Learners having to travel more than 100 miles for driving tests

DRIVING instructors have raised concerns over the delay in driving tests due to the coronavirus crisis.

On July 27 the Welsh Government said driving lessons could resume after nearly four months of restrictions. But many learner drivers from Gwynedd expecting to take driving tests in the months dominated by lockdown have found not only is there a delay but their pending tests have disappeared.

This has caused concerns for learner drivers and instructors with many stating that action needs to be taken to address the situation that was already an issue before lockdown.

Anita Woodcock, from Ysgol Yrru Anita Richie & Lindsey Driving School based in Conwy, revealed that the delay in driving tests had been particularly frustrating for the driving school and its clients. The business covers areas such as Bangor, Caernarfon, Llanfairfechan and Menai Bridge, but over recent weeks, the driving instructor said they had to send their clients to take tests in Rhyl and even Wrexham.

The driving instructor has now urged the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency ( DVSA) to take action on the hold up.

“There’s a long waiting list for driving tests as it is,” she said. “Before lockdown, learners would have to wait for up to 12 to 15 weeks for a driving test. Now, it’s obviously more than that and at some stages, there aren’t any driving tests available.

“The other day, for example, I was queuing to book a test for a client. At the beginning of the morning, I was informed that I was the 88,820th person in the queue. I waited all day but there were no changes.

“Some days there are no tests available in places like Bangor and they’ll offer alternatives such as Pwllheli or Bala, even when there are no tests there either. We’ve been offered driving tests in places as far as Rhyl which is far and takes a large chunk of our days.

“When we are at the test centre as well, driving instructors are obviously not allowed to go in. While a client was taking their test, I was standing outside the test centre during Storm Francis and was left absolutely drenched.

“It’s frustrating, we feel we can’t win whatever we do and it has put us in a difficult situation.”

Plaid Cymru’s MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams, said the delay was a matter of concern in other parts of Gwynedd.

A spokesperson for the politician said: “Having received several enquiries from his constituents, Mr Williams has written to the Chief Executive of the DVSA seeking clarity as to what is happening in relation to arranging a driving test. We understand the issue is not confined to the Arfon area, and has also been raised by people in Dwyfor Meirionnydd.”

A DVSA spokesperson said: “We are putting in place measures to increase the number of tests available and will be making more than 375,000 tests available across Great Britain to book from 14 September. Then almost everyone should be able to book a test. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and we thank candidates for their patience as it may take time to book and take a test.”