Driving tests return to Barry
Driving tests will be returning to Barry as part of a trial bringing practical car tests closer to candidates.
The Barry driving test centre closed earlier this year, with tests moving to Cardiff and Bridgend, but from 5 December the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will deliver tests on a part-time basis from the Business Support Centre on Barry Waterfront.
Today’s move is part of a national trial to provide a more local service for driving test candidates. The trial offers practical car tests in selected areas across England, Scotland and Wales that do not currently have a local test centre but still have a significant demand for tests.
The aim is to provide a service for the local community and ensure that candidates are able to take their test at a convenient location.
As well as using conventional driving test centres, tests are also being delivered from other sites such as hotels, leisure centres or local authority buildings, as is the case in Barry.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
I am delighted that driving tests will be returning to Barry.
I want us to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests to make sure that we are offering people the best service possible wherever they live.
Our aim is to offer a local service that is convenient for candidates as well as being cost effective.
Testing in Barry will take place on a part time basis, initially 2 days a week, but this may change depending on the level of demand.
In addition to the trial in Barry, DSA is running trials in 6 other areas across the country. All the trials will be carefully monitored to assess any impact on levels of customer service and the cost of delivery, as well as making sure the integrity of the test is maintained.
DSA will then decide whether the trials can be rolled out on a permanent basis and extended to other areas without a local test centre where there is a significant demand, as well as suitable test routes and venues.
The trials only involve practical car tests; theory test centres are not affected.