Update: The law and guidance for the pandemic has now changed. Click here for the latest. This article has been archived.
From today (Tuesday 30/11/2021), the law around wearing masks in public spaces has changed. We’ll run through why the government have introduced this change, and what it means for your driving lessons.
From this morning, it is now the law that you must wear a face covering in your driving lesson unless you are medically exempt.
Many instructors have been implementing this since the last lot of restrictions were lifted in the summer, though this has previously been down to personal choice. Wearing a mask during a driving test has continued to be compulsory since the end of the national and tiered lockdown restrictions.
Instructors and pupils alike will now need to wear a face covering during driving lessons, with fines for non-compliance ranging from £200 to £6400 for repeat offenders.
Just as it is in shops, hair salons and on public transport, wearing a face covering is your responsibility and you will be asked to wear a mask before you enter the car on your lesson.
The face mask restrictions have come back into force in response to rising cases and the recent spread of the Omicron variant.
If you are medically exempt from wearing a mask, please let us know in advance of the lesson.
How we’re keeping you safe
1st 4 Driving and our instructors continue to work in accordance with government guidance and regulation to continue providing a safe environment for your learning while delivering the same enjoyable, productive driving lessons that you’re already used to.
If you’re an existing pupil and have any questions regarding COVID procedures, please contact the office or your instructor as soon as possible.
Any future updates to our coronavirus policy will be added here: 1st4driving.co.uk/covid-19
You can read the government’s official page on face coverings in public spaces by clicking here.
Dave Foster MA, Dip.DI (or Driving School Dave) is the most qualified driving school owner in the country, after completing his Master’s Degree in Driver Training Education in 2011 at Middlesex University. He also holds a diploma in Driving Instruction and is a Cert Ed. qualified teacher. Dave is the founder and Managing Director of 1st 4 Driving Ltd, and also looks after over 15 driving schools across the country on a consultancy basis.
