30 June 2020
AA Driving School has seen an increase of more than 500% in demand for lessons, following the DVSA announcement last week that driving lessons can restart in England from 4th July1.
More than 10,000 would-be learners had already joined the waiting list for driving lessons during lockdown. The DVSA announcement at the end of last week caused a stampede of learners over the weekend, rushing to book lessons with the driving school, which also manages the British School of Motoring, and many more are expected to book in with test centres before the month is up.
Friday saw the greatest increase, with a 560% increase, week-on-week, in lesson bookings. And visits to the AA Driving School website were also up over the weekend, with Saturday being the busiest day with an 85% increase in visits week-on-week.
Lesson bookings over the weekend were up 50% compared to a typical weekend pre-lockdown.
In England, theory tests can be booked to take place from 4th July and practical driving tests from Wednesday 22nd July.
We have taken many precautions to ensure pupils will be taught in a safe, effective and comfortable environment during Covid-19
Sarah Rees, Managing Director of AA Driving School said: “We are thrilled to be able to help learner drivers after the lockdown restrictions 2 and know that thousands of instructors across England will be welcoming them back with open, socially-distanced, arms.
“All of our instructors have been issued with detailed guidance about how they can manage the risk of coronavirus and we are confident that they will be prepared to safely and effectively teach from 4th July and beyond.
“We have taken many precautions to ensure pupils will be taught in a safe, effective and comfortable environment during Covid-19. We want pupils to learn with confidence during these uncertain times.”
Visit theaa.com/driving-school to book lessons or enquire about instructors.
2 In line with Government guidance, the AA Driving School and BSM suspended all driving lessons, except those critical for key workers, on March 23rd 2020.