Cars for learning to drive (illustration).

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ISA HARSIN

The government is trying to respond to the discontent of driving schools.

You can pass the license but driving lessons are prohibited: the new situation of the reconfinement has indeed pushed the managers into the streets, who ask either to continue their activity or to close in order to benefit from government aid.

To calm things down, the Minister Delegate Alain Griset answered them Tuesday evening: "the driving schools which make pass the license - since they do not give driving lessons - will be considered as closed activities and will benefit from the device of the fund of solidarity, ”he told the National Assembly, during the debate on the extension of the state of health emergency.

A protest across the country

The executive has to face demonstrations all over France.

In Prouvy in the North, the driving license examination center was, for example, blocked on Tuesday, for the second consecutive day.

Demonstrations also took place from Maubeuge to Orléans via the Lyon metropolis.

In Cantal, all driving schools in the department have refused even since Monday to drive their candidates to the examination center.

In the Rhône, a videoconference is scheduled for Wednesday morning with the sub-prefect.

"If we do not get an answer at noon, we will block," warned Sophie Karsenty, departmental president of the National Council of Automotive Professions (CNPA).

The @CNPA is associated with it @CPMEnationale @medef @AsselinFasselin @GeoffroyRDB @JEDUMESNIL @ patrick01martin @f_lesache https://t.co/OC6BiR1DXi

- Xavier Horent (@XHorent) November 2, 2020

Above all, in a few days, the driving license inspectors will find themselves technically unemployed, due to a lack of students ready for the exam, and with a schedule that is set two weeks in advance.

Only vocational training centers (heavy goods vehicle licenses, buses) have the right to continue training and will therefore continue to present candidates.

"We cannot accumulate delays on exams, but there will be an impact on people who wait to be trained, in particular to have access to jobs", regrets Christophe Nauwelaers, general secretary of one of the unions of inspectors, Unsa-Saneer.

The grumbling of motorcycle schools

On the side of motorcycle schools, anger is also roaring.

“I don't see the danger of riding a motorcycle: all alone under your helmet, you're confined!

», Explains Philippe Monneret, founder of the EasyMonneret group of schools.

“Theory is done online anyway, and most of the learning is done on set.

With mask and gloves, we are three meters as close as possible, ”he emphasizes.

In addition, since the first confinement, many new candidates have registered for motorcycle licenses "to avoid public transport".

The inability to take the exam during the first confinement has lengthened waiting lists and the opening of examination centers for this confinement is "rather a good thing".

But it must be accompanied by lessons, he insists: “we cannot pass people who have not driven”.

Society

No theoretical or practical lessons in driving schools, exams maintained

Society

Elected officials demand the reopening of small local shops

  • Covid 19

  • Video

  • Driver's license

  • Coronavirus

  • Society

  • Confinement

  • Driving school