Long Waits and Short Delays: The State of Driving Tests in Wales
In recent data released by the DVSA, it has been revealed that the average waiting time for driving tests in Wales has hit a record high of 20 weeks. Some Welsh test centres are experiencing waits as long as 24 weeks, significantly impacting learner drivers across the country. According to a freedom of information request made by the AA Driving School, five test centres in Wales reported the maximum wait time of 24 weeks on February 3. These centres are located in Llanishen (Cardiff), Newport, Rhyl, Bangor, and Newtown. This increase in waiting times is part of a concerning trend that has been observed over the past year, with average waiting times climbing from 14.8 weeks in February 2024 to 20 weeks in February 2025.
The statistics also reveal that the number of driving test centres with the maximum wait time of 24 weeks has doubled in the last year, from 94 in February 2024 to 183 in February 2025. This surge means that more than half of all UK test centres are currently facing extended waiting periods. Conversely, only 14 test centres in Wales have managed to keep their waiting times at or below the DVSA’s end-of-year target of seven weeks. This is a significant decrease from February 2024, when 83 test centres met the target waiting time criteria.
In Wales, Pembroke Dock stands out as the testing centre with the shortest wait time, at just four weeks, followed closely by Pwllheli at five weeks. The distribution of waiting times varies across different regions in Wales, with Cardiff Llanishen, Newport, Newtown, Rhyl, and Bangor at the top of the list with 24-week waits, while Pembroke Dock and Pwllheli offer much shorter waiting periods.
To address the escalating waiting times, the DVSA has announced plans to recruit 450 new driving test examiners in the coming year. With an anticipated loss of 130 examiners, this recruitment drive aims to achieve a net gain of 320 examiners, allowing the DVSA to conduct approximately 590,000 additional driving tests annually. Emma Bush, managing director of the AA Driving School, emphasised the importance of reducing waiting times to support young people’s access to education and employment. She highlighted the need to increase the number of available test slots by expanding the pool of driving test examiners.
Efforts are being made to bring the average waiting time for driving tests down to seven weeks by December 2025. This target is crucial in ensuring that obtaining a driving licence does not pose a significant barrier to young people seeking opportunities in education and the workforce. By increasing the efficiency and capacity of driving test centres, the DVSA aims to provide a more accessible and streamlined process for learner drivers in Wales.
While some test centres continue to grapple with long waiting periods, the commitment to recruiting more examiners signals a proactive approach to tackling the issue. As the driving test landscape evolves, it is essential to prioritise efficiency and accessibility to support learners in achieving their driving goals.
Overall, the current state of driving tests in Wales underscores the need for continued efforts to reduce waiting times and improve the overall testing experience for aspiring drivers across the country.