Driving schools: taking the road to recovery without delay

Among the companies most affected by the pandemic, driving schools are waiting for a resumption of their activity. The passage of the driving licence is indeed in great demand, being even the most requested diploma in terms of volume in France. Also, the country’s 12,000 driving schools live at the pace of government decisions, and wish to resume their activity in full quickly. The driver’s licence is not limited solely to the B licence, the traditional car licence. Indeed, driving schools also train to drive other vehicles, from motorcycles to heavy goods vehicles. So many permits that have their importance for their holders, especially for more mobility.

Driving schools in the face of the pandemic

Limiting interactions between people is a norm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in France. Driving schools are among the places and activities where interaction is omnipresent. Both in the theoretical training rooms, for the passage of the code, but also at the exam sites… Or in vehicles, during practical training.

With the lockdowns,it is impossible for driving schools to open their establishment and receive students. In this case, some centers provide candidates with online resources to continue training… But what about practical courses, which cannot be digitized? This surely impacts the figures of the exams in France.

Even before the pandemic, the offer of training in the theoretical examination evolved, to the detriment of traditional training centers in driving school. Indeed, “students” have the possibility to revise their highway code online and in complete autonomy… Especially with the deployment of e-learning platforms. No supervision, the student himself chooses on what date he carries out his exam. This has the consequence of considerably increasing the failure to the rules of the road… With only 50.5% success in 2019, against 66% in 2017, before the development of these platforms.

The arrival of COVID-19 then continues to widen the gaps between driving schools and digital platforms, strengthening the power of the latter. Indeed, during the lockdown, online platforms allow you to work on the preparation of the exam without moving.

Learning driving road code
Driving schools help to learn driving with the advice of trainers.

An essential relationship for the future

Driving schools play an essential role in the lives of pupils preparing for examinations. Indeed, the trainers accompany them in their learning, until the final exam. To practice a profession, having a driver’s license is an asset for recruitment. For some trades, having the permit is even mandatory, as for logistics, delivery. These are also jobs with high recruitment potential, given the changing needs of the French. An activity for which you have to drive…

The accompaniment of a professional thus makes it possible to properly prepare all the apprentices in driving. The exam evolves to prepare tomorrow’s drivers from an early age, as well as with questions that evolve over time. The arrival of the pandemic in the activity of driving schools was then not good news, not helping candidates to work on their driving practice.

Driving schools, like many closed businesses, have been able to benefit from the solidarity fund promised by the Government. This is even if they are able to present candidates in exams.

Learning to drive is essential to ensure road safety for all users. Also, driving schools raise awareness and prepare tomorrow’s drivers to master the rules of the road to drive safely. Advice and support that is not found during digitalized training. Despite everything, some companies such as En Voiture Simone offer a hybrid offer, so that apprentice drivers can combine the flexibility of digital technology with physical support.

The pandemic has taught this to many trades. Digital cannot replace traditional activity, but functions as an ally, an additional way to work. In all sectors of activity, you need proof.

Sources:

Driving training: Analysis of the economic sector and the market. ECF press release of 15 June 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving schools can reopen… Weblex

Situation of driving schools Senate, published on June 17, 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19): new for driving schools Weblex

Covid-19 (coronavirus) information for driving schools By Car Simone

Resumption of activities in the road education sector road safety

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