Lockdown: Learner drivers 'frustrated' as lessons remain parked

Young learner drivers are "frustrated" that lessons remain stuck in neutral under lockdown rules in Wales.

With hairdressers set to reopen in Wales, driving instructors and learners have questioned why they cannot start lessons once again.

Protests by instructors are taking place across the country.

The Welsh government has now confirmed car lessons should be able to resume on 12 April, if coronavirus cases continue to fall.

Car driving tests should also be able to restart from 22 April.

Learners like Georgia Davies, from Aberystwyth, have been stalled and relying on sometimes "erratic" public transport.

She has spent roughly £2,000 on lessons, tests and a car but her driving test has been cancelled four times.

It has also left her unable to apply for some jobs, that require a driving licence, before she heads to university in the autumn.

"There was a long waiting list for a test because of the pandemic last year," she said.

"It has since been cancelled four times and now my theory test has expired.

"So I have to re-sit that in June, meaning I won't be able to do my practical test for a long time after that. It's really unfair."

The delay has meant relying on public transport, often to see friends who live an hour away.

"I have a car because I thought I'd be driving by now, but it's costing a lot for insurance and tax - and I can't even drive it."

"I can't wait for the freedom. It's really frustrating because I've got plans and my own car but I can't do anything with it."

Harry Nicholls was hoping to take his test on Friday, having been postponed from last summer, but Covid rules mean he is not allowed. The next available date is not until September.

"I started learning after my birthday in March, which was when lockdown started," said the 17-year-old from Monmouth.

"I passed my theory test and my parents booked me 10 lessons, but I couldn't start them because of lockdown.

"After [the first] lockdown I went out for 15 lessons with an instructor and by the end I was in a good position to pass my test."

Then lockdown happened again and having spent £450 on lessons, Harry has also spent £4,500 on a Kia Rio that has sat outside the house.

"It's a nightmare. It [the car] cost a lot and it's getting to the point where I am wondering whether it was worth it," he said.

"Not being able to go out with friends is an issue and being in Monmouth it's harder to get to other places, especially with buses, they can be erratic."

Daisy Corne, 18, has a condition that makes her clinically vulnerable

"I've to be quite careful on trains and buses, which is why cars and taxis are a better option, which is why it would be good to be able to drive."

Daisy, who is preparing to start a health and social care course at Cardiff Metropolitan University, has had to cancel two tests. She is hopeful it will be third time lucky later in the year.

"It would be a lot less stress knowing I could get in the car and go wherever," she said.

The Welsh government said it had been a difficult time, especially for business owners.

A spokesman added: "If the public health situation continues to improve, we will be able to carry on relaxing restrictions in a phased way, being careful not to undermine all the progress made by everyone in Wales to bring coronavirus cases under control."

"We hope driving lessons will be able to resume from April 12 and tests from April 22, in line with the DVSA's [Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency] roadmap."

Protests have been staged in multiple cities on Friday hoping to see driving lessons resume soon.

Luke Thompson, is the director of M4 motoring driving school and the Newport protest organiser.

He said they wanted "clarity" from the Welsh government about restarting their businesses.

"We believe we've done enough to ensure our cars are safe."

Thomas Netherway is also at the Newport protest and the halt on driving lessons have caused a financial struggle.

"I haven't been able to work since December - I've had no money coming in and I don't know how I'll provide for my family".