Instructor Support Update – 3rd April

Franchise Fee Assistance due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Thank you for the overwhelming positive feedback in relation to the financial assistance package, received both over the phone and across social media.

On review, we understand the detail relating to “credit on your account” was not necessarily clear in the communication. The key message is that you will only pay a franchise fee of £65 per week for the 6 weeks of the support package, as was communicated to you.

Where there is a credit on your account, the intention was to apply this at the back end of the 6-week financial support package. We understand that the communication did not make this clear and some Instructors did not understand the intention in relation to the timing of the franchise credit.

We understand each individual’s circumstances differ and we are working to resolve matters as rapidly as possible for those seeking further assistance beyond what has already been provided. You will no doubt understand the Instructor Support and Finance Teams are working under significant pressure to make adjustments to a large number of individual payments in a very short time period.

We will continue to monitor the situation in relation to Covid19 and review assistance beyond April in the coming weeks. We will keep you up to date in our weekly communications.

Vehicle Maintenance
Currently all Volkswagen dealerships are closed, and it is not possible to undertake vehicle servicing.  As your mileage is expected to be considerably lower over the coming period this should not be an issue – mileage is expected to be no more than 50 miles per week for the 6-week period of the financial assistance package.  Please note your Roadside Assist and Breakdown Cover remain in place, ensuring you are secure in the event of an emergency.

With regards to vehicle checks; keeping the car battery periodically active is particularly important. With our cars being diesel, we strongly recommend that you use your car at least once a week for any essential journeys.

This will help avoid anything seizing up and ensures the car is good to go once Government restrictions lift. This weekly journey should be coincided with an essential shopping trip, charity work or lesson with a key worker.

Drivers are recommended to wear gloves if they do visit a fuel station, as petrol pumps – like any other hard surface – can spread the virus.

COVID19 – Government Offer of Support
After contacting Government representatives, we have now been placed on a list of Government Suppliers. All Government Departments have been notified that our fleet of vehicles and professional Driving Instructors are available for work.

We are awaiting a “Request for Services” to be provided (for example, an instruction to deliver medical prescriptions).  We will contact you directly should this opportunity develop any further.

BBC TV Opportunities for those Volunteering
If you are one of the NHS Volunteer Responders who have signed up to help those who are vulnerable during this time of crisis, our Marketing Department want to hear from you.

We are working with a TV Production Company and want to share your experiences and promote the difference you are making in your community.  This content will be included in a five-part special series on BBC television.

Please email [email protected] with the Volunteer role you have applied for. For others Volunteering your time to your community please print and display the below sign in your Bill Plant Driving School vehicle:
– I’m Volunteering Sign

We thank you all for your volunteering work, and please do email us in relation to  your community activities, including videos and photos for the team to showcase.

Instructor Support
As ever, should you need any guidance other than what has been communicated please do contact your Relationship Manager in the Instructor Support Team on 01765 643374.

We will continue to do all we can to support our Instructors, Trainers, Trainees, Staff and Pupils. From everyone at Bill Plant Driving School, as ever, stay safe.

Kind regards


Tom Hixon
Head of Instructor Support