Driving lessons in Lockdown 3

So, with soaring Covid-19 cases nationwide, the government has locked us all down for a third time. What does this mean for driving lessons under the new lockdown 3 restrictions, and is there a possible resumption date on the horizon?

Back on January 4th, BJ announced to the nation that the virus was out of control and that from midnight we'd all be back under national lockdown restrictions. Six days later, this looks and feels very different from the first (and best) lockdown. For a start, so many more shops are open. The list of key workers is extensive, and the nation seems to be suffering from either Covid fatigue or an extreme lack concern for their fellow man. 

Enigmatic DVSA

The DVSA finally announced (some 11 hours after the PMs' address) all driving tests and lessons were to be suspended until further notice. The guessing game began as to when our lockdown blues would end. The yard stick to use here is the rescheduled exams of learner drivers. I've had 4 tests cancelled over lockdown 3.0 and the young lady who missed out taking her test by 3 days has had hers rescheduled for March 11th. It's safe to say the lockdown will last at least 8 weeks then. 

If the infection rates don't improve, we'd expect to see this extended further. With the fallout of the previous two lockdowns still being felt by learner drivers looking to take tests, this isn't going to help reduce waiting times: especially here in Bristol. 

Another Bristol test centre closes

Brislington, one of only three test centres across the city, was due to close in February 2021. It's no surpirise its retirement has come early. All cancelled tests, will have to be redirected to the two remaining centres. Only adding additional weeks, if not months, to waiting times which were already extremely long. 

A reduction in examiners, coupled with test slots, since the start of the pandemic has seen waiting times in Bristol shoot up to almost 16 weeks in some cases. Southmead test centre has yet to be replaced, and, adding to driver's woes, the loss of Brislington will mean eye-watering waiting times for learners.  Planning tests for students will become almost impossible as who can guess how a student's progress will look in 4 months time. The overall effect is one of extended waiting times and headaches for both learners and instructors. 

Learning to drive during coronvirus

The really important news that will have slipped under everyone's radar is regarding private tuition with friends and family. Currently, in England, this is illegal. That's right, you read it correctly. You cannot practise driving in England at all. In Wales and Scotland you can with a member of your family or support bubble for essential journeys only. This image was lifted from the DVSA Twitter feed.