Learner drivers getting back behind the wheel after lockdown face a five-month wait until they can take a test, according to reports.
The Mirror says the DVSA is recruiting an extra 300 examiners in a bid to clear the backlog of earners waiting to take a test.
420,000 people have had to cancel their driving exam in lockdown.
Driving lessons in England can start again from April 12, and exams will be allowed two weeks later.
Instructors say it will take at least 20 weeks to clear the backlog, and warn it could even take until 2022 to get back on schedule.
Before the pandemic, the average wait for the test was three to four weeks.
380,000 learners will have to sit the theory test before they can take a practical driving test.
Carly Brookfield, who represents the Driving Instructors Association, said: “There’s a huge worry among pupils that if they fail a test, how long will it be before they get a retest?”
The DVSA claims the average wait for a test is now 17 weeks, not 20. .
A spokesman said: “Candidates affected by the suspension are automatically being booked on to the next available test at their chosen centre.
“As soon as it is safe DVSA will increase the number of driving and theory tests available.”
