Instructor Support Update – 2nd February

The DVSA has just confirmed a limited theory test and practical testing service will be introduced in England and Wales.

This will be available to:
– NHS health and social care workers
– the emergency services
– local councils

Who need to both:
– drive as part of their job
– respond to ‘threats to life’ as part of their job

These tests will be carried out by examiners who have volunteered to continue to test during lockdown. The DVSA will be contacting these organisations directly to explain how they can access this service.

Because of the current COVID restrictions, the DVSA is not able to offer a mobile emergency worker test service in Scotland.

Teaching someone with a confirmed test booking
You can teach mobile emergency workers who have a confirmed test booking even if current local or national restrictions do not allow driving and riding tests.

We will therefore promote Emergency Services Driving Lessons on our website and social media profiles. To discuss your diary status to offer this please contact the Instructor Support Team on 01765 643374 or via [email protected].

You must not teach anyone who only has a routine driving test booked – even if they are an NHS health and social care worker, emergency service worker or local council worker. You must make sure that your pupil has the correct documentation as detailed below.

What you need during lessons
You must not take any pupils out unless you have both:
– a copy of your pupil’s emergency test booking confirmation email
– a copy of the application request from their employer

You can use these to prove you’re allowed to teach during current restrictions if you’re stopped by the police. To assist with this we have created the below “Emergency Services Driving Lesson” PDF to print and stick in the back window of your Bill Plant Driving School vehicle.

– Emergency Services Driving Lessons PDF

During lessons, you must be sure to follow government guidance about working safely during coronavirus and our COVID-19 driving lessons safety procedures.

Instructor Support
Should you need any guidance other than what has been communicated please contact the Instructor Support Team on 01765 643374 or via [email protected]. Please bear with us, we will get back to every enquiry. 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a challenging time for everyone, and we want to do all we can to support our instructors, staff and trainees.

From everyone at Bill Plant Driving School, stay safe.

Kind regards

Tom Hixon
Head of Instructor Support