So, it is the news we have all been waiting for. We are now legally allowed to recommence driving lessons nation wide in England from 12th April 2021.

Now as exciting as this is for both our clients and instructors, please note, our industry is on its knees Nationwide. Recent information from DVSA to all driving instructors state their is currently a national average test waiting time of 17+ weeks with over 450,00 tests already been re-booked by the DVSA. Some regions even longer in wait than others,

Not only this, but, their is now just under 39,000 registered driving instructors across the UK, A third of which only teach vocational courses, aka lorry's, LGV, HGV, B+E(car and trailer) ect. meaning a instructor shortfall for normal learn pupils for car teaching.

This means the impact is bad, to the point it could take a year or more to clear the backlog, and will impact on waiting times to do a test or even start to learn to drive.

When will bubble driving school re-open?

Our office will start to process all our lockdown emails from tomorrow, Tuesday 6th April 2021. We are operating a first come first serve policy. This is defined as clients email us back to confirm the offered lesson date, arranging a time for us to call to do prepayment to secure that slot.

Until prepayment is completed to secure the initial lesson date, that slot will still be available to be booked and paid for by all other clients.

We are having to operate this in fairness to all due to the high demand and pressures that is now on our industry from essentially 8 months of lock down in the past year.

Our office phone line will open from Monday 12th April 2021. Due to the volume of email's we have to process, this is why we are not able to open the phone lines from 6th April, but, we will be able to call clients to arrange prepayment and secure your lesson slot.

What availability do you have?

The short answer, is we are very limited. We still have clients on our books who started learning in late 2019 but due to tests being cancelled/re-arranged multiple times by the DVSA, the global pandemic, and waiting times caused by panic test buying by the general public, they have still to pass their tests.

All our instructors have now arranged lessons with their pre-lockdown clients, and the remaining slots are limited.

So what are bubble driving school doing to combat the backlog?

Well, we have suspended all intensive tuition enquires and this will remain suspended until test waiting times are reduced by half. Before COVID-19 the average test waiting time was 8-9 weeks in Bristol. Until we reach close to this time frame these courses will remain suspended. Some of our instructor's may give additional lessons to pre-lockdown client's who have upcoming tests to help maximize their chances of passing first time, which in turn will help to clear the backlog on tests.

The DVSA are launching a test campaign, and are urging the public NOT TO PANIC BUY DRIVING TEST, But also to instructors to only put forwards clients who are at test standard and road safe. We fully support this.

This will mean our instructors has the right to refuse to take client to test if they are not test ready. Please note, our team of instructors are highly trained and are experts in their teaching. please do listen to the advise given. If you choose to ignore your instructors advise regarding your test, and you subsequently fail your driving test, you will find you will have many many months to wait for your next driving test booking with the DVSA.

When will driving tests recommence?

Driving lessons will recommence from 22nd April 2021. But, they will still follow strict safety for driving tests. This means when you apply for your driving test and you are medically exempt from wearing a ask, you must make sure this is informed on your application. If you are unable to do this please contact the DVSA phone line.

Unless you are medically exempt, you are required to wear face mask throughout your driving exam. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, told to isolate, or have been exposed to anyone in your household/support bubble or any friends you meet outdoors social distant you must contact DVSA to cancel your driving test.

You will be refunded by the DVSA even if its short notice within their 3 working days notice.

Driving lesson safety, our COVID-19policy will remain in place until we as a business and our instructors are told so otherwise. Our team are also familiar with the sunflower lanyard, we would encourage anyone who has them to please wear them in your lesson so our instructors are aware of any additional needs, and that you are exempt.

Our instructors retain the right to refuse a lesson if they are not satisfied that the pupil has maintained safety and is following our COVID-19 policy.

In summery, we ask the general public to be patient, our industry needs to work hand in hand with our booked clients, and with the DVSA and testing.

Our industry is in desperate need or new driving instructors. Because this BubbLe driving school will be advertising this. If you know of any family members, or friends who are:
 
Over the age of 21,
Have 3 or more years on a full licensed driving license,
Has 6 points or less
And has no previous convictions

and are considering a career change, or has been made redundant, or is looking to start a new carer/job please do let them know the demand their is in our industry. The more instructors that can be trained and out teaching the more it will help the general public in learning to drive.