COVID-19 UPDATES

---

Today, 8th March 2021, we received further information from the DVSA regarding the resuming of driver training and testing. 

Driver Training & Practical Testing 

The DVSA have stated that driving lessons will resume (at the earliest) by 12th April 2021 and driving tests will resume (at the earliest) on 22nd April 2021. This is subject to a government review on the 5th April 2021 as to whether the roadmap to reopen the economy is going as planned. 

Anyone with a test booked between now and 21st April 2021 will have their test rescheduled and it will not go ahead. 

You can arrange for an emergency test to be booked by your employer if you are eligible. See the link below for more information:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-emergency-driving-test

You can view up to date guidance sent from the DVSA to instructors about driver training here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-restarting-driver-and-rider-training-and-tests/coronavirus-restarting-driver-and-rider-training-and-tests

You can view up to date guidance for driving tests here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-driving-tests-and-theory-tests

Theory Testing 

Theory tests are presumed to begin on 12th April 2021, alongside driving lessons. 

You can view up to date guidance for theory tests here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-theory-tests

Theory Expiry

If your theory certificate has expired during this lockdown period, unfortunately it will not be extended and you will have to retake the theory test before you can take/apply for a practical driving test. 

Booking Driving Lessons 

All pupils with a test booked between 22nd-30th April 2021 have been given a roadmap to prepare for their test, as it is a priority that they are prepared, having not driven for such a long period of time. 

We anticipate that we can open up the online booking system on 22nd March 2021, giving ample opportunity for pupils to ascertain their availability and book lessons in time for 12th April 2021.

On Monday 4th January 2021, the PM announced that there would be a third national lockdown. As a result, all driver training and testing will cease during this period, as had already been done due to Tier 4 restrictions. It is so far unclear how long these restrictions will apply for, with the only hint being that some restrictions may ease during the latter half of February 2021. We will keep this page and our social media pages up to date with subsequent updates.

We at Focaldriving.com are mindful of the risks associated with driving lessons and are taking the necessary precautions to minimise the spread of COVID-19. 

We would like to ask all our pupils to wash their hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser before the driving lesson begins. Our instructor will do the same. Please also avoid touching your hands or face during the lesson.

The following is what you can expect before/on each lesson:

1) Our instructor may regularly check up to see if you are feeling well and have not been showing any coronavirus symptoms in the last 7 days, or been exposed to someone that may have had these symptoms in the last 14 days. Please let them know if any of the above is true. 

2) Prior to the lesson, our instructor may have a quick chat outside the car to see how you are feeling and to address any concerns (weather permitting). If weather permits you may even have your briefing outside.  

3) Our instructor will sanitise all contact points in the vehicle with antibacterial and anti-virus wipes on a frequent basis.  

4) Our instructor will keep the windows open whilst the lesson takes place - weather permitting.

5) Our instructor will keep disinfectant alcohol spray or gel in case this is required. 

6) Our instructor will wear a face mask on each lesson unless medically exempt. You are also expected to wear a face mask or covering unless medically exempt. 

7) If a driving lesson or test is postponed or cancelled because of Coronavirus symptoms or self isolation reasons, the lesson/test will not go ahead and may be refunded by the DVSA depending on the terms at that time. The driving lesson/test fees to Focaldriving.com will not be payable and the cancellation policy will not apply, unless evidence emerges that the lesson/test was cancelled not due to Coronavirus.

The permissibility of driver training is subject to change based on the evolving updates to restrictions relating to the Tier system. Driving lessons and tests are unaffected by Tier 3 restrictions in England (the highest alert level). 

On Sunday 20th December 2020, the DVSA announced that driving lessons and all theory & practical tests in areas designated Tier 4 (Stay at Home) in England would no longer be permitted. Should Leicester be designated as a Tier 4 area, all driver training and testing will be suspended and all our pupils will be informed.

On Wednesday 30th December 2020, the government announced that Leicester & Leicestershire would enter Tier 4 (Stay at Home) restrictions from Thursday 31st December 2020. It is so far unclear how long these restrictions will apply for. We will update this page as and when developments happen. 

We are pleased to inform you that driving lessons can resume from Thursday 3rd December 2020.

Booking Driving Lessons 

The online appointment booking system is now open for bookings from the 3rd of December onwards. We recommend that those with an upcoming driving test book their lessons as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

We have received an update from the DVSA with regard to guidance for the November 2020 national lockdown.

Driving Lessons

Based on the guidance we’ve received, driving lessons will no longer be permitted from 5th November until 2nd December 2020 (subject to review by the government). We understand that this may be frustrating, but it is beyond our control and is in the interests of public safety.

Driving and Theory Tests

The DVSA have also confirmed that all driving and theory tests during the period of 5th November until 2nd December 2020 (subject to review) will also no longer go ahead.

If you have a driving or theory test booked during the lockdown period, or if your test will be affected if it’s booked after the lockdown period, you will receive an email (please regularly check your junk/spam folders) from the DVSA who will confirm the status of your test booking. 

What Next?

During the lockdown period, our online appointment booking system will be closed and you will be unable to book any driving lessons. 

All lessons and tests booked on the 5th of November 2020 and onwards will be cancelled. 

Once the situation is reviewed and the government release a final date for the end of lockdown, the booking system will re-open in time to book lessons after restrictions are lifted, and you will be informed of this in due course.

Let us know if we can help 

If you have any queries regarding any of your driving lessons, tests, or anything else, then please feel free to contact your instructor directly who will be able to advise you on a one-to-one basis.

We know that lockdown can be a stressful time for some, so if you require any help or support during this time, please feel free to contact your instructor. We are always happy to help, even if it’s to just have a chat about your progress or simply to check in to talk about how things are going.

Keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels for any intermediate updates. 

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!

As per government guidelines, our industry has established that driving lessons within Leicester can resume for all learners as of Monday 3rd August 2020. 

We will continue with our ongoing safety procedures to minimise the transmission risk of COVID-19. If you would like to know more about how we are keeping our instructors and learners safe, please read the 'Standard Operational Procedures' section of this page.

We are now fully open and taking bookings so please message us if you’d like to learn more. 

Driving lessons will not be resuming on July 4th alongside the rest of the country due to the #LeicesterLockdown. 

All non key workers not preparing for an emergency test have been notified of their driving lessons being put on hold. We will notify them directly as soon as government guidance changes and will update this page in due course. 

In light of the COVID-19 situation, from 20th March 2020, all driving lessons have been postponed and no new pupils are being taken on. This may change in the near future and we will post an update on this page accordingly.

Key workers preparing for an essential test may be trained during this period, subject to DVSA guidance and willingness of our driving instructors. Safety precautions will be communicated directly to the pupil. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented and tough time.