Learner drivers finally got back behind the wheel this week with instructors saying they were thrilled to get back to work.

From Monday driving lessons restarted in England and instructors have been inundated with calls to resume lessons.

Instructors say it will be a very busy time during the next few months as their priorities will be to get their current students through their tests.

However, the pressure is also on the students taking a test as the waiting times to book a test in some places are up to four months.

Lesleyann Beatson who runs Lesleyann Learners in Workington said: “I went back to work on Monday and I had my first learner at 9am. It was good to be back and I really enjoyed it. I was really nervous about how the learner would feel after having such a long break, but it was great.

“It’s been hard coming back to work after being off for so long, but it’s nice to be back.

“I feel really sorry for the people who are turning 17 and want to learn to drive.

“At the moment they’re not able to get an instructor. The pressure is on for those who are about to take their test as the wait time to book them is so long.”

Car driving tests are currently suspended because of Covid-19.

In England and Wales, a limited emergency driving test service is available for some people who need to drive as part of their job and respond to ‘threats to life’ as part of their job.

Dates when driving lessons and tests can restart in England

Car driving lessons - 12 April

Car driving tests - 22 April at the earliest

Car and trailer training - 12 April

Car and trailer driving tests - 12 April

Motorcycle training - Restarted on March 29

Motorcycle tests - 12 April

Bus training - Restarted on March 29

Bus driving tests - Restarted on March 29

Lorry training - 12 April

Lorry driving tests - 12 April

Driver CPC part 4 (practical demonstration) tests - Restarted on March 29

Tractor and specialist vehicle training - Restarted on March 29

Tractor and specialist vehicle tests - Restarted on March 29

Driving instructor training - 12 April

Driving instructor qualifying tests - 22 April at the earliest

If your driving test is affected

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will contact you if your test is affected and tell you what you need to do.