Press release

Basingstoke theory test centre to close

Basingstoke theory test centre will close on 31 August 2011 and will merge with the neighbouring theory test centre in Reading

This is due to surplus capacity in the area. Basingstoke theory test centre has the capacity to deliver over 20,000 tests each year, but last year conducted just over 7,000.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Chief Executive, Rosemary Thew, said:

DSA relies for income on the fees we receive from our customers so we have a duty to spend that money responsibly while maintaining a good level of service.

As the theory test centres in Basingstoke and Reading have spare capacity it is not cost effective to keep both centres running.

Theory and practical test centres are entirely separate and delivery of the practical test remains unaffected.

Published 25 May 2011