coronavirus updates!

UPDATE - 1st March 2021

Finally, what we have all been waiting for, Driving Lessons to restart from the 12th April 2021. Please be aware this is based on the government road map not changing. 

UPDATE - 4th January 2021

TIER 4 and what it means for driving lessons! NO driving lessons will be allowed to take place in tier 4 following the government announcement. I will keep you all updated on changes to the situation as and when the government make updated announcements. 

UPDATE - 24th November 2020

Hooray!! Here is some good news, driving lessons will be allowed to restart back fully in England after this second lock-down, but is subject to confirmation from the government as to how each tier will work 

UPDATE - 2nd November 2020

From the 1st November we will not be able to give driving lessons till at least the 3rd December, unless the government extend the lock-down period. This is across all types of learners, including critical and key workers. We are keeping a close eye on any updates and will keep you all posted. 

UPDATE - 28th September 2020

With the new lock-down rules, driving lessons will commence as usual with high precautions to help prevent any spread. We will be taking all measures cleaning down areas of use and keeping things sanitised and very clean to keep everyone safe. Thank you all for your help and understanding. 

Should you have any symptoms, please let us know so we can take appropriate action. 

UPDATE - 2nd August 2020

Driving lessons will now resume a normal from the 3rd August 2020 as per government guidelines. However please note all driving lessons will take precautions to keep us safe. 

UPDATE - 5th July 2020

Car driving tests will restart in the UK on the 22nd July 2020 with safety precautions in place - Other types of test may start before then. 

Theory test restarted in UK from the 4th July 2020 with social distancing and precautions in palace. 

Leicester is currently in lock-down in certain areas including Wigston and Oadby, but key worker lessons can still be done. After governments give an update on the 18th July 2020 we hope to resume normal lessons from the 20th July 2020. 

KEEP SAFE!

UPDATE - 25th June 2020

Finally the news we all wanted to hear, we are back officially giving driving lessons from the 4th July 2020. It has been an extremely difficult and struggling time got us all as approved driving instructors. We are not back to help you get on the road. We still are not sure when driving tests will be back as these are to be phased in soon and will keep you all updatd. Looking forward to helping you! 

UPDATE - 23rd June 2020

Hopefully, soon we maybe back to some normality and are taking booking from 6th July 2020. Be sure to keep yourself updated on our site and take advantage of our offer! 15% off all courses. Watch this space!

UPDATE - 15th June 2020 

Car driving tests  

Coronavirus: driving tests

Page summary
Driving tests are currently suspended due to coronavirus – but you can apply for an emergency test if you’re a critical worker.

Change made
Updated to confirm that driving tests are still suspended, and that rescheduled dates given for car driving tests will not go ahead – you will be asked to go online and choose a suitable date and time when driving tests can restart.

Time updated

Driving and motorcycle tests  

Coronavirus: theory tests

Page summary
Theory tests are currently suspended to 3 July 2020 due to coronavirus – but you can apply for an emergency theory test if you’re a critical worker.

Change made
Updated to confirm that theory tests are currently suspended up to and including 3 July 2020.

Time updated

UPDATE - 30th May 2020 

Driving lessons when lock-down is eased!

Since the lock-down was imposed, driving lessons have been put on hold – here's how this could change as restrictions are eased.

While the lock-down has meant most of us haven’t been able to head out with our instructors, there has been a group that has been allowed to continue taking lessons and tests: Key workers.

Think nurses, teachers and the other critical people who have stepped up and looked out for us during these tough times.

To ensure that they – and their instructors – have the safest possible lessons, guidance has been published by driving instructor collective NASP (National Associations Strategic Partnership) to help instructors deliver lessons in a format that reduces the risk posed by the inherent lack of social distancing in cars.

The document also offers vital insights into what a driving lesson will be like once you’re finally allowed to head out with your instructor again; NASP believes there there is the potential of returning to a ‘wider level of training’ at the beginning of July as the lock-down eases (see below).

Here’s what a typical lesson will look like once restrictions are eased:

What to expect on the day of your driving lesson

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. Remember, even if you feel fine, you could one of the many people who don’t show any symptoms, and by continuing with a lesson, you could endanger your instructor’s life.

• For full information about COVID-19 and official government advice, head here.

What you should do before your driving lesson

If you’re given the all-clear for the lesson to go ahead, your instructor will advise you to do 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 electronically there and then.

Your instructor will tell you that key surfaces inside and outside the car have been cleaned. These include: Internal and external door handles • windows/mirror controls • seat/head restraints • seatbelt and its connection • gear lever • steering wheel • indicator and wiper stalks • car keys • training resources.

What you should do during your driving 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.

• 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.

So what about personal protective equipment? Your instructor may provide disposable gloves as part of their service – so do tell them if you have an allergy to latex before the lesson. Also, you may request that the instructor wears a face mask during the lesson for your peace of mind. Because face coverings are not required by law yet, mask wearing is something that should be discussed before the day of your lesson, instead of asking your instructor to wear one on the day itself.

What you should do after your driving lesson

As you depart, remember not to shake hands and once you’re back home, do wash your hands as soon as possible. You may also wish to wash the clothes you wore during your lesson immediately.

That all sounds pretty strict, right?

Yes, but remember – these restrictions are there to keep you and the instructor safe from harm, and they won’t be in place forever.

Also, do bear in mind that the July start date for lessons resuming is subject to change depending on the latest government advice. Theory Test Pro will keep you informed of exact start times plus keep you updated any other important changes as and when we hear about them