LEARNER drivers across Worcestershire are being advised to avoid “panicking” over waits until 2022 for driving tests.

The cancellation of more than 450,000 tests in Britain due to the coronavirus pandemic led to 17-week wait times according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Worcester-based instructor Nathan Cooper revealed some candidates are being offered dates even further down the line than that when they first go to book but that savvy learners can cut the wait to less than three months.

“It is being dealt with and people checking for cancellations are getting test dates within two to three months,” he said.

“I did a test this week where the examiner mentioned a lot of new dates coming on to the system, they have also taken on instructors as examiners to help to clear the backlog so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“If you go on the system to book a test, I have heard of people being offered dates for next year but cancellations do come up and new dates are dropping on so those who go on the system regularly are getting the dates they want.

“I ask people to check 10 times per day. If you just go for the first date that’s there, you’re probably going to end up with something in 2022.

“Normally we advise people to leave six weeks for a practical test, at the moment we are saying that if you do check the system that you should be able to get something three months away, probably sooner.

“It is not outrageously longer than what we are used to but people are taking one look and panicking because they see no tests available.

“I know the DVSA is working hard to clear the backlog. Since March 2020 I have probably had 12 months off work, so have the examiners, and they are doing tests on a Sunday, something I had never heard of.

“The backlog is being cleared and with the way things are going, I imagine we should be back to some sort of normality in six months’ time.”

  • Have you been left waiting for your driving test? How has your work or home life been affected as a result?

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