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There's a backlog all over the country of more than 42 thousand driver tests that need to be taken because of last year's nationwide lockdown. 
It has meant delays and waitlists of up to months on end. 
NZ Institute of Driver Educators National Secretary Peter Elder told Mike Hosking there's been pressure on testing centres right across the country. 
"We are working as best we can, to take the pressure off them by helping out."
Young people are being urged to hone up on their driving skills, while they wait for the backlog in driving tests to be cleared up.
The average waiting time for a test has doubled, from about four weeks to about eight.
Elder says people should use the time to practice more and do driving classes, so they can pass the first time.
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