Bala test swaps

Use this guide to plan a learner-to-learner practical driving test swap at Bala. It combines the recorded centre location around Bala and Gwynedd, current aggregate Test Swap activity, nearby alternatives and independently sourced road and DVSA data.

At a glance

Active swaps: 0
Pass rate: 61.6%
Local area: Bala and Gwynedd
Region: Wales
Postcode: LL23 7SP
Status: DVSA / GB live matching

List your test here

61.6%
DVSA pass rate: 607
tests in source period: Bala and Gwynedd
recorded local area

Source: DVSA practical car test statistics by test centre, April 2025 to March 2026, updated June 2026. Pass rates are public historic statistics, not a prediction or guarantee.

How the swap works here

List your existing booking and desired dates.
The DTC checks whether another learner wants your exact slot and you want theirs.
Both learners accept, then each calls DVSA separately on the same day. Wait for DVSA to confirm the new bookings.

Planning around Bala

The recorded address places this centre in Bala and Gwynedd. Before accepting a swap, check that your instructor can cover the new date and that the journey works for the vehicle you will use.

OpenStreetMap records Heol Pensarn (A494), Y Stryd Fawr (A494), Heol Yr Orsaf (A494), Heol Ffrydan (A4212), Heol Tegid, and Heol Plasey within roughly one mile of the centre. The mix of larger roads including Heol Pensarn (A494), Y Stryd Fawr (A494), Heol Yr Orsaf (A494), and Heol Ffrydan (A4212) with local roads such as Heol Tegid and Heol Plasey makes it sensible to practise changing speed, lane position and observation between different road types.

The surrounding mapped network includes traffic signals. Named rail stations mapped nearby include Bala (Penybont).

Road and transport context was checked against OpenStreetMap contributors on 2026-09-04. It describes the surrounding mapped area, not an official or guaranteed test route.

What the published data says about Bala

Bala recorded a 61.6% pass rate in the published period, 9.2 percentage points above the 52.4% regional figure and 11.5 points above the 50.1% figure across centres in this directory. Treat this as historic context rather than a forecast of an individual result.

First attempts: 64.8%; 352 first attempts in 2025-26
Automatic tests: 45.7%; 94 automatic tests in 2025-26
Zero-fault first tests: 13; 3.7% of first attempts
Median wait: 11.4 weeks; Published for July 2026

In July 2026, DVSA recorded 40 standard slots still available (13.1%) and 9.8 weeks to 10% or greater weekly availability. This is a historic monthly snapshot, not a live booking feed; cancellations and added capacity may appear sooner.

Where to find Bala

Unit 4Penllyn WorkshopsBalaGwyneddLL23 7SP

Open in Google Maps OpenStreetMap

Use the map to plan your arrival around LL23 and orient yourself using Heol Pensarn (A494), Y Stryd Fawr (A494), and Heol Yr Orsaf (A494). Always check your official DVSA booking confirmation before travelling, because access instructions can change.

Nearby alternatives to Bala

A different centre may offer a more suitable date, but only switch after checking travel time, instructor availability and the official booking rules.

FAQs

Are there active swaps at Bala?

No active swaps here yet. Add your test and The DTC will let you know when a compatible learner appears.

Where is Bala test centre?

Bala is recorded at Unit 4, Penllyn Workshops, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7SP. Check the address and access instructions on your official booking before travelling.

Which roads are near Bala?

Heol Pensarn (A494), Y Stryd Fawr (A494), Heol Yr Orsaf (A494), Heol Ffrydan (A4212), Heol Tegid, and Heol Plasey are mapped within roughly one mile. They are local orientation and practice context, not published DVSA test routes.

What are the published statistics for Bala?

DVSA recorded 607 car tests and a 61.6% pass rate here from April 2025 to March 2026. The published median wait in July 2026 was 11.4 weeks.

Which alternative centres are closest to Bala?

The official neighbour dataset lists Wrexham, Oswestry, and Rhyl as nearby alternatives. Distances and availability can change, so compare the official booking service before choosing.

Can The DTC complete a test swap for Bala?

No. Each learner must call DVSA separately on the same day: learner 1 requests the swap, then learner 2 calls to complete it. DVSA recommends the second call by 4pm. The DTC cannot change either booking.

Will my learner details appear publicly?

No. Public pages may show the test centre, calendar date, a broad morning, afternoon or evening availability band and whether the learner wants an earlier or later test. Exact times, identities, contact details, detailed preferences and booking references stay private.

The DTC is not DVSA, DVLA, DVA, nidirect or GOV.UK. The DTC does not change, cancel or swap tests for learners.