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Around 81 percent of driving instructors are reporting waiting lists, with some being told to wait more than six months, according to a new survey. The research, conducted by Young Driver, found that 26 percent of driving instructors had a waiting list of more than three months.
Six percent of instructors said their pupils would have to wait longer than six months.
More than a third of instructors reported that several of their potential students had given up entirely or decided to postpone learning to drive.
Because of the long delays as a result of the pandemic, many learner drivers have seen their theory tests expire.
Some who are giving up or postponing it are doing so as a result of being unable to get a test date before starting university, or that their financial situations had changed.
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There are, however, plenty of resources for learner drivers to use to sharpen their driving skills while they wait.
The Government website has a list of driving instructors and schools which could have availability.
Starting to get private practice with family or friends can be helpful, but those accompanying learners must have held full licences for at least three years and be aged over 21.
Sue Waterfield also advised younger drivers not to feel pressured to go with the first instructor they find who has availability.
She said it was more important to find an instructor they feel comfortable with.
There are many apps which can offer a great deal of help to learner drivers, including the official DVLA and DVSA apps.
Even James May, the presenter of The Grand Tour, launched his own driving theory test app during the pandemic.
Learner drivers are also being encouraged to utilise the thousands of videos on YouTube to their advantage.
Both Young Drivers and Marmalade Insurance have their own YouTube channels which have helpful tips to ace your test.
It is hoped that the DVLA and the test booking system will soon return to normal, with staff shortages massively affecting their workflow.
This comes amid a huge backlog of over 1.4 million licence applications.
There have been reports of people waiting up to six months for their provisional driving licence.
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