Learners who take their tests in the Cardiff and Bala areas have to wait the longest for driving tests, according to information obtained by Plaid AM Lindsay Whittle.
The waiting times at Cardiff’s Fairwater Centre and Bala have risen more than 50% to 7.9 weeks since 2009/10.
In contrast, L-drivers would be better heading for Lampeter where the waiting time is just 2.6 weeks while it is 3.3 weeks in Newtown.
The information from the Driving Standards Agency was supplied to the South Wales East AM under the Freedom of Information Act. There are 100 test examiners working in Wales.
Lindsay Whittle, who passed his driving test at the age of 27, said: “I asked for these figures because I was made aware that waiting times in some parts of Wales were significant.
“I know from my own experience that sitting a driving test is hugely nerve-wracking. So, it is important that learners can get a test in a reasonable time – and if they fail a test that don’t have to wait another eight weeks to re-sit.
“I’d like to see the DSA working to reduce waits for tests to four weeks which I think is acceptable and achievable. At present just four centres in Wales are under four weeks – Aberystwyth, Merthyr Tydfil, Newtown and Lampeter,” said the South Wales East AM.
He added: “Young people often need transport to find work but are hampered in their efforts by prohibitive insurance costs.”