Learner drivers are feeling the pressure to pass their test first time amid long waits for driving tests in Bradford, instructors claim.

Test centres across the UK are facing a huge backlog of tests after Covid-19 restrictions halted driving lessons and tests for weeks.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said the average current average waiting time for a driving test is just over four months - 16.1 weeks.

But some driving instructors have told how their students are waiting about 24 weeks for a test.

Ayub Khan, IDrive principal educator, said the whole industry has changed.

“It’s slowly changing to a ‘polish their driving off, not teach them to drive’ industry,” he said.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“Parents, partners are on the roads teaching them to drive. We take them on to teach them to pass.

"We’re seeing people who are not ready for a test ringing, or just leave their instructor because they found a test in an app and want to chance it.

“Most clients book us and have intensive lessons. It’s an ever changing industry. But it’s changing the way we teach and those who want to learn wait a long time, or are simply becoming out priced.

“We used to be able to get a test straight away for three weeks time. That’s simply not possible now, despite efforts from the DVSA. The apps get a workaround and still continue to reign supreme.

“It’s unfair and affecting our business. We have tailored our business to cater for demand and pushed for the intensive routes. I see this as the only viable option at the moment.

“We have a waiting list. We work as fast as we can. It’s hard when you’re teaching them from scratch and want them to drive safe and confidently.”

Steve Walton-Foulds, who runs Fouldsy's Driving School, said he is getting more calls from people who have booked their test without learning alongside an instructor. 

He said people are also turning up in cars owned by themselves or friends and family. 

“I have new starters booking in several months before they turn 17,” the instructor said. 

“Students are finding it stressful to get the test passed as they know if they fail it will be another 24 weeks.”

Loveday Ryder, DVSA chief executive, said the authority has taken on almost 500 examiners - including those who recently retired - and is buying back annual leave. The CEO said: “Following the pandemic, we know many learners have waited a long time to take their driving test.

“Learners should only take their driving test if they are completely ready to pass. We strongly urge learners to use our Ready to Pass? Checklist and make sure they’ve had enough lessons so they can drive safely.”