Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called for the DVSA to take action on long waits for driving tests in Rhyl, citing a backlog of learners unable to book tests.

Despite a 7 Point Plan announced in December to reduce wait times, little improvement has been seen.

Mr. Millar has written to the Chief Executive of the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) calling for urgent action to address the excessive wait times for practical driving tests in Rhyl.

In his letter, he outlines the problems learner drivers are currently experiencing and asks what is being done to recruit more examiners and reduce wait times.

He said one constituent who has contacted him started learning to drive back in January and has been test ready since April but has not been able to secure a test in Rhyl until January next year – a whole 12 months after their 17th birthday.

In his letter to the Chief Executive, Darren Millar states: “I have been told that the Rhyl Test Centre is currently operating with just one examiner, who is only able to conduct seven tests a day. As this has been ongoing for some time, it has resulted in a backlog on people trying to secure a test.

“This issue is not only affecting employment opportunities and the ability for people to access education and essential services, but it is also causing considerable stress and inconvenience.

“It is also impacting Driving Instructors as potential new learners are not signing up for lessons because they know they are unlikely to get a test. It also means that the instructors have pupils on their books who are now only having lessons every few weeks, as they simply cannot afford to continue having weekly lessons for months on end whilst they wait for a practical test.  

“When tests do become available, I am told the booking system is often letting people down and they are missing out on tests because of lengthy security processes to get into the system and sometimes system crashes.

“Whilst I understand that the DVSA has faced operational challenges in recent years, I would appreciate clarity on what steps are being taken to recruit more examiners in Rhyl. Are there any upcoming plans to recruit or relocate additional examiners to the area? Is the DVSA reviewing examiner pay and conditions as part of a broader strategy to improve recruitment and retention? Are any interim measures being considered to deal with the backlog, such as weekend testing?

“The ability to drive empowers people with independence, access to employment and educational opportunities, and full participation in society. It is therefore vital that everything possible is done to ensure easy access to practical driving tests”.

“With such lengthy waits, there is also the concern that should the learner not pass first time, they will have to wait months to secure another test. If they are unable to pass within two years of passing their theory test, they then have the additional cost and inconvenience of sitting that again too.

“The system as it is just isn’t working here in Rhyl and it needs to be sorted as a matter of urgency.”