Well… This is awkward, you’ve been dreaming and prepping for this day for what seems like ages, you’ve sorted your provisional license out, and you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a car and get on the roads! However, you’ve realized it isn’t going to be as simple as that…
Driving instructor strikes have been a growing concern in the United Kingdom as many instructors have been protesting over pay and working conditions. The strikes, which began in late 2020, have caused disruptions for many individuals who are in the process of learning to drive.
The driving instructor strikes are being led by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents many self-employed driving instructors. The union has been calling for better pay and working conditions for its members, who they argue are not receiving fair compensation for their work.
One of the key issues at the heart of the strikes is the low pay that many driving instructors receive. According to the IWGB, the average driving instructor earns around £25,000 per year, which is significantly less than the UK median wage of £29,574. Additionally, many instructors are not receiving any additional benefits, such as sick pay or holiday pay, which further exacerbates the problem.
Another issue that has been raised is the working conditions for instructors. The IWGB has pointed out that many instructors are working long hours, with some putting in as much as 60 hours per week. This can make it difficult for driving instructors to maintain a work-life balance, and can lead to burnout and other health issues.
The strikes have had a major impact on the ability of many individuals to learn how to drive. With many instructors participating in the strikes, there have been shortages of instructors available to provide lessons. This has led to delays in the scheduling of lessons and test dates, and has caused frustration for many students.
The strikes have also had an impact on the economy. Driving instructor businesses have lost revenue due to the strikes, as many students have canceled or postponed lessons. It also affects Driving test centers as they won’t get enough instructors to conduct the tests.
The government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with many accusing the government of not doing enough to address the concerns of the striking instructors. However, it is worth noting that the UK government has no direct control over the wages and working conditions of self-employed driving instructors, and any solution to this problem would have to be negotiated with the driving schools and training providers.
So, with instructors being in high demand and loads of potential for waiting around, there is a method you can use to make sure that you are in fact getting behind the wheel and getting some much-needed practice in. Using Veygo’s learner driver insurance you can hop in the car of a friend or family member and get those much-needed hours of practice in!
So as usual, hit the button below and get practicing!