Driving Lessons Resume TODAY: Here’s What to Expect
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Driving Lessons Resume TODAY: Here’s What to Expect
With driving lessons resuming today, both learners and instructors are stepping back into a familiar yet slightly altered routine. Since the onset of COVID-19, new protocols and safety measures have been put in place to ensure everyone’s well-being. If you’re wondering what’s changed and how to prepare, read on to learn all about it.
Outline
- Introduction
- The Importance of Safety in Driving Lessons Post-COVID-19
- What to Expect Before Your Lesson
- Checking in with your Instructor
- Sharing Your Licence Details
- Day-of-Lesson Precautions
- Confirming Health Status
- Potential Lesson Cancellations
- Preparing for Your Driving Lesson
- Dressing for Safety and Comfort
- Handwashing and Hygiene Tips
- Meeting Your Instructor
- Social Distancing Protocols
- Instructor’s Checklist for Safety
- Entering the Car
- Expect a Brief Health Chat
- Presenting Your Provisional Licence
- The Eyesight Check Requirement
- Preparing Your Belongings
- Bagging Your Personal Items
- Sanitizing High-Touch Surfaces
- During the Driving Lesson
- Guidelines for Limited Contact
- Avoiding Face Touching
- Visual Aids and Training Resources
- Communication During the Lesson
- Facing Forward Conversations
- No Shared Devices
- Safety Measures for Demonstration Drives
- Sanitizing Controls
- Using Hand Sanitizer
- Payment and Contactless Options
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves and Masks
- Discussing Preferences with Your Instructor
- After the Lesson
- Post-Lesson Hygiene Steps
- Washing Your Lesson Clothes
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Driving lessons are back on, and for many, it’s an exciting yet cautious return to the road. After months of limited mobility and with COVID-19 precautions still relevant, driving schools have implemented various safety measures. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you need to know before getting back behind the wheel.
The Importance of Safety in Driving Lessons Post-COVID-19
Safety has always been a priority in driving lessons, but with the added layer of COVID-19 precautions, both learners and instructors must stay vigilant. These updated measures ensure that everyone involved can focus on learning in a safe environment.
What to Expect Before Your Lesson
Checking in with Your Instructor
Ahead of your lesson, your instructor will likely reach out by phone or email to confirm that driving lessons have resumed. This initial contact may also include instructions on what to bring and any updated policies.
Sharing Your Licence Details
To streamline the process, your instructor may ask for your driving licence check code and the last eight characters of your driver number. This information allows them to verify your licence details within 24 hours before your first lesson.
Day-of-Lesson Precautions
Confirming Health Status
On the day of your lesson, expect a quick call or message from your instructor to check if you or anyone in your household has experienced COVID-19 symptoms recently. If symptoms are present or you’ve had recent exposure, your lesson will be rescheduled.
Potential Lesson Cancellations
It’s essential to remember that even if you feel fine, others might be at risk. If there are any health concerns, your instructor may need to cancel the lesson for everyone’s safety.
Preparing for Your Driving Lesson
Dressing for Safety and Comfort
Wear clothing that covers most of your body, including arms and legs. This is especially important during colder months when ventilation might mean open windows. Dress warmly, as air conditioning is likely turned off to increase airflow.
Handwashing and Hygiene Tips
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before leaving for your lesson. You might also consider wearing disposable gloves, which can help prevent contact with surfaces in the car.
Meeting Your Instructor
Social Distancing Protocols
When meeting your instructor, maintain distance until they signal that it’s time to begin. Expect a few checks as they confirm you’re ready to safely start your lesson.
Instructor’s Checklist for Safety
Your instructor will go through a mental checklist, ensuring they’ve covered all necessary precautions before you even sit down in the car.
Entering the Car
Expect a Brief Health Chat
Instructors may initiate a short chat to confirm that you’re symptom-free. This is routine, so don’t worry—it’s a way to ensure everyone’s safety.
Presenting Your Provisional Licence
If you’re a new learner, be prepared to show your provisional licence. Your instructor may verify it electronically before your first lesson.
The Eyesight Check Requirement
Safety regulations often require an eyesight test. You may be asked to read a license plate from a distance of about 20.5 meters to confirm that you can see clearly.
Preparing Your Belongings
Bagging Your Personal Items
To avoid contamination, you may be asked to place your belongings, like bags and jackets, in a plastic bag. This precaution helps keep the interior of the car clean.
Sanitizing High-Touch Surfaces
Your instructor will sanitize key touchpoints such as door handles, seatbelts, the steering wheel, and other controls before each lesson. This measure helps limit contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
During the Driving Lesson
Guidelines for Limited Contact
While you’re in the car, minimize contact with surfaces as much as possible. Avoid touching your face, and if you need to adjust anything, ask your instructor first.
Avoiding Face Touching
Keep your hands away from your face during the lesson to minimize the risk of transmitting germs from surfaces.
Visual Aids and Training Resources
Instructors may use visual aids but will hold them up rather than pass them. This small change is another way to limit contact.
Communication During the Driving Lesson
Facing Forward Conversations
When discussing scenarios or instructions, both of you should face forward rather than turning toward each other. This ensures a safer environment, especially in close quarters.
No Shared Devices
Devices like pens and tablets won’t be shared during the lesson. Any notes or follow-up instructions might be sent via text or email after the lesson.
Safety Measures for Demonstration Drives
Sanitizing Controls
If your instructor needs to demonstrate, they’ll wipe down the controls afterward. This keeps surfaces clean for you and the next learner.
Using Hand Sanitizer
Your instructor will likely have hand sanitizer on hand in case you need it during the lesson.
Payment and Contactless Options
Whenever possible, pay electronically. Contactless payment methods help reduce unnecessary handling of cash.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves and Masks
Your instructor might offer disposable gloves, but if you have any latex allergies, let them know ahead of time. Mask-wearing can be arranged for your peace of mind.
Discussing Preferences with Your Instructor
If you feel more comfortable with certain protective measures, discuss them with your instructor before the lesson so they can make any necessary arrangements.
After the Lesson
Post-Lesson Hygiene Steps
Once home, wash your hands immediately. Consider changing your clothes, as they may have come into contact with surfaces during the lesson.
Washing Your Lesson Clothes
For added safety, wash the clothes you wore during your lesson right away to remove any possible contaminants.
Conclusion
Returning to driving lessons comes with new responsibilities, but these precautions ensure everyone stays safe. As things gradually return to normal, adhering to these guidelines will protect both you and your instructor.
FAQs
- Do I have to wear a mask during my driving lesson?
While not required, you can discuss mask-wearing with your instructor beforehand if it makes you feel more comfortable. - What if I feel unwell on the day of my lesson?
Let your instructor know as soon as possible. Safety is the priority, so your lesson can be rescheduled. - How can I pay for my lesson?
Opt for electronic payments whenever possible, as this reduces physical contact. - What should I bring to my first lesson?
Bring your provisional licence, any required documents, and hand sanitizer if you have it. - How long will these precautions remain in place?
These guidelines are in place for as long as necessary to ensure safety, though they may be adjusted based on health recommendations.Main Image By Pexels
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