Learners may soon be back on the road

DRIVING instructors in Dundee say they hope to be back in action by next month – with plans in place to keep themselves and their clients safe.

The UK’s lockdown brought a halt to driving lessons and tests in March, leaving many prospective drivers in the lurch and instructors out of pocket.

While England and Wales have both announced that lessons and tests will resume tomorrow, the Scottish Government has yet to make an announcement.

However, many instructors believe it won’t be long before lessons start again.

Mick Carty, owner of Mick Carty Driving Instruction, has been disappointed by the guidance on offer regarding a return to work but is hopeful it won’t be far away.

He said: “We’ve had a lack of good advice in my opinion and real guidance on how we are going to return – for example on the use of face masks during lessons.

“But I’ve got a tentative belief that we’ll start back again as soon as August 10.

“As far as we’ve been told, there will be no further information until July 30, when the Scottish Government will update us. So everything is still up in the air.

“I’m in contact with my students, making sure they’re ready for their return.

“It has been really surreal for everyone, especially those who had tests booked and have now had them pushed back for four or five months.”

Stuart Walker, an instructor with 36 years experience, also believes lessons could get back under way in August.

He said: “I’ve never seen anything like this before.

“Nobody ever thought this would happen but I guess it’s just one of these things.

“I’m going to be using proper PPE when I get back.

“The rumour is we’re going to be back in August. I know that England and Wales are going back but if it’s not going to be safe for me and my learners then I don’t think we should rush the decision.

“This has been the longest I’ve gone without working – now we’re just going to have to see what happens over the next few weeks.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

Driving lessons may start soon.