Driving Instructors Back to Work

What’s is the New Normal…
for Driving Lessons


Welcome back to driver tuition however, not as we know it. Remembering to stay safe is your responsibility and you now must follow the RSA ADI units’ guidelines for hygiene etiquette for the coronavirus under health & safety. You and your vehicle must comply with all aspects of Health & Safety with vehicle sanitation products, hand gels, face coverings and disposable seat covers etc.,
albeit, your back in business however, coronavirus has not gone away?

As a Minimum You will Have to…
Driving schools need to create their own COVID19 back to work “Sanitation Etiquette” and clearly state this for the public to read on advertisements, websites and social media platforms etc... Also, on the initial lesson appointment contact, over the phone or by email etc.,

Initial / Welcome Questions
The pupil should be asked if they have had the virus, have they been close to anyone with the virus, have they been in contact with anyone who has been traced and contacted by the HSE. Also ask, do they feel okay, do they have a temperature of 38 degrees or above, do they have a persistent cough or shortness of breath. (See HSE Website)

Before the Driving Lesson Begins
The following are some suggestions for sanitation solutions before and after driving lessons. See RSA ADI unit website or emails for more information and will be guided by the RSA and the HSE in relation to best practice.

1. Before conducting a driving lesson, you should have already established the following information from your clients …
2. Do they or anybody close to them, or have been in contact with, have any symptoms such as high temperature, dry cough, or shortness of breath?
3. Have they or anyone they have been with, traveled to or from a high-risk area in the last 14 days

You Will Need to Ensure?

1. That you do not use, vehicle fans or air conditioning
   
2. Do not place yourself in any risk or danger, remembering, what happens to you may also happen to your family. Let us take it seriously. Coronavirus has not gone away.
   
3. Follow the advice of the RSA ADI Unit by ensuring you have on board, their requirements, as will be published. For example, PPE items such as face mask/coverings, gloves, vehicle sanitisation, hand gels and wipes of at least 70% proof.  
4. You are required to request basic health information to evaluate the condition of the client before the lessons begins. You may have undertaken this at the time of appointment (see above) but you will need to do this again.
5. You will be required to retain the names addresses and telephone numbers of all clients and the times and dates of lessons.
6. Keep all PPE gear in the boot (out of direct sunlight) This is a good prep space for the client’s selection and hand sanitising etc.,
7. Advise and offer hand sanitiser and ensure correct use, before entering the driver or passenger seat.
8. Have all PPE on their person prior to entering the car?
9.  Keep all PPE gear in the boot and away from children at all times
10. Your PPE Gear should contain as, a minimum… See www.drivereducationsupplies.ie  or go directly to Covid 19 Category for more information
11. Meet & greet with no handshakes, (just your smile)
12. Discontinue the “Piggyback System” where one pupil picks up another.
13. Where a meeting area / office is used, always leave about 15 – 30 minutes between pupils
14. Appropriate masks or and face coverings must be worn at all times throughout the lesson
15. Advise clients in advance, to bring their own face coverings
16. Make proper use of hand sanitiser and have a selection of other virus barriers for the client selection i.e. Hand gels, masks, gloves, etc.,
17. Clean your vehicle regularly throughout the day and after every lesson and use antibacterial wipes and spray, where possible
18. After each lesson, request the pupil to remove their PPE Gear and to dispose correctly into the bags) and tie/seal for responsible disposable by them or you?

Reducing the Risks

1. As we all know by now the general advice is to protect yourself, by washing your hands frequently and properly with soap and water and in the absence of soap and water, an alcohol-based hand rub.
2. No physical contact between the instructor and the pupil, for example the learner permit will be shown by the client, rather than handled
3. Practice good respiratory hygiene when coughing or sneezing and cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or arm.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
5. The risk of Coronavirus is greater the closer you are to another person?
6. The risk of Coronavirus is greater the longer you are with another person?
7. Always leave windows and doors open as much as possible when in a stationery i.e. parked position
8. Leave windows open while giving tuition, to get as much circulation as possible.
   Maybe consider window deflectors. These are ideal for reducing road noise, allowing good air circulation throughout the vehicle and without letting in the rain!!
9. Sanitise the car, car controls, instruments, door handles etc., before every lesson
10. Upon lesson conclusion, the pupil and instructor should leave the car and take all of their PPE equipment and dispose properly. Thereafter the instructor commences vehicle sanitation and hygiene control to get ready for the next pupil. (minimum time between lessons 15 minutes)
11. Please see RSA ADI protocols from the RSA and HSE in order to amend our COVID19 response by the public
12. Find out RSA driving test centre, protocols and follow advice issued

 
Issued for information purposed only. If we have left anything out on this maybe make your comment.

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