Learner drivers face 18-week wait for test

Learners in Llandrindod Wells face delays of 18 weeks before they are able to meet an examiner, according to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures obtained by heycar through a Freedom Of Information (FOI) request.

In contrast, prospective drivers in Carlisle have the shortest waiting time of just five weeks.

The FOI also shows the coronavirus pandemic has sent the average delay surging from nine weeks last year to nearly 14 weeks in 2021.

Covid-19 has also had an impact on test cancellations, which increased 400 per cent in the last three years.

The year 2018/2019 saw 65,522 cancellations, with that figure growing to 152,082 in 2019/2020 before reaching 241,127 throughout 2020/2021.

Meanwhile, learners in Newtown face a wait of 15 weeks – the fourth longest in the UK.

Covid restrictions allowed practical driving tests to return from April 22.

'Horrendous'

It comes after about half of all tests in Shropshire between March and December last year were cancelled.

Karen Jones, instructor and owner of KS Driving School in Shrewsbury, said she had booked a test before the last lockdown and is still awaiting a date.

Janine McGowan, who runs the Les McGowan Driving School in Crewgreen with her husband, said learners were facing a "horrendous" situation.

According to the DVSA figures, the longest wait of 18 weeks is also experienced in Halifax, Cheadle, Isle of Scilly and Crieff.

Dan Powell, senior editor at heycar added: “As many motorists look forward to the joys of hitting the open road this summer, certain learner drivers will be going nowhere.

“While those lucky enough to live in Carlisle enjoy the shortest wait in the UK of just four weeks, it’s a very different story elsewhere, including Llandrindod Wells where residents face the longest waits of 18 weeks.

“The DVSA say they are putting in place measures to increase the number of tests, including offering overtime and encouraging qualified examiners to return."