Driving lessons?

[ozzzma]

Relevant backstory: DP is asthmatic, I have a weakened immune system. He works in a large uni with many people travelling in and out, international students etc. Has a long public transport commute. Is reasonably anxious (like me) about Corona impact.

We're not leaving the house much and especially not for big events etc, limiting person to person contact, washing hands thoroughly, all that we can do. No travel or anything booked. But DP had planned to begin driving lessons this month. Local instructor who is very busy so lots of people in and out of the learner car every week, etc. Should we identify this as a potential infection worry and postpone the lessons for now? Or would you just go ahead, do the lessons, wash hands afterwards etc?

FYI we are in Yorkshire but not (so far) in a directly affected area.

If he’s not able to avoid commuting on public transport & attending a university campus, I wouldn’t see much point in avoiding driving lessons, personally.

I am thinking the same at the moment. He works from home a couple of days a week. I imagine in a crisis situation his office would be happy for him to work at home however obviously the government don't deem such measures necessary yet. We're hating his commute right now but he's trying his hardest to mitigate effects. The driving lessons are probably safer tbh!

I would say that since human trials for a vaccine are unlikely to happen until the end of the year at best, getting his driving license and therefore away from public transport ASAP would be safer in the long run. Small number of cases in the UK now is low risk, potentially larger number cases later in the year would be much higher risk

How long is his commute not on public transport? I was wondering if his lessons could start at home and end at his workplace, so yes there is a risk from the car, but you would be taking out the risk of the commute. Or may be better in the other direction as he can change clothes and shower.

Also alcohol wipes and a mask for the driving lessons, if the instructor isn't doing that already.

A pair of gloves too, not wool ones but maybe gloves for horse riding that have a good grip, All learners have to touch the steering wheel and gear leaver.

a mask for the driving lessons what good would that do?

I agree it's probably no worse than the other contact he's been having with people. I'm hoping his work will scale down their need for everyone to be in the office if it gets bad.

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately he isn't learning to replace his commute, it's just for leisure and convenience for us as our can't drive for medical reasons. The drive is just about as long as the train commute, sometimes longer with traffic! However... at least he would have the option to drive if/when he passes his test.

*as I can't drive for medical reasons

Meant to add, public transport commute is just under two hours door to door. Drive would be about an hour forty on a good day and DP prefers the train anyway as he can work during the journey.

Ok OP I assumed you were worried and trying to lower the risks. Instead the main potential risks will exist (workplace and commuting on public transport). Yet you’re worried about a car one on one with a driving instructor? I’m pretty sure if you’re in a highly populated area and someone talking lessons is infected, you’ll more likely to get it at a local shop. If you’re worried about him touching the steering wheel which is under observation (if sneezed or coughed on), imagine the door handle to every shop you use, or lift buttons etc

No I wasn't especially worried in comparison to the other risks, I was wondering whether I was being dense not to be too concerned! 😂 I mostly wanted to see whether others would go ahead with lessons in the this situation. You're right, it probably won't make much of a difference. We are really limiting our visits to the shop etc (online ordering) but you can't entirely avoid germs obviously.

@ozzzma just hope that delivery driver washes his/her hands. Imagine the number of clients per day they have contact with plus the number of people packing your goods and touching the bags...

We'll be washing our hands as soon as the delivery guy has been, best we can do! One driver was wearing gloves last week.