Learner driver in Trowbridge, Wiltshire? We’ve got word that driving test waiting times won’t be eased anytime soon L. A recent meeting between town councillors, driving instructors and DVSA officials reached boiling point as talks over a permanent Trowbridge Driving Test Centre hit an impasse. Here’s the latest!
Shorter driving test waiting times for learner drivers in Trowbridge has been on the agenda for what seems like a lifetime. Following a recent meeting between town council officials driving instructors and the DVSA’s operations manager, it would seem that the saga is currently no closer to being resolved, we’re sorry to say.
Trowbridge Town Council officials, MP Andrew Murrison and local driving instructors, met with DVSA operations manager, Rob Hill, to discuss a permanent, Trowbridge Driving Test Centre in an effort to reduce the current 15-week waiting time that learner drivers face to take their practical exam.
The existing Trowbridge Driving Test Centre, based at Longfield Community Centre, is only open two days a week. Protestors say that efforts to extend opening hours and draft in an extra examiner from the nearby Salisbury Driving Test Centre – where waiting times span 5 weeks – have been ignored.
Driving Instructors Left Irritated
Local driving instructor, Gary Fossey, said: “It is quite confusing, very frustrating and we don’t feel we are any closer to getting a permanent test centre in Trowbridge. I don’t feel that any progress has been made, in regards to a test centre or cutting down waiting times by getting people over from Salisbury.”
Meanwhile, the DVSA admitted that waiting times in Trowbridge and nearby Westbury are ‘longer than they would like.’ However, instructors attending the meeting claim that the DVSA offered no solutions on how to improve the situation, while suggestions put to them ‘fell on deaf ears.’
Mr Fossey said: “It was my understanding that in a letter received from the DVSA’s Director of Operations, Richard Hennessey, the DVSA were exploring options for a more permanent test centre provision that will meet the needs of people in and around the Trowbridge/Westbury areas.”
However, DVSA operations manager, Rob Hill said: “Richard Hennessey’s letter stated there were not many suitable routes available in Trowbridge and Westbury, therefore it is unlikely a permanent provision will be established there.”
Solution Yet to be Identified
Commenting directly on a permanent Trowbridge Driving Test Centre, Mr Hennessey said: “After looking into the provision of driving tests in rural Wiltshire, the DVSA is considering ways to improve access, but has yet to identify a solution which could bring a standardised driving test to all candidates.”
As things stand, Trowbridge remains without a permanent driving test centre and it looks like remaining that way for the foreseeable future. Watch this space!
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