LEARNER drivers taking tests when they resume today (Thursday) are under extra pressure to pass as a backlog means it could be several months before they get another chance.

More than 450,000 tests have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures.

Tests have been suspended throughout the UK since early January, but restart in England and Wales on Thursday, in Northern Ireland on Friday, and in Scotland on May 6 at the earliest.

Those who fail their test in Britain face an average waiting time of 17 weeks to book a new slot.

The DVSA said it is offering an additional 2,500 car tests per month by utilising weekends and bank holidays.

Up to 300 new examiners are also being recruited to help reduce the backlog.

Only 46% of tests in the year to March 2020 were passed, leading the DVSA to urge candidates they should be "properly prepared".

The most common reasons for failing include not looking properly at a junction (22%), not using mirrors correctly when changing lane or direction (17%), and not moving off safely (8%).

DVSA chief driving examiner Mark Winn said: "Learners should only take their driving test if they are completely ready to pass, and feel they've had sufficient practice driving on a variety of roads and in different conditions.

"Thousands of people fail their test every year because of common errors which are potentially dangerous and avoidable."

Tests can be rescheduled free of charge if learners feel they need more time to prepare.

Recent analysis by PA found that driving licence numbers among young people have fallen to the lowest level since current records began.

Just 2.97 million people in Britain aged 16-25 hold a full licence, down from 3.32 million in March 2020.

Motoring experts said the decline was due to the suspension of lessons and tests.