Source: The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
Following the government’s announcement on the ending of plan B restrictions in England, we want to explain what these changes mean to driver training and driver testing services and how these changes will affect us and our pupils.
The main changes are:
• we and our pupils are not legally required to wear face coverings during lessons, but government guidance suggests that you continue to do so in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet
• our pupils should take a rapid lateral flow test on the day of their driving test, before leaving home
The DVSA are asking practical test candidates to continue to wear a face covering, unless they have a good reason not to wear one. Pupils need to advise the DVSA in advance if this is the case. They will be keeping this under review.
Driving lessons
Pupils no longer have to wear a face covering by law on professional driving lessons.
COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are breathed out from the nose and mouth of an infected person.
The DVSA are suggesting we and our pupils continue to wear a face covering during lessons in line with government guidance that suggests people continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where they may come into contact with other people they do not normally meet.
The vehicle is an enclosed space where the correct precautions are necessary. We will continue to adhere to the DVSA guidance requiring you to wear a face covering in the car.
Driving tests in England
Wearing a face covering
The DVSA are asking candidates to continue to wear a face covering when they come for driving tests, unless you have a good reason not to, such as:
• having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
• putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
The DVSA have requested that if a candidatel has a good reason not to wear a face covering, when they book their test, to tell them.
A candidate’s test may not take place without a face covering if they have not made the DVSA aware when booking their test. They will be keeping this under review.
Taking rapid lateral flow tests
The DVSA are asking your candidates take a rapid lateral flow test before their driving test if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. They are asking that they do this on the day of their driving test, before they leave home.
Find out more about taking a rapid lateral flow test before taking a driving test.
You should now take a rapid lateral flow test if you’ll be in a high-risk situation that day. This includes being in enclosed spaces where there is limited fresh air.
Car cleanliness and fresh air
The car used for the test must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test. Any combination of windows can be opened. Your pupils should wear clothing suitable for the weather.
Driving test centre waiting rooms
In general, the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is higher:
• in crowded spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious
• in enclosed indoor spaces where there is limited fresh air
We continue to suggest you keep your distance, wear face coverings and practise good hand hygiene in waiting areas to help reduce the spread of the virus.