Phil Simmons Driving Tuition

11/01/2021

Some good news for a change, following the last post relating to private practice.

Following discussions with DVSA this morning, the Gov.uk site is being changed in England to reflect the situation in Wales and Scotland.

That being:
Private practise is now ALLOWED, but only on essential journeys with a member of your household or support bubble.

The advice is that those taking the journey consider the risk before doing so - both COVID and additional strain on the NHS resources.

In addition, you should check with your Insurance Company if COVID-19 restrictions affect your insurance cover.

Please note that Driving Lessons, Theory and Hazard Perception Tests and Practical Driving Tests remain suspended until further notice.

GOV.UK - The place to find government services and information - Simpler, clearer, faster

09/01/2021

LATEST NEWS REGARDING PRACTICING DRIVING LESSONS FROM GOV.UK:

In England you are now NOT ALLOWED to practice driving lessons for any reason, including essential journeys. Click link for full details.

https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive

Who can teach you to drive, practising with friends and family, driving lessons, insurance, using L and P plates.

04/01/2021

JANUARY 4TH 2021, COVID-19 UPDATE:

After the PM’s announcement of a National Lockdown this evening, all driving lessons and driving tests will be suspended until further notice.

Unfortunately this will lead to a further back log of driving lessons and driving tests caused by previous restrictions, much to the frustration of all pupils, and also to those wishing to start driving lessons.

I will update the situation once current restrictions change.

Meanwhile, follow the National Lockdown rules, so that we can return to some form of normality as soon as possible.

25/12/2020

Wishing all my past and present pupils a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎉🎉

With all of the South East being moved into Tier 4 restrictions, all driving lessons have been suspended, and all practical driving tests booked whilst Tier 4 regulations are in force will be cancelled and rearranged. I will be in contact with all current pupils to discuss how this will affect their lessons and tests.

If you have any queries, please contact me.

What a strange and difficult year it has been for everyone, here’s to happier times ahead in 2021 🥂.

01/12/2020

Finally the DVSA has announced that Driving lessons can resume in all Tiers from 2nd December, along with driving tests in Tiers 1 and 2. Driving Tests in Tier 3 will resume with additional precautions from 3rd December.

02/11/2020

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM THE DVSA:

Update on lockdown measures in England

Following the announcement on Saturday 31 October 2020 around further lockdown measures being introduced in England, we are working closely with the Government to agree the impact these will have on DVSA services.

All driver and rider training and tests will be suspended in England from 5 November until 2 December 2020. We will be contacting affected test candidates soon.

We'll keep you updated on the situation and provide further guidance when we're able too.

01/11/2020

Following the Government’s announcement on 30th October of a further nationwide lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, I am waiting for further guidance from the DVSA on how this will effect driving lessons, theory tests and practical driving tests, during and beyond these dates. Once I have received further information I will post the results.

27/06/2020

COVID-19 Update, 25th June:

Driving Lessons and Theory Tests are set to resume from 4th July, and Driving Tests from 22nd July, on advice received from the DVSA announced on 25th June.

However, due to recent 'lockdown' restrictions, there is a over a three month backlog of currently booked driving lessons and driving tests (booked before restrictions), to deal with before normal service can be resumed, and this may result in a delay in availability of lessons over the coming months for new pupils wishing to start driving lessons.

Apologies for any inconvenience and frustration that this may cause, but due to COVID-19 it is beyond the control of Phil Simmons Driving Tuition.

25/06/2020

https://www.facebook.com/107800130856267/posts/157986745837605/

23/06/2020

After the PM’s announcements today, driving lessons and driving tests remain suspended. Hopefully the Government and the DVSA will issue guidance very soon.

15/06/2020

With the relaxation of lockdown rules for retails outlets today (15th June), please note that driving lessons remain suspended, apart from those for key workers (NHS workers etc) that already have tests booked. Driving Instructors continue to wait for information and guidance from the DVSA on when driving lessons and driving tests for non-essential students can safely resume.

12/06/2020

Important information about theory tests from 15 to 21 June

All theory tests in England from 15 to 21 June rescheduled
All theory tests in England from 15 to 21 June have been rescheduled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We will update you with a start date for theory testing in England as soon as we are able.

What DVSA are doing
We are emailing anyone with a test booked from 15 to 21 June to let them know it has been rescheduled.

We wrote to you on 29 May to let you know that tests in Scotland and Wales will be rescheduled up to and including 21 June 2020. This is in line with government guidelines in the respective countries.

If you've booked a test for your pupils
If you have booked a test for any of your pupils during these dates, you will need to contact them to let them know that their test has been rescheduled.

You can do this on GOV.UK. You will need your driving licence number to do this. You’ll get another email from Pearson Vue. You do not need to pay again to do this.

Emergency theory tests
An emergency theory testing service will still be available to those who have a critical need to take a test, such as NHS and social care workers.

Please do not call our customer service centre as they will not be able to help. Stay up to date on the latest information on GOV.UK.

We will be monitoring the situation and we will let you know if we need to cancel any more tests.

Driving lessons
Driver, rider and vocational trainers should continue to limit instruction to key workers preparing for an essential test.

We provided the industry with advice on this in April and will provide further information about broader training as soon as we can.