Drivers in the South West see four-month wait for practical tests
DVSA data has revealed it takes an average of 15.3 weeks after booking a test to take it in the region
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
Across the South West, drivers here are having to wait an average of nearly four months to get a driving test - according to DVSA data, and a special report by a motor insurance broker.
On average, the time it takes after booking is 15.3 weeks - which is the fourth wait across England, Wales and Scotland.
A Freedom of Information Request put in by Adrian Flux confirmed the full extent of delays are so long, and found:
- Penzance is one of the 22 centres across England, Wales and Scotland which is deemed as being 'fully booked'
- In Kingswood, Barnstaple, Gloucester, Salisbury, and Swindon, there are less than 10% of slots available - these locations are recorded as having a 24-week wait.
- Avonmouth has an 8-week wait
- Launceston sees learners waiting six weeks, while Camborne has learners waiting 21 weeks for a test from the time of booking
- Exeter has a 4-weeks wait time - which compares to 19 weeks in Plymouth
- Dorchester's waiting times sit at 5 weeks, while in the same county, Poole is the only other option in Dorset - with a 20-week wait time for learners wanting to take their tests
- Cheltenham sits on 8 weeks - which the analysis claims is 'by far' the best in terms of waiting times across Gloucestershire
- Taunton has the shortest delay in Somerset, at 10 weeks - which is half that of Yeovil, at 20 weeks
- Out of Wiltshire's four test centres, Trowbridge has the best chance of getting a driving test this side of Christmas, at four weeks... in Chippenham, that sits at 20 weeks.
All data is correct as of October 2022.
DVSA data defaults to a 24-week wait (the furthest in advance you can now book a test), even if slots are available, once a centre’s available slots fall below 10%.
Gerry Bucke, general manager of the company which carried out this piece of research, said: “It’s clear that the backlog caused by various coronavirus lockdowns that began in March 2020 are continuing to cause frustrating delays for young drivers.
“Taking out a policy to learn to drive in your parents’ car makes so much sense on many levels. The parents’ no claims bonus is protected and the extra practice should hopefully help ensure you don’t have to wait for a retest.”
Adrian Flux's analysis covered all centres in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire and includes wait times in Launceston, Exeter, Dorchester, Poole, Cheltenham, Taunton, Trowbridge, Plymouth, Yeovil, Chippenham and Camborne.
You can check out the full report for driving tests here.