May 18, 2020
Can i restart my driving lessons now?

Driving tests were suspended in England, Scotland and Wales for three months from 20 March. So unless it was booked for a date after 20 June, the test will not take place as planned. A similar situation is in place in Northern Ireland.

A new date for anyone whose test is cancelled will be automatically sent out by the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). You cannot book a new date for a driving test yourself.

You can still apply for an emergency driving test if you’re classed as a critical worker.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, taking a family member out for a driving lesson is still not allowed, as it is not counted as an essential journey.

The Department for Transport has indicated that this is also still the case In England, despite the recent lockdown changes. However, the AA says it’s not clear whether this would be the case if, for example, a driving lesson was given on the way to do essential shopping.

NASP advises that trainers should carefully evaluate the risks of on-road training at this time, and establish whether there is an essential need for such before taking on any new key worker pupil.

We remind trainers that they engage in in-vehicle training during this period entirely at their own discretion due to the risks involved.

The type of training NASP deems unessential, and should therefore be avoided includes:

Learner and novice training of any non-key worker
Learner and novice driver/rider training from scratch where the pupil is a key worker but does not have an essential need to drive at this time, ie they can use other modes of transport to commute and they are not required to drive for work. It is also unlikely that new learners would pass their test soon enough to be able to undertake a useful and safe driving role as a key worker at this time. It could also cause too much road risk to encourage novice drivers to rapidly gain a licence and undertake pressured occupational driving roles at this time
Training or driver/rider development of a driver or rider who is not a key worker
Training or driver development where the key worker (whether full licence holder, vocational licence holder etc) does not have an essential need to drive in their role (ie they are not driving for work or could commute using alternative forms of transport)

Training which would deem necessary :

Key workers who have a practical emergency test confirmed with DVSA
Key workers requiring new licences for essential front line roles, such as emergency response workers acquiring a first licence or needing licences in new categories
Key workers needing driver or rider development in order to safely and competently drive or ride in different/new vehicles which they are unused to in the same licence category, ie delivery drivers
Key workers needing driver or rider development to drive in a new, or increased, occupational context and whose driving risk may therefore be greater. This includes increased commuting to multiple work locations and increased driving/riding in contexts they are unused to such as motorway driving, driving after dark, rural roads, unfamiliar vehicles, UK familiarisation

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May 6, 2020
Safety Measures Here At Britannia Driving School

At Britannia Driving School please be rest assured our instructors and pupils health and well being is paramount.

Thinking as to when instructors can return to everyday teaching we have been devising ways to keep you all safe.

This will include the instructors not giving lessons if they have any of the corona virus symptoms, instructors asking their pupils if they have been feeling unwell or in contact with any body who is unwell or showing symptoms.

Some instructors are thinking about having a digital thermometer to check themselves and pupils alike.

They will all be carrying hand sanitizer which each pupil will be asked to put on just before they enter the car, Before and after each pupil the car will be cleaned with antibacterial wipes, handles, steering wheel, mirror, gearstick, seatbelt etc.

We are asking that the pupils wash their hands immediately prior to the lesson commencing.

When we return to the office we will still be social distancing so ask that if at all avoidable to contact us by telephone or email, we will be sanitizing everything in the office and the two meter rule will be in place, also only allowing one person at a time in the office.

We will of course be thinking of other ways we can all keep ourselves in the office, our instructors and of course our pupils.

Like everyone in the country we have been following the Downing Street Briefings for rules to abide by when we return to work and of course all of the above is subject to any changes that the Government make, The Dvsa (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the DIA (Diving Instructors Association) have both been a great help to us and our instructors during the last 7 weeks. Boris Johnson our Prime minister will be making an announcement on Sunday 10^th May, Britannia Driving school will be taking information from that briefing.

Please check back for any new news here on our website or on our Facebook page, For the past 7 weeks our fantastic office staff have been remotely working from home, rest assured we are still here for you.

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May 1, 2020
NASP guidance for training critical workers

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some guidance if you have customers who are granted a critical worker practical test with the DVSA.

We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those in the document. This list is not exhaustive, however it hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any critical worker training before a test.

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some advised guidance if you have customers who are granted a Critical Worker practical test with the DVSA.
Firstly, you should appreciate that all Critical Workers will not necessarily be granted a critical worker test and we would advise that you do not give training until your customer actually has a practical test confirmed by DVSA, those are at the ,moment only being given to front line NHS, Police & Fire Service personnel, that may change as time goes on and we will keep you updated.
We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those below, this list is not exhaustive, however hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any Critical Worker training before a test.
• Make sure your customer has checked with DVSA at: critical.worker.driving.test@dvsa.gov.uk to ensure they will be granted a practical test. • Check with pupils before each lesson to ensure they have not been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms which could be related to Covid 19, or have travelled recently from a region severely impacted • You should note, that any test booked will be carried out with a volunteer examiner as they will have to break the social distancing rules and check where the test is actually booked, do not assume it will be at the customers usual test centre • We would suggest you wear suitable safe clothing when giving lessons/training, the examiner has been advised to wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. • Your customer will be asked on arrival at the test centre to wash their hands before the test will start, please advise your customer not to shake hands with their examiner • In these unusual times, you should consider wearing gloves and the examiner will, however you should be aware that some people are allergic to latex based materials, always ask first • If you or your customer present for the test with any clear symptoms, excessive coughing, high temperature etc, the examiner will refuse the test and another test will be rebooked. If during the test, any of these symptoms present themselves, the examiner will terminate the test • All the normal procedure will be carried out on the test as it normally would following the DT1 guidance • You will not be invited to travel in the back of the test or be involved in the debrief at the end.

• You should ensure your customer, that everything the examiner uses before, during and at the end of the test has been thoroughly cleaned and will be before each test • We would advise you to continue with the earlier guidance we gave regarding using antibacterial hand gel and wipes to ensure you keep clean all areas, you or your customer touch. • During the test, the examiner may ask you to take off any roof board you may have, this is simply to avoid abuse from other members of the public. The examiner will supply a pair of L plates if you don’t have any, preferably marked with NHS above the L

A key worker trainer voluntary register will shortly be available providing certification for driver and rider trainers to be able to display whilst training, as well as allowing members of the public, police etc to check with the register than the trainer is indeed carrying out essential training. Trainers applying for certification will have to complete a short online course and theory test on safe training protocols, designed to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, as well as provide evidence they are training key workers.
We hope this gives you some useful advice, please Stay Safe

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April 24, 2020
BRITS tiring of lockdown have hit the roads this week – with the AA seeing a 10 per cent rise in journeys since the start of restrictions.

BRITS tiring of lockdown have hit the roads this week – with the AA seeing a 10 per cent rise in journeys since the start of restrictions. As the UK heads towards the fifth week of full coronavirus lockdown more people have been seen struggling to stick to the rules.

As Brits were first easing into lockdown our major roads were mostly empty, but now as the restrictions carry on with no end date in sight there are more cars out and about.

Edmund King, AA president said: “The majority of drivers are still following Government advice to only make essential journeys by car, however, this week we have seen traffic and breakdowns creeping back up. “It is a worry that some drivers seem to have got bored being locked up at home and are now venturing out in their cars.

“Breakdowns have increased by about 20 per cent this week and traffic seems to be 10 per cent higher than under earlier lockdown conditions. “It is important to cut out non-essential travel as one crash can tie up the emergency services for hours and may also result in a precious NHS hospital bed being taken. The message is still to stay home and help to save lives.”

Shoppers have been seen heading to DIY stores as cooped up Brits relax to the rules. This morning MP Brandon Lewis told of his fears people will be struggling to stick to the lockdown after so many weeks inside.

He said: “I think there is always a risk when you are doing something like this, particularly those living alone, will be finding it really difficult. “We’ve got to look at the success we’ve had in flattening that curve. We’ve lost too many lives already. “When you follow the guidelines, when you stay home, you are doing something directly personally that is not just helping the NHS, but saving lives.”

The warm and sunny weather has made the corona virus lockdown even harder for Brits, with the forecast to be hotter than Lanzerote today and tomorrow. Its bringing fears the high temperature will be too tempting for some as the the weekend comes at the end of five very long weeks being stuck at home .

As the death toll hit 18,000 yesterday, Hyde Park in London was packed with young Brits exercising, while a group of paramedics were seen enjoying a well-deserved break in the sunshine.

In the government press conference, it was announced that traffic on Britain’s roads is beginning to increase during lockdown. Graphs show all motor vehicle traffic spike since yesterday – the first significant rise since April 14.

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April 17, 2020
PUMP WARS Petrol prices set to be slashed at historic levels due to coronavirus – with 10p discounted per litre

PETROL prices across the country are set to be cut at historic levels following the coronavirus outbreak, experts reveal. Forecourts around the country are under more pressure than any point in the past seven years to slash the cost of fuel.

The recent figures from the RAC reveal the price of oil has dropped more than $50 a barrel to just $30 in the past week. This results in the gap between what UK petrol stations are paying and what drivers are being charged is at the widest in recent history. In some cases, this difference is around 12p per litre for petrol and 9p per litre for diesel. Despite this difference, the RAC is expecting big price cuts to take effect from as early as next week.

If retailers reduce pump prices to reflect what they’ve been buying on the wholesale market, around 10p per litre should come off the price of fuel. This should mean average unleaded prices would drop to around 112p per litre and diesel to 115p per litre, prices which we last saw in late 2016.

Supermarket chains are expected to be the first to reduce their fuel prices during periods of declining wholesale prices. Normally, cuts of around 2p per litre are announced first, although last month Asda cut diesel prices by up to 4p in a single day. This is an indication that the major retailers are expected to cut further in one go than they have ever before.

It currently costs an average of £67 to fill a standard 55-litre car with unleaded petrol, and £68.50 with diesel. But if prices fall as they’re expected, this would save drivers around £5.40 per tank of petrol and £5.30 per tank of diesel.

Decreasing consumption of oil as a result of the coronavirus is considered to be the biggest reason for the cheaper fuel prices. Simon Williams, fuel spokesman for the RAC, said: “The oil price has fallen dramatically as a result of several major oil-producing countries ramping up supply at a time when demand is reducing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

This has led to wholesale petrol prices dropping to their lowest levels in four years and means there is now enormous pressure for pump prices in the UK to drop significantly, by around 10p a litre from where they are today. A drop of this size would see average petrol prices fall to 112p per litre, and diesel to 115p per litre, and we’d expect supermarkets to sell the fuels for as little as 108p and 111p respectively.

All eyes are now on the UK’s fuel retailers, large and small, to cut fuel prices considerably, and fast. It is vital that drivers are given a fair deal and retailers accurately reflect the lower wholesale prices at their forecourts.

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April 8, 2020
Learner driver given £800 fine for going for lesson with mum during lockdown

A teenager has been slapped with a $1,600 fine – about £800 – after going out for a driving lesson with her mum during the coronavirus lockdown. Hunter Reynolds and her mother Sharee were pulled over by a police officer in Victoria, Australia at the weekend

The 17-year-old student was given the on-the-spot fine for breaching the “stage-three coronavirus restrictions” in place across the country. Under the restrictions, people should only be out driving to buy food or other necessary goods, to attend work or education, for an emergency or to provide care.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton says driving lessons do not count as education under the Covid-19 restrictions set by Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton. He said: “This isn’t driving around the corner, it was driving 40 minutes from Hampton down to the Peninsula Link.

“It’s quite possible it will be withdrawn because the public is now aware they can’t be doing that activity, unless of course it’s mixed in with driving to the shops where you are exempt to go and buy food.”

Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville said people should not go looking for loopholes in the restrictions to avoid fines.

More than 100 fines were issued from nearly 1,000 spot checks in the 24 hours to 8am on Monday.

Hunter said she did not initially understand what they had done wrong as the learner plates were correctly displayed, she was observing the speed limit and they were not stopping anywhere.

“That’s not exempt and it’s not lawful to occur.

“Are we able to send a message to the public without having to fine in this circumstance? The fact it’s been raised has given actual clarity of the circumstance.

“(The police officer) said it was because of unnecessary travel,” Hunter told Seven news in Australia.

“I’ve been following all the Covid-19 guidelines – so I thought – I haven’t been seeing anyone or anything, so I was really surprised.”

Australia has more than 5,700 confirmed coronavirus cases, and its death toll rose to 40 on Monday after five additional deaths were recorded overnight.

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April 6, 2020
Never Pay by Bank Transfer For Lessons, Find Out Why…

Kate Danby’s 19-year-old daughter Brook Mather learnt the hard way how ruthless the market can be. She booked a course of lessons with Drive Dynamics and was asked to pay by bank transfer.

The lessons never materialized and nor did a refund. Her bank couldn’t reclaim the money as it wasn’t a credit or debit card transaction.

“She was thrilled at the prospect of passing her driving test and in excitement, she didn’t research how long the company had been established,” says Kate. “She had saved hard for the money and was proud that she had organized her lessons and test herself, so the loss has left her devastated.”

Emily at Britannia Driving School Says: “be suspicious if you are asked to prepay for your lessons by bank transfer rather than a card, because if your lessons don’t materialize you will not be able to reclaim your money from the instructor’s bank. Also make sure when you get a quote for lessons that it’s for one hour lessons and not just 45 minutes.”

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April 3, 2020
Coronavirus Car Cleaning Tips

Cleaning your car is a fast, simple, low cost job that might minimise the spread of coronavirus and keep loved ones safe. Handy if there are ‘essential’ trips that cannot be avoided. So, how might you clean your vehicle to minimise the spread of coronavirus?

Clean first (then disinfect). It is hard to find disinfectant in the shops, so preserve resources and remove any typical dirt with standard vehicle cleaning products (or soapy water).
Disinfect after cleaning. Isopropyl alcohol is among the disinfectants that might kill coronavirus in your car.
Test disinfectant. Whatever disinfectant you choose, test it on a small, hidden part of each type of material in the car before applying throughout. Why? Because some disinfectants can be problematic. Bleach can discolour plastic, for example.
Focus effort. Whereas it is preferable to clean the whole vehicle, focus primarily on the parts that get touched most frequently. These include the: steering wheel, gear stick, parking brake, door handles, seatbelts, heater controls, etc.
Feed the leather. Consider whether your cleaning product has removed moisture from leather upholstery. If so, feed the leather to keep it comfortable, flexible, and attractive.
Beware moisture. Minimise how much moisture gets close to electrical items such as your window switches, heater controls, and stereo. Damp electrical components tend to behave erratically. Also, moisture can stain fabric seats.
Protect yourself. Wear gloves while cleaning the vehicle and wash your hands afterwards (with soap for twenty seconds).

Note too that coronavirus is a new, unprecedented issue and our understanding of it is still evolving. This article does not therefore contain medical advice. The National Health Service is the best place for that. However, car cleaning might be a further tool to tackle this virus and minimise casualties. Happy scrubbing!

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April 1, 2020
Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020

If your car,motorcycle or light van has an MOT due on or after 30th March 2020, Your car, motorcycle or light vans MOT expiry date will automatically extended by 6 months, You will have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 months.

You will not have to do anything for this extension of MOT but you must make your vehicle is safe to drive and roadworthy. It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.

Check your vehicle is safe to drive

Checks you should carry out

Every time you drive you should check:

the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean
all lights work
the brakes work

Your vehicle’s handbook will tell you how often to check the:

engine oil
water level in the radiator or expansion tank
brake fluid level
battery
windscreen and rear window washer bottles – top up with windscreen washer fluid if necessary
tyres – they must have the correct tread depth and be free of cuts and defects

The handbook will also tell you when your vehicle needs to be serviced.

Example Your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 April 2020. This will automatically be extended to 3 October 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date. Your MOT expiry date will usually be updated on the day your MOT is due to expire. However, it might be done up to a few days before.You can check your MOT history to see when your MOT expiry date has been extended. Keep checking back if your new expiry date is not showing yet.

You can Tax your vehicle as soon as the expiry date on the MOT has been extended.

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March 24, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests

Theory tests

Theory tests are suspended up to and including 20 April 2020.

You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been cancelled.

You’ll automatically get a refund. You’ll get an email to confirm this has been done – this may take a few weeks to arrive.

You’ll then have to book a new theory test for a date and time after 20 April 2020 that suits you.

You can still book, change or cancel tests for 21 April 2020 onwards.

Driving tests

Driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months.

You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been rebooked. It will tell you the new date and time of your test.

You will not get this email immediately – it should arrive around 2 weeks before your original test date.

In the meantime, do not call the DVSA customer service centre. They will not be able to help you.

It’s likely that your new test date will be around 3 months after your original date.

If you want to cancel your test

You can cancel your test if you want to get a full refund now. Email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to request this.

You need to include your full name and 2 of the following pieces of information:

your driving licence number
your theory test pass certificate number
your driving test booking reference

DVSA customer services
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

You cannot book a future driving test date

If you have not booked a driving test, you’ll be unable to do so at the moment.

When driving tests start again, priority will be given to people who had their test cancelled. This means you will have to wait longer than usual.

Check back for the latest updates.

If your theory test certificate expires soon

Legally, your theory test certificate cannot be extended in any circumstances.

You’ll need to book and pay to take another theory test.

You need to pass this before you can book your driving test.

Book an emergency test if you’re a critical worker

You can still get an emergency test during the suspension period if your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in a critical sector. These include:

health and social care
education and childcare
key public services
local and national government
food and other necessary goods
public safety and national security
transport
utilities, communication and financial services

Book an emergency theory test

Email DVSA to ask for an emergency theory test.

You must send a photo or scanned image of valid ID such as your work ID badge.

If you do not have an ID badge you can send:

an email from a work email address
evidence from your employer, such as email or scanned document including company letterhead
a scan of your payslip

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

You also need to tell us:

your telephone number and preferred contact time
which test centre you want to take your test at (currently only Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Ballymena)
the type of theory test you would like to take (car, car and trailer, motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach)
your driving licence number

If you meet the critical worker criteria, DVSA will contact you to explain what happens next.

Emergency theory tests
critical.worker.theory.test@dvsa.gov.uk

Book an emergency driving test

Email DVSA to ask for an emergency driving test.

You must send a photo or a scanned image of a valid ID such as your work ID badge.

If you do not have an ID badge you can send:

an email from a work email address
evidence from your employer, such as an email or scanned document including company letterhead
a scan of your payslip

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

You also need to tell us:

your telephone number
your preferred test location
the type of driving test you would like to take (car, car and trailer, motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach)
your driving licence number
the driving test reference number (if you have one)
your theory test certificate number

If you meet the critical worker criteria, DVSA will contact you with a test date.

This may take a while, please do not send another request.

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Check your vehicle is safe to drive

Checks you should carry out

Theory tests

Driving tests

If you want to cancel your test

You cannot book a future driving test date

If your theory test certificate expires soon

Book an emergency test if you’re a critical worker

Book an emergency theory test

Book an emergency driving test

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