Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) UPDATE

The Government has recently announced that face coverings are now mandatory for HGV driving lessons, HGV tests and in a range of indoor public settings in England unless the individuals are exempt.

Whilst it is not a legal requirement to wear a face covering for Driver CPC training DVSA strongly encourages trainers and drivers to do so in both a classroom or in-cab setting. You should also ensure good ventilation during training and clean your vehicles and classrooms regularly.

This is one of a range of temporary Government measurements which respond to the emergence of UK cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. In general, the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is higher:

• in crowded spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious
• in enclosed indoor spaces where there is limited fresh air

Wearing a face covering can reduce the risk of spreading infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of transmission of COVID-19. As you will know, the remote delivery of periodic training remains an option for those trainers who have already received authorisation and DVSA still strongly encourages trainers to deliver courses remotely when possible.

Taking rapid lateral flow tests

DVSA also encourages trainers and drivers to take a rapid lateral flow test in the 48 hours before attending training in person. Rapid lateral flow testing is currently being offered in England to people who do not have symptoms. You may wish to use regular rapid testing to help manage periods of risk such as close contact in a vehicle, classroom or when spending prolonged time with a person at higher risk.

Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. This means they could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Testing twice a week increases the chances of detecting COVID-19 when a person is infectious - helping to make sure you and the drivers you train do not spread COVID-19.