Coronavirus: Driving instructors call for support after tests suspended for three months

The Driver and Vehicle Agency has suspended practical driving tests for three months from the last test yesterday (Thursday), following the latest advice from public health authorities to delay the spread of the coronavirus.

John Penrose, chair of the East Antrim Approved Driving Instructors branch, said: “My immediate concern is that students have been working hard and there are many who are ready to sit their practical test.

“This is also a worrying time for a lot of driving instructors across Northern Ireland. Many are self employed and if they are to stop lessons until June, they won’t have their income coming in.

“There needs to be some support from the Government to help the instructors if they are missing out on earnings between now and June 22.”

The Carrickfergus-based instructor, who has been involved in the industry for over 30 years, added: “Instructors have been struggling for a number of years and have found it tough since the economic recession. The cost of cars and insurance has hit a lot of instructors hard and prices for lessons have not really increased over the last decade.

“We understand why the suspension has had to be introduced. The health and safety of our clients and instructors is paramount. There’s nothing in place to support us and if it is to run until June or possibly longer, we would need help from the Government to get through this.”

Larne-based instructor, Yvonne Best, believes the move needed to be made in order to protect members of the community.

Yvonne said: “We all have a duty to look after everyone. Other countries are bringing in similar measures and social distancing is the right thing to do.

“A lot of us will not have any income coming in now for a considerable period of time. We will still have payments to make. There needs to be more in place from the Government and agencies to support sole traders.”

Yvonne, who has been working in the industry for five years, added: “My thoughts are with students who have been preparing for their driving tests. Many are already facing uncertainty due to schools closing and what this means for their exams and future studies and career choices.

“There are students who are test ready and others whose theory test will expire now before they can take the practical test. I would to reassure them that once the situation has improved, their driving can be fixed and they should not worry.”

Speaking to this paper, a Newtownabbey-based instructor, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This news comes as a shock although as instructors we knew this step was just a matter of time.

“Ultimately people’s well-being is at the forefront of everyone’s mind and it is an unfortunate but necessary step. It is a very worrying time for all self-employed people none so more than Approved Driving Instructors as we don’t have the ability to work from home.

“We all have bills to pay like everyone else but of course we don’t want to make a dreadful situation any worse. If we could get clarification we could perhaps look at temporary employment to bridge the gap, but until there is a unilateral decision we are in limbo.

“June 22 is the proposed restart date, but this could move again. We would need prior warning of any restart date to have candidates ready to sit their test.”