Driving test wait confirmed up to 24-weeks in Wrexham

Learner drivers in Wrexham and across the UK are facing growing delays in securing driving test appointments — with the situation described as worsening nationwide.

According to an update from the AA Driving School, a staggering 81% of driving test centres in Britain are now experiencing the maximum allowed waiting time of 24 weeks. This marks a sharp rise compared to earlier in the year, when wait times were shorter. The national average wait has now reached 22 weeks, pushing many learner drivers to seek out cancellation slots or turn to unofficial means, including black market test bookings, often at inflated prices.

A list compiled by the AA has identified 258 locations in Britain where wait times are at their maximum, including Wrexham and nearby Chester. Both areas are experiencing the full 24-week delay, causing concern among learners and instructors.

Driving instructors in the region have voiced serious concerns about how these long delays are impacting their students. Karl Marley from Karl’s Driving School in Wrexham said the situation is placing significant stress on learners.

“From my experience, the 24-week waiting time is having a real impact,” he explained. “It puts extra pressure on learners, especially knowing that if they fail, they’ll have to wait months for another chance. Many are also facing financial strain because they need extra lessons just to remain test-ready. It’s a tough situation for both learners and instructors.”

Chris Windram from New Driver Academy in Rossett echoed similar concerns, saying the availability of driving tests is at an all-time low.

“We are currently facing an unprecedented time when it comes to test availability, which is why we, as instructors, are doing our best to ensure students are fully prepared before going in,” he said. “The pressure is immense – if a learner fails, they’re back to square one and looking at another 24-week wait. While the DVLA is making efforts, perhaps not all are effective, but we’re hoping for positive changes soon.”

Some learners have shared their personal experiences of navigating the long waiting periods. Sam Bryan, who booked her test in December, had to wait until May for her first attempt. After failing, her retest was scheduled for September. However, she managed to get a cancellation slot and passed her test last week.

“Waiting for a test when you're ready is crazy,” she said. “You're also at risk of your theory certificate expiring.”

Another learner, Kiera Roberts, recently passed her test after using the 'Testi' app, which alerts users about last-minute test cancellations in their area.

“Otherwise, my test would have been in October,” she said.

Emma Bush, Managing Director of AA Driving School, acknowledged the severity of the problem.

“With the vast majority of driving test centres now showing waits at the system’s maximum, it’s clear the situation can’t get much worse,” she stated. “New measures were introduced by the DVSA in April to address this backlog. There are early signs of recovery, but both the industry and learners are still waiting anxiously to see real improvements.”

She added that while any new strategies will take time to show results, it remains deeply frustrating that learner drivers are still struggling to access fair and timely testing.

DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder also addressed the concerns, saying the organisation is committed to making the driving test booking process easier and more equitable.

“We are making progress,” Ryder said. “We’re grateful to everyone who participated in our recent consultation — learners, parents, and instructors. We’re currently reviewing the responses and using that feedback to shape the next steps in improving the test booking system.”

Despite these efforts, learner drivers and instructors continue to grapple with long waits and uncertainty, hoping for a more efficient and accessible system in the near future.