Learner drivers finally got back behind the wheel this week with instructors saying they were thrilled to get back to work.
From Monday driving lessons restarted in England and instructors have been inundated with calls to resume lessons.
Instructors say it will be a very busy time during the next few months as their priorities will be to get their current students through their tests.
However, the pressure is also on the students taking a test as the waiting times to book a test in some places are up to four months.
Lesleyann Beatson who runs Lesleyann Learners in Workington said: “I went back to work on Monday and I had my first learner at 9am. It was good to be back and I really enjoyed it. I was really nervous about how the learner would feel after having such a long break, but it was great.
“It’s been hard coming back to work after being off for so long, but it’s nice to be back.
“I feel really sorry for the people who are turning 17 and want to learn to drive.
“At the moment they’re not able to get an instructor. The pressure is on for those who are about to take their test as the wait time to book them is so long.”
Car driving tests are currently suspended because of Covid-19.
In England and Wales, a limited emergency driving test service is available for some people who need to drive as part of their job and respond to ‘threats to life’ as part of their job.
Dates when driving lessons and tests can restart in England
Car driving lessons - 12 April
Car driving tests - 22 April at the earliest
Car and trailer training - 12 April
Car and trailer driving tests - 12 April
Motorcycle training - Restarted on March 29
Motorcycle tests - 12 April
Bus training - Restarted on March 29
Bus driving tests - Restarted on March 29
Lorry training - 12 April
Lorry driving tests - 12 April
Driver CPC part 4 (practical demonstration) tests - Restarted on March 29
Tractor and specialist vehicle training - Restarted on March 29
Tractor and specialist vehicle tests - Restarted on March 29
Driving instructor training - 12 April
Driving instructor qualifying tests - 22 April at the earliest
If your driving test is affected
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will contact you if your test is affected and tell you what you need to do.
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