Driving schools in Qatar will implement strict precautionary measures on their premises and during practical lessons to ensure the health and safety of both employees and students against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), it is learnt.
The third phase of the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in the country will see the reopening of various business establishments, including driving schools – which had been closed since March in view of the outbreak.
Private healthcare facilities are also allowed to operate at 80% capacity in this phase. In addition, 80% of employees will be permitted at the workplace subject to strict health precautions. An employee of Dallah Driving Academy told Gulf Times that apart from their premises, all vehicles will be regularly cleaned and sanitised after every road activity. Employees and students are also required to wear gloves and face masks, show the ‘green’ health code on their Ehteraz mobile application and follow applicable social distancing measures while at the academy.
Dallah has announced that it will resume its operations in August and has started the registration of applicants online. Fee payments can also be made online. “We already have new student drivers (newly registered), while the old ones are scheduled to continue their road practice next month,” the employee noted.
Other driving schools like Al Khebra Driving Academy have also announced their reopening on August 3 on social media platforms, posting a number of pictures and videos showing Covid-19 protocols have been put in place. All newly registered applicants “are welcome to come from the first day”, the academy has said on its Facebook page.
“Old students can come according to the schedules they received,” it continued, adding that other services can be availed of by logging on to its website and booking appointments for the service they need (through QR codes).
Applicants can also take their theory classes online from their homes for three days (instead of five days). An instructor at another driving school told Gulf Times that their cars have been properly maintained and thoroughly sanitised prior to the reopening in August. The company, he stressed, requires them to wear gloves, a face mask and face shield, as well as bring sanitisers with them while on duty. After work, the instructor stressed that they all stay in the company accommodation and avoid going out unnecessarily. “We don’t roam around in other places to avoid being infected by others.”
Besides posts on social media, a number of driving schools also started sending text messages yesterday to inform the public of their special discounts and reopening promotions. Applicants are advised to send a copy of their Qatar ID to verify if their profession is included on the list of categories of workers (a total of 240) who are ineligible to apply for a driving licence.