Image: Marmalade
One in 20 learner drivers have given up trying to pass their test as a result of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, new analysis suggests.
While driving tests may have resumed in April, a lengthy backlog still remains for those impacted by 15 months of driving test suspensions and theory test expirations.
A survey of 1,700 learners, carried out by learner and young driver insurance provider Marmalade, found 89% of respondents said the pandemic had delayed them passing their test.
Almost 40% said they now face a wait of five months or longer.
Of the 5% of learners who said they had given up learning to drive, 62% were women and 33% were men.
However, despite the many setbacks learners have faced during the course of the pandemic, 35% of respondents said learning to drive had become more important to them.
Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, said: “Learner drivers have had to overcome many challenges over the last 15 months but we hope they’re through the worst of the struggles now.
“Here at Marmalade we recognise the significance of people passing their driving test and do everything we can to support learners on their journey.
“While people within the industry have been well aware of the impact lockdowns have had on learners, this research unearths the true reality of what learning to drive has been like over the course of the last year and I’m sure it may come as a bit of an eye-opener for some.
“Having overcome many challenges over the past year, I’m sure learners will be more determined than ever to pass their test – making it all the more sweet when they do.”
Many young people’s theory certificates (2 year validity)will be timed out due to the simple impossibility of getting a practical test date. This is unfair and an extension of a year would be fair in the circumstances. The learnt theory won’t evaporate the day after the deadline. Many young people are university students who have extra disruption and blocked diaries moving between cities.
Peter Whitfield, Liverpool
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