It’s time for another update on the Covid-19 situation.
As you will be aware, the Prime Minister made an announcement yesterday on plans to ease the lockdown. Although there were some encouraging (if somewhat confusing) announcements with regards to people returning to work, it appears that two-metre social distancing must still be observed.
Naturally, social distancing is not possible during driving lessons and for this reason, lessons are still suspended.
Today (Monday 11th May 2020) the government published their action plan OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
Having read these guidelines, it is now clear that the driving school industry will not be opening during steps 1 or 2, and therefore unless there are significant changes to the plan, I will not be providing driving lessons until at least 4th July.
Step 3. The Government’s current planning assumption is that this step will be no earlier than 4 July […] the ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close, including personal care (such as hairdressers and beauty salons).
(page 31)
I am also taking guidance from several other sources: the daily Downing St updates, the Approved Driving Instructor groups such as ADI-National Joint Council, and the Driving Instructor Association, and also the DVSA who administer driving tests. Driving and Theory tests are still suspended nationwide, and I believe this is a good guideline for staying closed for business.
I will reopen when evidence from the above sources suggest it is safe, legal and appropriate, however, it would appear from the above government guidelines that lessons will remain suspended until July at the earliest.
As always, I will attempt to keep you updated, and I hope that the goalposts do not get moved.
I hope you are all well.
Richard Bates
