Instructor Support Updates – Last Updated: 1st October 2021
As we continue to assess and respond to the impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are closely monitoring the Government Guidelines and if any advice changes, we will update this page accordingly.
Instructor Support Contact
Should you need any guidance please do not hesitate to contact your Relationship Manager in the Instructor Support Team.
Due to the high pupil call demand on the phone lines we kindly ask you to directly email your Relationship Manager in the Instructor Support Team should you need any assistance. Here is our enquiries inbox for general email [email protected].
UPDATE:
3pm, 1st October 2021
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-october-2021/
4pm, 1st September 2021
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-september-2021/
3pm, 1st August 2021
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-august-2021/
3pm, 1st July 2021
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-july-2021/
1.30pm, 1st June 2021
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-june-2021/
1.30pm, 22nd April
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-22nd-april/
1.30pm, 21st April
Please find out latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-21st-april/
5pm, 15th March
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-15th-march/
4pm, 5th March
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-5th-march/
3pm, 26th February
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-26th-february/
10am, 23rd February
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-23rd-february/
3pm, 19th February
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update –https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-19th-february/
3pm, 12th February
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-12th-february/
3pm, 10th February
Please find news of a hardship fund from the Scottish Government that specifically includes Driving Instructors – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-10th-february
3pm, 5th February
Please find this week’s Instructor Support Communication — https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-5th-february/
2pm, 2nd February
Please find an Emergency Worker Driving Lessons and Test Update from the DVSA –
https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-2nd-february/
3pm, 29th January
Please find the link to this week’s Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-29th-january/
4pm, 22nd January
Please find below the link to this week’s Instructor Support Communication – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-22nd-january/
3pm, 15th January
Please find the link to this week’s Instructor Support Update –https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-15th-january/
10pm, 4th January
Following tonight’s new Lockdown announcement, please find an Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-4th-january/
10am, 26th December
Driving Lessons and Driving Tests to be postponed in Level 4 of Scotland – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/driving-lessons-and-tests-postponed-in-scotland/
5pm, 20th December
The DVSA has confirmed Driving Lessons and Driving Tests to be postponed in Tier 4 Regions of England – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/dvsa-confirms-driving-lessons-tests-postponed-tier-4-england/
3pm, 20th December
Please find an update on our Franchise Fee Assistance for those affected in Tier 4 England, Wales, and Scotland – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-20th-december-2nd-edition/
7am, 20th December
Following last night’s update, please find our Instructor Support Update relating to lessons in Tier 4 England, Wales and Scotland – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-20th-december
7pm, 19th December
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-19th-december/
10am, 14th December
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update, regarding Driving Lesson Gift Vouchers – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-14th-december/
5pm, 1st December
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update, confirming lessons can resume on the 2nd December for all tiers in England – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-december/
10am, 26th November
Please find our latest Instructor Support Update confirming our restart date in England following the second National Lockdown – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-26th-november/
9am, 7th November
The DVSA has confirmed to Bill Plant Driving School that key workers “critical workers” will not be allowed to have lessons or undertake their theory or driving test during the national Lockdown across England.
4pm, 5th November
Please find the link to your latest Instructor Support Update featuring our free online workshops, a range of regional lockdown images and a re-training offer – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-5th-november/
1pm, 3rd November
Please find the latest Instructor Support Update including information on your Franchise Fee Assistance for Instructors in England – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-3rd-november/
12:30pm, 3rd November
The DVSA has today (3rd November) stated that all theory tests will be suspended in England from Thursday 5 November 2020. They’ll start again on Wednesday 2 December 2020. Theory tests are taking place in Scotland. Theory tests in Wales are currently suspended and they’ll start again on Monday 9 November 2020.
Please find more on our pupil-facing blog – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/dvsa-confirm-driving-lessons-tests-suspended-due-second-covid-19-lockdown/
2:30pm, 2nd November
We have just received confirmation from the DVSA that driving lessons and tests are to be suspended from 5th November to 2nd December. We have created this blog post and promoted on social media for our pupils, answering various questions – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/dvsa-confirm-driving-lessons-tests-suspended-due-second-covid-19-lockdown/
9am, 26th October
Please find your latest Instructor Support Update –
https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-26th-october/
1pm, 19th October
We have just received confirmation that sadly driving lessons and driving tests will temporarily halt due to the circuit-breaker lockdown across Wales.
This means that from 6pm Friday 23rd October until the start of Monday 9th November 2020 driving lessons and driving tests should not take place.
For more information please follow – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/driving-lessons-and-driving-tests-to-halt-during-wales-circuit-breaker-lockdown/
3pm, 22nd September
Please find a short Instructor Support Update stating the updated contact numbers for your Head Office teams – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-22nd-september/
3pm, 11th September
Please find your latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-11th-september/
3pm, 9th September
We have received confirmation from the DVSA that the local restrictions in Bolton do not affect driving lesson or test services which have already restarted.
This means we can continue to provide driving lessons in Bolton as normal. We will keep the situation under review and let you know if anything changes.
3pm, 14th August
Please find this week’s Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-14th-august/
3pm, 31st July
Please find your latest Instructor Support Update –
https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-31st-july/
3pm, 24th July
Here is the link for 24th July Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-24th-july/
3pm, 17th July
Please find your latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-17th-july/
3pm, 10th July
Please find the link to your latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-10th-july/
3pm, 3rd July
Here is the link for your latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-3rd-july/
5pm, 1st July
Please find the link to your latest Instructor Support Update detailing the new DVSA driving test procedure, for when they resume https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-july/
5pm, 29th June
Please find your latest Instructor Support Update stating our pupil-facing lesson safety measures, example message to your pupils and graphics to display on your social media profiles – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-29th-june/
6:30pm, 26th June
Further to today’s Instructor Support Communication, please find a video update hosted by Theo Tucker, Franchise Development Manager at Bill Plant Driving School – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-video-update-26th-june/
3pm, 26th June
Please find our latest Instructor Support Communication – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-26th-june/
1pm, 25th June
BREAKING NEWS: Jacob Rees-Mogg has just confirmed in Parliament that driving lessons can resume from 4th July. More to follow…
5pm, 23rd June
Following the Prime Minister’s easing of lockdown update earlier today our provisional 6th July restart date remains. More information on this, including regional variances, will be included in Friday’s Instructor Support Update.
4pm, 19th June
Please find our latest Instructor Support Communication referencing our Post-Lockdown Driving Lesson Guidance Notes – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-19th-june/
5:30pm, 16th June
Please find the latest Instructor Support Update with a response to the DVSA communication from yesterday and launch news for our parking game app, Parkathon – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-16th-june/
3pm, 12th June
Here is the latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-12th-june/
9pm, 7th June
We’ve updated the website to include our Queue Jump voucher as detailed in Friday’s Instructor Support Update.
Please find the link below:
– Queue Jump page – https://www.billplant.co.uk/driving-lessons-queue-jump/
– Updated voucher T&Cs page – https://www.billplant.co.uk/gift-vouchers-terms-and-conditions/
We have now started promoting Queue Jump across social media and will be offering this to every non-key worker driving lessons enquiry.
3pm, 5th June
Here is the link to the latest Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-5th-june/
3pm, 22 May
Please find the latest Instructor Support Update including information on your Franchise Fee Assistance – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-22nd-may/
5pm, 20th May
Please find below a link to a PDF document hosted on the National Associations Strategic Partnership (N-A-S-P) website with a statement from the DVSA on going back to work – DVSA Statement on going back to work
3pm, 15th May
Please find the link to this week’s Instructor Support Update – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-15th-may/
8pm, 10th May
As advised in the communication sent out by the DVSA (22nd April) to all Driving Instructors –https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-letter-from-dvsa-chief-executive-to-driver-and-rider-trainers/letter-from-dvsa-chief-executive-to-approved-driving-instructors-about-coronavirus-covid-19
“When the government relaxes its social-distancing measures, we will make sure we help you understand how this will affect DVSA’s services, your ability to return to work, and what it means for your pupils.”
I’ve reached out to various members of the DVSA’s Communications Team tonight to express the need to understand the steps our Instructors and Trainees are expected to take given the nature of the advice in the Prime Minister’s address tonight.
We will share this information with you as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, we would ask all those who choose to, to continue to only teach key workers as detailed in the link above until we receive a response.
Best wishes and health to you and your families.
Thanks, Chris
3pm, 8th May
Here is the link to the latest Instructor Support Communication – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-8th-may/
3pm, 1st May
Please find your latest Instructor Support Communication here – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-1st-may/
Plus do not forget about our Online Speed Quiz tonight at 6pm!
2pm, 28th April
We’ve partnered with Laughing Chilli Comedy Club to bring you our very first Bill Plant Driving School Online Speed Quiz on Friday at 6pm. For more information please visit – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-and-head-office-online-speed-quiz/
3pm, 24th April
Here is this week’s Instructor Support communication with an update on your Franchise Fee Assistance – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-24th-april/
2pm, 24th April
The launch of our Online Driving Theory Lessons has been featured on the Intelligent Instructor website – here is the link – Bill Plant Driving School launches online theory test lessons with driving instructors
3pm, 20th April
The DVSA has confirmed all Driving Theory Tests have been cancelled until 8th May, at the earliest. More information on our blog – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/dvsa-confirm-theory-tests-cancelled-until-8th-may/
3pm, 17th April
Please find our latest weekly Instructor Support communication – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-17th-april/
12noon, 16th April
For those signed up to offer Online Driving Theory Lessons please use the below Marketing Assets on your social media platforms. If you direct traffic to billplant.co.uk/theory this will re-direct to https://www.billplant.co.uk/online-theory-lessons/ plus always tag us and use the #billplantdrivingschool hashtag.
3pm, 9th April
We are delighted to launch Online Theory Lessons with Bill Plant Driving School. Please read more in our latest update including your requirements to sign up – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-online-theory-lessons/
3pm, 3rd April
Please find an update from our Head of Instructor Support – https://www.billplant.co.uk/instructor-support-update-3rd-april/
4pm, 2nd April
The DIA has published a Q&A session it undertook with the DVSA. They have published a useful set of FAQs to address key questions and concerns around the impact of Coronavirus for Driving Instructors . Here is the link to the DVSA Q&A – via the DIA website.
11:00, 2nd April
The DIA has released a Tax Return Filling Service for members and non-members. Here is the link to the DIA website.
15:30, 27th March
We have had an update from the DVSA with regards to driving lessons for Key Workers – “It is the responsibility of the individual, not the Driving Instructor, to prove they are a Key Worker and they need to have a future Practical Driving Test booked to continue with Driving Lessons.“
15:00, 27th March
Please find the link to our latest Instructor Support communication, covering the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) from the UK Government.
16:00, 25th March
For those of you teaching Key Workers and/or Volunteering your time to your community or the NHS please print and display the below signs in your Bill Plant Driving School vehicle.
– Teaching Key Worker Sign
– I’m Volunteering Sign
We applaud you all for your efforts, please email [email protected] with your community activities including photos.
15:00, 24th March
Please find an update from our Head of Instructor Support with regards to franchise fee assistance due to Coronavirus – https://www.billplant.co.uk/franchise-fee-assistance-due-to-coronavirus/
12:00, 24th March
Blog post created to explain who key workers are and where necessary their need for driving lessons and to undertake a driving test – here is the link – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/keyworkers-driving-lessons/
15:00, 23rd March
Driving Lessons and Training to be postponed at Bill Plant Driving School, follow the link for more information – Lessons and Training to be postponed at Bill Plant Driving School.
20:00, 22nd March
We have made a further update this weekend, here is the link: Bill Plant Driving School Instructor Update – 22nd March.
18:00, 21st March
Please find a link to an update from our Head of Instructor Support, Bill Plant Driving School Instructor Update – 21st March. As stated, more updates throughout the week.
19:00, 20th March
The DVSA has published they are suspending Driving Tests for up to 3 months due to Coronavirus. Please find more on our blog post – DVSA cancel Driving Tests for up to 3 months due to Coronavirus.
20:00, 19th March
The DVSA has just stated it is to cancel Theory Tests for 4 weeks. View our page to see the information sent by the DVSA on our latest blog post – DVSA cancel Theory Tests for 4 weeks due to Coronavirus.
11:00, 19th March
We’ve been quoted in 150+ regional news websites and major National news outlets such as The Express, The Scotsman, Yahoo! News and MSN with regards to DVSA postponing Driving Tests.
22:20, 18th March
The DVSA has confirmed it is to postpone Driving Tests on Thursday 19th March and Friday 20th March due to the unfolding coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Blog post on DVSA postpone Driving Tests for two days due to Coronavirus. You (and your pupil) can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.
Driving Lessons Policy
Driving Lessons and in-car Training have been postponed (from 8pm on 23rd March) with the exception of teaching key workers where necessary – please find more on our blog – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/driving-lessons-postponed-due-to-coronavirus/
Head Office Operations
The office is now working remotely, all departments are contactable via normal routes.
Hygiene Information
We are advising all our Driving Instructors take the relevant hygiene measures alongside further in-car protocols such as cleaning the steering wheel and gear stick before and after each lesson. Please find more information on https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/driving-lesson-advice-due-to-coronavirus/.
DVSA Test Updates
Follow the link to find the latest information from the DVSA for you and pupils with regards to Driving Test cancellations due to Coronavirus – https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/dvsa-offers-update-for-driving-tests-due-to-coronavirus/.
Community Acts and Gestures of Goodwill
We’ve received information that some of our Driving Instructors are volunteering their offering their time to help those within their local community. If you are please let us know via [email protected] and we can pass onto our Marketing Team to explore local and national press opportunities.
Financial Support
Please find below general information with regards to mortgages, credit cards – https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/.
We are in communication with our Bank to gain an understanding of the current Financial Support measures being introduced by the Government in relation to the Coronavirus. We will update this page when we receive more information.
Self-employment Rights
You are not eligible for statutory sick pay if you’re self-employed – though if you have to take time off work and don’t get paid while you’re off, you might be entitled to claim benefits.
If you’re not claiming any benefits you might be entitled to claim employment and support allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit to top up your income. We are aware some changes are due to be made to these benefits in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tax Liabilities
A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs. Through this, businesses may be able to agree a bespoke Time to Pay arrangement. If you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19, call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559.
NHS Links
– General information on Coronavirus please visit – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
– NHS “common questions” about Coronavirus – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/
Anxiety and wellness
Anxiety can rise because we’re facing a distressing threat like the new Coronavirus:
- Connect with friends and loved ones through video chats, calls, texting, and email.
- Stick with sources of credible medical information, so you can avoid misinformation. Do not overdose on hype or worry or misinformation.
- Take regular updates from credible sources in the morning and check again briefly toward the end of the day. There’s no need to stay tuned in 24/7 — it can actually make your anxiety much, much worse.
- Opt for healthier food options and try to undertake forms of exercise