Published: Monday, 18th January, 2010 11:39am

Winter white-out drives learners round bend

LEARNER drivers across the Borders were driven round the bend after their tests were cancelled during the big freeze.

However, as temperatures rise and the snow melts, instructors revealed they are working round the clock to clear the backlog.

Thousands of driving tests had to be cancelled across the UK in the past month after snow and ice made the region's roads too dangerous.

The Driving Standards Agency re-scheduled 47,500 practical exams between December 21 and January 10. In Scotland alone a total of 4,766 car bike and LGV tests were cancelled - including 17 in Galashiels.

Most cancellations were made on the day of the test, with just 55 pupils getting at least a days notice.

Callum Dickson, of In Tuition driving school in Newstead, said: "I have not been out on the road for three weeks because of the conditions. In the eight years I have been teaching I've not really seen weather like this before.

"I had a student booked for a driving test in Galashiels on Christmas Eve but I didn't find out it had been postponed until just prior to the time the exam was due to commence.

"It's amusing because I had him out for a lesson the evening beforehand and, despite snowing heavily, the roads were quite clear between Newstead and the Kingsknowes roundabout." But he added: "By the time we hit Galashiels it was a white-out."

The driving instructor revealed heavy snowfalls made it impossible for drivers to see the road markings and carry out essential test manouveres and the maximum speed on the Melrose bypass was 20mph.

And, as the cold snap intensified at the start of the New Year, police warned drivers to stay at home unless it was an emergency.

However, while some students face a lengthy wait to rebook, Mr Dickson revealed learner drivers in the Borders can still expect to wait no longer than between four to six weeks to book a test.

But he added: "Peebles has the longest wait because it only operates one day a week."

The DSA said that tests did not go ahead in adverse weather conditions due to the safety of the people involved.