The closure of a Scotland driving test centre means learner drives face a 100-mile round trip to take a driving test. Following a spate of recent DVSA driving test centre closures, thousands of UK learner drivers face having to travel miles to sit a driving exam and this is the latest to hit learner drivers in rural Stirlingshire\u2026<\/p>\n
Callander driving test centre in rural Stirlingshire will close in May, leaving many learner drivers facing the prospect of having to travel an extra 14 miles to Stirling or 16 miles to Crieff. Meanwhile, learners based in Tyndrum, face a 100-mile round trip as they would have to travel 50 miles each way to take a test.<\/p>\n
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently confirmed that the Scotland driving test centre in Callander, based at the McLaren Leisure centre, will close on 23 May, 2019.<\/p>\n
Richard Senior, the DVSA\u2019s test centre manager for Stirling, said: \u201cTest routes at Stirling driving test centre mean candidates can be better tested on the new test, helping improve driving skills and making Scottish roads even safer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe temporary driving test centre at Callander only opens for one day each week. Using the nearby test centre<\/strong><\/a> at Stirling will provide all candidates with a more extensive service, six days a week,\u201d Senior added.<\/p>\n Driving tests in Callander used to take place on a Tuesday and Thursday, but Tuesday tests were scrapped in December 2018.<\/p>\n Scotland driving test centre closure a blow<\/strong><\/p>\n Driving instructors in Callander say that the news is a blow for local learner drivers. One instructor said: \u201cThe move disadvantages learner drivers in rural areas. I\u2019m hoping to persuade the DVSA to keep the test centre open.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, local instructor Grant Wallace said that he only found about the closure after spotting a flyer at the Stirling test centre based in St Ninians Road.<\/p>\n Mr Wallace said: \u201cI called the DVSA to ask why, but they couldn\u2019t give me a reason. I never thought it would happen because it\u2019s such a huge catchment area.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI take pupils in to Stirling anyway, because I feel it\u2019s an important part of learning to drive. But a lot of pupils do driving lessons during their free periods, but if they have to go to Stirling and back to do it then it doesn\u2019t give them enough time. They would either have to meet me in Stirling or start their lesson in Callander and spend at least 40 minutes travelling to and from Stirling, that\u2019s if we don\u2019t hit any traffic,\u201d Mr Wallace added.<\/p>\n Mr Wallace explained that he would have to put his lesson prices up if the Callander test centre closes because pupils would have to take double lessons.<\/p>\n Martin Earl, councillor for Trossachs and Teith, expressed his concern over the DVSA\u2019s decision to shut the test centre in Callander. He said: \u201cThis closure will really disadvantage people learning to drive from across a huge rural area and I would urge a re\u2013think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never heard of any issues with the tests taken in Callander and I cannot see a reason for this other than saving a bit of money from the one day a week it currently operates. If this closure happens the nearest testing station will be Stirling<\/strong><\/a> and people will have to have lessons in that area prior to taking a test<\/strong><\/a> there.\u201d<\/p>\n Book a test at a Scotland driving test centre<\/strong><\/p>\n Our service makes booking a theory test and practical exam easy, cost-effective and hassle free. Try us out today<\/strong><\/a> and once you\u2019ve booked, access all the resources you need to get you started on a lifetime of safe driving.<\/p>\n Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation, including Stirling. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test \u2013 Ready to take your theory test?<\/p>\n