Here’s how my driving lessons could change as restrictions are eased
To ensure that all students and instructors have the safest possible lessons and to help the instructor deliver lessons in a format that reduces the risks posed by the inherent lack of social distancing in cars. The following are guidelines that I intend follow which also outlines what a lesson will be like once restrictions are eased and when you’re finally allowed out with your instructor again.
What to expect on the day?
On the day of the lesson, your instructor will call or text you, asking if you or anyone in your household has any symptoms of COVID-19 within the last seven days or have been in contact with someone who has within the last 14 days. If you have, your lesson will be cancelled.
What you should do before your driving lesson?
Once giving the all clear, you will be advised of the following:
- Wear clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, including your arms and legs. You should also wrap up warm during cold spells as the windows will most likely be open during the lesson to improve ventilation.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds immediately before leaving your home for your lesson.
- Wear disposable gloves if you wish to but only put them on just before getting into the car.
- Meet the instructor by the car itself and not by your front door.
- Expect the instructor to chat with you before you’re allowed to get in the car; this is an opportunity for them to check that you are not displaying any symptoms, and to also check you have washed your hands (or have brought hand sanitiser with you).
- Expect the instructor to have this chat with you at the beginning of each and every lesson. If the instructor is not 100% happy, they will cancel your lesson on the spot. Please don’t take it personally they are just trying to keep everyone safe.
- If you are a new client, you will be asked to hold up your provisional driving licence so the instructor can check it there and then.
You will then be advised that all key surfaces inside and outside the car have been cleaned, this includes:
- Internal and external door handles
- Windows and mirror controls
- Seat and head restraints
- Seat belt and its connections
- Gear lever and steering wheel
- Indicator and wiper stalks
- Car keys & Training Resources
What should you do during the lesson?
To reduce risk during the lesson, the instructor will:
- Hold up any visual aids or training resources, instead of passing them between the two of you.
- Ensure neither of you face each other directly when talking about scenarios; remaining face forward is the safest option when a 2-metre gap between two people cannot be maintained.
- Make sure no devices are shared such as pens with the instructor giving any brief notes digitally via text or email where possible.
- Time will be given during the lesson for the EDT books to be filled out by the student and an electronic copy of this will be kept by the instructor for inputting lessons at a later stage.
- Wipe down the car’s controls if and when the instructor has completed giving you a demonstration drive.
- Ask you to make any payments electronically, and not in cash, where possible.
What should you do after the lesson?
As you depart, remember not to shake hands and once you’re back home, it’s advised to wash your hands as soon as possible.
This all sounds very strict but remember these restrictions are there to keep you and the instructor safe from harm, and they won’t be in place forever.
Do bear in mind that the start date for lessons resuming is subject to change depending on the latest government advice and guidelines