Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of driving test examiners in Llanelli.

As of 28 June 2022, there are 606 car practical driving tests booked at Llanelli driving test centre (DTC).

As of 27 June 2022, the average weekly waiting time for a car practical driving test at Llanelli DTC is 3 weeks. The national average weekly waiting time for car tests is 15.1 weeks.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is committed to increasing the availability of practical driving tests at Llanelli DTC by recruiting more driving examiners (DE). The latest recruitment campaign closed on 20 June and applications are being reviewed. Currently, three DEs conduct driving tests at Llanelli DTC.

To be safe and competent, learner drivers need a broad range of driving experience in different areas and on different roads. A full driving licence allows a driver to use any roads, not just those they are familiar with. Candidates can choose to also take their test at the following nearby DTCs, both of which have waiting times below the national average and offer out of hours testing:

• Carmarthen - 3 week wait as of 27 June 2022
• Swansea - 8 week wait as of 27 June 2022