The DVSA has announced that dozens of driving theory test centres will be relocated later this year as part of a huge shake up. The driving theory test centre relocations will coincide with changes to the way theory tests are managed. Here’s what we know and what it means for theory test candidates.
When will Driving Theory Test Centre Relocations Start?
The DVSA has announced that a new company is being brought in to manage theory tests from September. It’s expected that driving theory test centre relocations will start just before the new company takes over the management of test administration.
Changes to the way theory tests are managed are expected to affect large parts of the UK – including:
- The North East and North West of England
- The East Midlands
- The East of England
- London
- Yorkshire
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
Theory Test Management Split
The administration of the UK theory test has long been overseen by Pearson Vue. However, the DVSA has announced that management of the theory test will now be split between Pearson Vue and new company, Reed in Partnership.
We understand that the shared management will split test delivery into three geographical locations.
Reed in Partnership will assume management of theory tests in two locations, leaving Pearson Vue to oversee test administration in Wales, the West Midlands, the South East and South West of England.
Each company will be responsible for the day to day management of theory tests in their geographical region. This includes managing staff, computer hardware, online booking systems and customer service.
The DVSA has insisted that the changes will not affect the experience of most people sitting the theory test.
However, it did say that many driving theory test centre relocations will occur as a result of the shakeup. There are currently 160 theory test centres operating across the UK.
The DVSA said: “The changes will not affect the typical candidate experience or the content of the test (but it may look and feel slightly different). Because the contract to operate the theory test centres has been awarded to more than one company, the location of many theory test centres will change.”
More Information to Follow on Theory Test Centre Relocations
The DVSA is set to release more details on driving theory test centre relocations closer to Reed in Partnership coming on board in September.
In recent years, the DVSA has closed many of its theory and practical test centres in a bid to cut costs, leaving many learner drivers having to travel great distances to attend a theory test or practical test appointment.
The DVSA has said that the upcoming changes will not affect practical driving tests or test centres.
Book Your Driving Theory Test With Us
Book Theory Test Today will keep you updated on driving theory test centre relocations as they happen – stay tuned to our blog. In the meantime, you can still book your theory test using our online system for any test centre in the UK.
Booking with us means that you benefit from our pass protection scheme, save time and money and have unlimited access to our online resources. Try our service today!
