It’s been over a year since Boris Johnson announced the start of a nationwide lockdown to try and halt the spread of COVID-19 – and a lot has happened in those 12 months! We’ve seen not one, not two, but three national lockdowns imposed. During each lockdown, driving lessons have been unable to go ahead. As we near the end of the third lockdown, you may be wondering what’s in store, and how you’ll be able to go about gaining the skills you need to obtain your licence. As the providers of driving lessons Colchester learner drivers recommend, we’re here to give you the information you need.
We’re Here to Keep You Safe
Whether you have been taking driving lessons for some time or you are just planning to start now, it can be hard to know what to expect in the coming weeks and months. Here at Nayland Driving School, we work in full accordance with all national guidelines, and follow the Government’s rules regarding COVID-19 to the letter. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our learner drivers and our driving instructors – which is why your driving lessons may look and feel a little different going forward. Here’s what you can expect.
Before You Get Started
First things first, your driving instructor may need to check that you are legally able to get back behind the wheel. As it will have been quite some time since your last driving lesson, you might be asked to provide a ‘driving licence check code’. This will allow your instructor to quickly re-evaluate your driving licence. You can obtain your check code here. The process is really quick and simple and will only take you a few minutes. The code lasts for 21 days and can only be used once. Your instructor will ask you for the code, as well as the last 8 characters of your driver number. This can be found on your driving licence. They’ll carry out this check in the 24 hours before your next lesson takes place.
Leading Up to Your Lesson
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible, it’s important that you are totally honest with your driving instructor. Before your lesson, they will ask if you, or anyone in your household, has had symptoms of COVID-19 within the last seven days. They will also ask you if you have been in contact with someone with symptoms or who has tested positive within the last 14 days. A yes to any of these means that you will need to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines, and your driving lesson will be rescheduled.
Even if you feel well you could be asymptomatic and capable of spreading the virus. Don’t worry about falling behind – your instructor will support you and ensure that you remain on track.
On The Day of Your Lesson
If your driving lesson is able to proceed, then there are a number of things that you can do to keep safe. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds right before you get into the car, and have some hand sanitiser ready to use when needed. Before you get into the car, you’ll have a short chat with your instructor outside the vehicle. This will be a chance for them to check that you seem yourself, and aren’t displaying any symptoms. It will give you peace of mind too. Before you get into the car, they’ll remind you to wash your hands – this is where your sanitiser comes in!
In The Car
In terms of PPE, the advice on masks is pretty clear. Face masks are compulsory and need to be worn during lessons and tests (exceptions apply) as well as any glasses required. If you want to wear gloves you can, providing that they don’t interfere with safe handling of the car.
To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, windows will remain open, and you and your instructor will remain looking straight ahead while you talk. It might take a little bit of getting used to, but this will allow you to remain as safe as possible, while still being able to communicate effectively.
Keeping Safe in The Car
During the lesson, your driving instructor will hold up any training resources rather than passing them to you, and they will write anything down so that you don’t have to share a pen. They’ll also wipe down the controls if they need to demonstrate anything during the lesson. When it comes to paying, electronic is the way to go! All of these things reduce hand to hand contact, and will cut the risk of accidental transmission as a result.
Talk to Us Today
We know that learning to drive can seem even more nerve-wracking that normal right now, which is why we are here to help you in any way that we can. So why not get in touch today? We’ll answer all of your questions, and give you the confidence you need to get behind the wheel again.
