IAM RoadSmart is ramping up to the return of driver training with a number of new guidelines to ensure training is carried out as safely as possible.
The independent road safety charity started its Advanced Riding yesterday (Monday 6 July) and is making preparations to restart Advanced Driving when possible, in line with the lifting of travel restrictions in Wales and Scotland and as driving lessons begin again in England. At the end of June, the DVSA announced that driving lessons and theory tests would restart on 4 July in England, while driving tests will restart from 22 July.
The advice for in-car training reflects Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) guidelines issued to driving instructors and centres around safe distancing always being maintained. Furthermore, the use of PPE – face coverings, gloves, hand gel and anti-bacterial wipes – is required at all times during in-car coaching. Drivers and riders are advised to carry a Covid-19 PPE kit with them at all times.
It’s also advised that areas where it may be difficult to maintain a safe social distance, such as popular venues and carparks, should be avoided.
Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driver and rider standards, added: “We understand that individual circumstances mean that for some, even with precautions in place, it may still be too early to return to advanced driving and riding. We respect the personal preferences of all our volunteer observers, examiners and associates and our business trainers and delegates who will only resume activities when they feel it is safe to do so.
“We continue to monitor announcements from Government and the devolved administrations carefully and update our guidelines accordingly.”
