass Me Faster has decided to stay closed. Driving Lessons will continue however for key workers. Let’s have a look at some of the ways we can keep safe on lessons.
Keeping Safe On Driving Lessons For Key Workers
Here are some of our top tips to reduce the spread of infection for anyone delivering lessons to key workers during the pandemic.
Pre Call To Students Before The Lessons
Call your students before each lesson. Try and find out –
- Have they been in contact with or around anyone traveling from a high-risk area?
- Do they know anyone close to them with the virus
- Ask them if they have any symptoms
Fuel Pumps
Avoid direct contact with fuel pumps. Wear gloves to minimize the risk. Also, be vigilant at car washes, pay machines, and ticket machines, etc.
Card Payments Over Cash
As some of the shops are asking, see if you can take payment via card. The wireless transfer will be much safer than manhandling money.
Lesson Cleanliness
Keep a bag or bin handy in your car to dispose of any tissues or wipes.
Try to sanitize everything that the student has come into contact with. This could be the steering wheel, door handles, car controls, windows, bonnet catch, auxiliary controls.
It’s quite likely that only a couple of your learner drivers will fall into the key worker’s categories. It’s probably not that much hassle to go overboard with the disinfectant…… hum
Keep the car window open for maximum ventilation and ask them to cover their mouth if they sneeze. But NOT whilst steering around corners!
The Driving Test
As of today, there is still no news as to when tests will recommence for non-key workers. The latest information from the DVSA as of 25 March 2020 still states a suspension of 3 months for practical tests. This would suggest another 2 months before tests recommence.
Driving Lessons may restart sooner depending on future government guidelines.
The theory test is currently suspended until 20th April 2020.
Key Workers
Follow this link for some guidance for key workers.
Email critical.worker.driving.test@dvsa.gov.uk For key workers to request a test from DVSA.
ADI Financial Help
As of last week, the chancellor announced measures to help the self-employed.
The government will pay the self-employed a taxable grant that is worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the previous three years. There will be a maximum cap of £2500 per month.
Here’s some more info-
- The help will be available for 3 months but this may be extended if necessary
- If safe people can claim the grants and still conduct business
- Covers self-employed the same as those furloughed
We’re lead to believe that to qualify for the grant you must have a 2018 – 2019 tax return completed!!
As things stand at the moment it’s unlikely to receive this help until at least the beginning of June.
