LEARNERS in Mid Cheshire are facing a near four-month wait to get a driving test – with data revealing some of the longest delays have been at the Northwich Test Centre.
According to figures from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the wait between booking a test and taking it is on average 15.42 weeks.
The data also found Northwich Test Centre, in Felix Road, was 'fully booked' in October, meaning the wait was longer than 24 weeks – the cut off point for accepting new bookings.
The Covid pandemic has created a backlog of learners looking to take their test and the DVSA has said it has recruited almost 500 new examiners in order to tackle the issue.
But things could get worse before they get better for learners as some driving examiners have announced this week the will be taking part in six weeks of rolling strike action, beginning on Tuesday, December 13.
Gerry Bucke, general manager of Adrian Flux – the specialis motor insurance brokers which obtained the DVSA data through a freedom of information (FOI) request – said: "It’s clear the backlog caused by various coronavirus lockdowns which began in March 2020 is continuing to cause frustrating delays for young drivers."
Commenting on the industrial action, James Armstrong, CEO at insurer Veygo, added: "These strikes will no doubt be another knock for learners, especially ahead of Christmas, when they might have hoped to have the freedom to hop in their car and visit friends and family.
"We would urge learners not to be disheartened, and to make the most of any extra time to get in some more private practice, so that when they do take their test, they have a higher chance of passing first time."
The hold-ups are forcing thousands of teenagers to take extra lessons to stay sharp ahead of tackling their practical exam.
And as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, Adrian Flux has seen more policies taken out by learners on cars belonging to a parent as many now choose to get extra practice by getting behind the wheel of their parents’ car instead of their instructor's vehicles.
DVSA chief executive, Loveday Ryder, said: "Following the pandemic, we know many learners have waited a long time to take their driving test, so alongside other measures we’ve recruited almost 500 examiners and are currently recruiting more to help tackle the extended waiting times.
"Learners should only take their driving test if they are completely ready to pass.
"We strongly urge learners to use our ‘Ready to Pass? Checklist’, and to make sure they’ve had enough lessons so they can drive safely and are ready to pass their test first time."
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