Guidelines needed for safe resumption of driving lessons
The Department of Transport need to provide back to work guidelines for driving instructors returning to work according to Labour Spokesperson on Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport. Smith was speaking after it was revealed that some driving instructors have not returned to work in the absence of clear guidelines from the Department.
Deputy Smith said:
“Driving instructors need to know what they are doing is safe as they are operating in a very confined space where 2 metre social distancing is impossible. The Minister needs to publish a clear back to work protocol for driving instructors.
“Most driving instructors are self employed and it is concerning that some have said they feel unable to safely return to work without instruction from the Department. This has also created a situation where people have found it difficult to get driving lessons.
“Driving instructors have been out of work since early March and have had no clarity from the Department on how to safely resume their services and with the backlog of people awaiting a driving test more people than ever need driving lessons.
“It is impossible to maintain 2 metre social distancing in a car and driving instructors need to know what they are doing is safe and how they should best protect themselves.
Deputy Smith continued:
“I am calling on Minister Eamon Ryan to examine this with a view to publishing a clear set of guidelines for the safe resumption of driving lessons in conjunction with public health guidelines to allow this sector to fully reopen as soon as possible.