Though driving lessons might be allowed once again, during the past year, no formal driving tuition has been able to take place for 205 days.

During that time, many parents and guardians took up the role of driving instructor to ensure their children could learn the basics and keep on the road. However, a new survey has found that, with proper driving tuition now allowed, many parents are keen to pay for their children’s lessons if it means they don’t have to take them out again.

The survey of more than 2,000 parents with teenage children that started driving lessons before the first UK lockdown last March found that 58 per cent said they didn’t want to teach their kids behind the wheel again. They’d also be happy to pay for half of all the driving lessons if it meant they no longer had to take the perilous place in the passenger seat.

The reasons for hesitancy to go out with their children included 67 per cent being worried about possible damage to their cars, while 51 per cent said they didn’t have enough patience to teach them. Some 45 per cent also said they’d had their instructions ignored in the past.

Parents said they’d taken out their children to drive just once in the third lockdown, down from three times in the first lockdown from March 2020. That said, 72 per cent admitted that their teenagers convinced them to go out for a drive while formal tuition was off the cards.

Peter Brabin, head of training at Bill Plant, said: “Helping your own children to expand their skillset and confidence on the road can be a tricky and trying experience for many parents; they have the absolute best intentions, but sadly it doesn’t always go to plan.

“For the sake of relationships, not to mention the vehicle at hand, it can often be best to leave it to the professionals. They are trained how to teach, help learners overcome obstacles and boost their confidence while always remaining patient and professional. They also have the relevant insurance should something minor happen to the vehicle.”

Driving lessons in England and Wales could commence from April 12, though it’s not until tomorrow (April 22) that driving tests are allowed. A huge backlog is anticipated due to the limited availability of tests over the past 12 months.