Monday updates and forthcoming webinar

So, the start of the week, a new month – and lockdown 2…

Just in case anybody missed it – The DVSA sent out the following today – “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 will be holding a webinar to discuss the current situation on Wednesday 4 November at 7pm.  Please register here.  The panel will consist of Lynne, Matt, Andrew – and a new face, Charles Moffat.  The webinar can also be viewed live on our public Facebook page, and will be recorded and available later.

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We will be getting more facts and information coming through from DVSA and will update members as soon as we can.  We don’t yet know if critical workers will be able to have lessons or tests as the wording from DVSA suggests no driver training or testing.  We don’t want to send out inaccurate information so will send out when we have more detail and confirmation.  Meanwhile we are liaising with DVSA for answers to questions that you are sending through to us.

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Any candidate who has had a test ‘on hold’ from the first lockdown, and has not re-booked a test by today, will be getting a refund.

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Good news on the increase in the support for self-employed going up from 40% to 80%. And you can now claim from 30 November.  Full details here.

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Remember we are here to help and support you.  Please stay safe.

Our Talk Line is still available for anybody feeling the need for someone to talk to as we continue in these troubling times.  This is a completely free and confidential service so please get in touch if you need to talk.

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The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

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.

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

We do know how difficult it is for everyone today with not knowing the situation for tests and lessons.  As soon as we have any news we will pass it on, but in the meantime we would suggest that people don’t get involved in trying to second guess things, or find your own interpretation of gov.uk to say that you will be able to continue working.  That way lies madness!

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You can find information on the financial support for self-employed here.  The online service for the next grant will be available from 14 December 2020.

As always, the best financial advice comes from Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, and he has updated information on the financial situation for self-employed rights and grants.  You can access this here.

I’ve just spotted this tweet from him: “MORTGAGE NEWS (pls share): @TheFCA will propose on Mon anyone who hasn’t had a payment holiday (interest still accrues) can get one for up to 6mths.

Those who’ve had can extend so max total is 6 mths (if more’s needed its case by case).”

He also says “Almost certainly following from this they will then look at (though not definitely do) extending payment holidays for credit cards, car finance, personal loans and more.”

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We had an email from member Jean O’Brien to say – On Tuesday this week, the examiner sent up to carry out tests in Fort William was called back to Glasgow because his wife tested positive for the corona virus. As a result the tests for the rest of the week were cancelled, including two of mine who had been waiting since before lockdown.

However DVSA have gone all out to get these tests rescheduled and as a result all tests will be carried out early in November, this is an excellent result for us.

Obviously these tests may now suffer, but it doesn’t take away the fact that DVSA on this occasion did a great job.  It’s nice of Jean to write in about this, credit where it’s due to DVSA.

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If you’re interested in statistics this is for you – Car driving test data by test centre.

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Our Talk Line is still available for anybody feeling the need for someone to talk to as we continue in these troubling times.  This is a completely free and confidential service so please get in touch if you need to talk.

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A very big welcome to the 127 new members that have joined our Facebook group this week.

As we know, the Relay wouldn’t be the Relay without all of those YUMMY cakes that grace the route each and every year.

Well, Lou and the Relay Roofbox may not be on the road with you all this year, but WE STILL WANNA SEE YOUR CAKES!!

Supported by our FABULOUS FRIENDS at Collingwood Learner Insurance who will be judging the entries, we’d STILL love to see your best bakes for this year’s Big Learner Relay.

The theme is BBC Children in Need with a hint of 40th birthday to celebrate 40 years of Children in Need.

For full details, including how to enter WHISK yourself over to https://www.biglearnerrelay.co.uk/blr-bake-off/ now!

** Deadline is 8pm Wednesday 11th November.  Winners will be announced on Friday 13th November **

The 2020 Big Learner Relay Bake-Off, for BBC Children in Need.

Bakers! On your marks! Get set!! BAKE!!!

You can make a donation to the Big Learner Relay by clicking here.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

We completely understand that the industry will be wanting information on whether driving tests will be postponed, and if driving lessons can continue during the lockdown that has been announced to run from Thursday 5th November to December 2nd.

The ADINJC is here to help and support its members and we will be liaising with DVSA and NASP as soon as possible.  However, we currently have no more information than was announced this evening.

From previous experiences we will have to wait for the clarity that will no doubt come through in the next few days and when we have information we will pass it on to you as soon as we can.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

The November edition of Traffic Safety Roads is now out – many thanks to Graham Feest, our Road Safety Advisor.

In this month’s edition –

• Drug Screening
• The Stamp it Out Campaign
• London Pedestrian Problem
• Live Consultations
• Driving Since Total Lockdown
• The Tom Harrington Papers
• Legalisation of E-Scooters Recommended
• Reducing Casualties by Stopping Crashes
• Drug Driving Charges
• South West England Casualty Reduction Aim
• Parking on the Pavement
• Drink Drive Interlocks
• Extending 20 MPH Limits to Main Roads
• Communicating Whilst Driving A Big Issue
• Final Casualty Figures for 2019
• Fire Service Webinar
• Road Safety Week – FREE Seminar Offer
• Remembering Those Killed on the Roads
• Fleet Driver Training
• Support for Increasing Sentences
• Powered Two Wheeler Market Performing Well
• Diabetes and Driving Etc
• Extension to London ULTRA Low Emission Zone
• School Bus Crash
• Coronavirus Safer Travel Guidance
• Speed Enforcement Strategy –Raising the Game
• Watch This Space
• Unpopular View of New Traffic Management Schemes
• Updating the Mobile Phone Laws
• Graduated Licensing Shelved –For Now

Click here for this month’s edition of Traffic Safety Roads.

 The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

The Scottish Government has confirmed that from Monday 2 November 2020, by law, you and your pupils must wear a face covering during driving lessons.

This does not include motorcycle or tractor lessons.

If you do not wear a face covering, you must have a good reason, for example:
• you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability
• wearing it would cause you severe distress
• you and the person you are teaching live in the same household

Your pupils will need to let you know before their lesson if they cannot wear a face covering.

You can be fined £60 if you do not wear a face covering during a driving lesson in Scotland. This will be reduced to £30 if you pay within 28 days.

Face coverings: practical tests

Your pupils must bring and wear a face covering for their practical test, unless they have a good reason not to. Good reasons are things like:
• having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability
• wearing it would cause them severe distress

If they refuse to wear a face covering they will not be able to take their test.

If they do have a good reason they need to tell us when they book their test.

Face coverings: theory tests

Your pupils must bring and wear a face covering for their theory test, unless they have a good reason not to. Good reasons are things like:
• having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability
• wearing it would cause them severe distress

They need to say if they have a good reason not to wear a face covering when they book their test.

If they already have a theory test booked and have a good reason not to wear a face covering they need to call Pearson VUE on 0300 200 1122.

More information
Check GOV.UK for the latest about:
• theory tests
• driving tests
• instructor guidance

The Welsh Government has also published information on financial support that you can access.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444

The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

Access to waiting rooms continues to be top of our list with DVSA, who tell us that their current position has not yet changed, they continue to have detailed legal conversations with HSE.  They say they are aware winter is coming, and are considering possible options, particularly for sites with no local public amenities.  This is an item that we are getting constant enquiries about, and we will of course keep you informed of any developments.

If you are having local issues then your best course of action is normally to speak to the LDTM in the first instance so that they can look into the situation.  This can of course be done through your local group if you are concerned about making an approach yourself.

You may be interested to know that DVSA tell us that customer service is a key part of the initial DE training and ongoing development.  DVSA last year ran a mandatory ‘Building respect’ training package, and this year followed up with three bitesize workshops concluding in each DTC creating their own team charter.  DVSA is keen to encourage collaborative relationships at local, as well as national, level.

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Businesses and organisations are being encouraged to display official NHS QR code posters.  You may wish to consider having your own QR poster and get your students to register in at the beginning of their lessons.  If anybody later tests positive for Coronavirus other people who have been in the area (or your car) will be sent an alert.  We have asked DVSA if this is likely to be introduced at test centres, but are still awaiting a response.  If you are interested in the scheme you can get full details and download your own QR code here.

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Sadly the new Test & Trace support payment looks like it won’t be available for most ADIs.  To qualify you must:

• have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they’ve tested positive or are the close contact of a positive case
• are employed or self-employed
• are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
• are currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit

Unless you can answer yes to all of these criteria you can’t claim, so once again the self-employed are at a disadvantage and we will be lobbying where we can.

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Under tighter regulations in Scotland, government guidelines strongly recommended that ADIs wear face coverings on lessons.  Full details available here.

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There are changes to the Bounce Back loan scheme which may help some.  On Thursday 24 September, the Chancellor announced more flexibility for repaying bounce back loans under the ‘Pay As You Grow’ Scheme – meaning new and existing borrowers can choose to extend the term of their loan to cut monthly repayments. Businesses can also take payment holidays or have periods where they make interest-only payments.  The date for close of applications is now the end of November, and the loan can now last for up to 10 years.  The first year is interest free, the rest will be subject to 2.5% interest.  You can get full details from Money Saving Expert.

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Member group Young Driver are looking for ADIs in Scotland, Peterborough and Norwich areas to work at weekends with pre licence students.  If you’re interested please contact Lisa Standbridge on 07827 870026, or email lisa@youngdriver.com.

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NASP produced a video Powerpoint presentation on the new rules for Standards Checks and Part 3 tests.  You can view this here.  And you can read notes on the new format here.

Like most other events this year, the Big Learner Relay has had to reconsider its position and sadly will be staying at  home.  However, in a year when charities are really feeling the pinch, it’s not a time to do nothing.  The shop is already open, with items for sale – including for one year only (hopefully!) a special mask with the unique BLR L logo, and a gold hoodie.  And fund raising events are planned.  ADIs are already buying their spots and getting into the swing and spirit of the Relay.

If you don’t want to put spots on your car, perhaps you could support someone locally who is and sponsor a spot!  Or buy some ears or key rings.

Or you can make a donation by clicking here.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

We have just received the following information from DVSA, for which we thank them.

Further to NASP’s advocacy and our recent discussions regards ‘on hold’ candidates, including Scotland, I write to advise we will be providing an additional opportunity for these candidates to book a test via a dedicated link.

As you are aware, on 14th September DVSA will release over 375,000 test slots onto the public booking system between 14 September 2020 and 21 January 2021.  In advance of this we will email all remaining ‘on hold’ candidates with a direct link, giving them an additional opportunity to book one of these test slots prior to public release.

This will honour our commitment to give such candidates priority access.  They will not have to wait in the public queue, and are likely to find a test slot at a time and place of their convenience.

The email invitation will be sent late next week and we will let you know when this happens.

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Our bank of questions and answers can be found on the front page of the website – www.adinjc.org.uk – please make this your first port of call if you have a question.

The front page of the website also holds our Covid tookbox with masses of information to help you return to work safely.

If you would like to join the ADINJC there is more information on our website.

Whilst our newsflashes are normally a benefit of membership of the ADINJC, during this national emergency we want to share information as widely as possible, so please feel free to pass this on.  We are stronger together.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444

The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.