Driving tests return to Girvan
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is bringing practical driving tests back to Girvan by the end of July 2011.
The driving test centre in Girvan closed earlier this year after a new multi-purpose test centre opened in Ayr. However, as part of a national trial to provide a more local service for driving test candidates, DSA plans to resume testing in Girvan from the Carrick Learning Centre.
Ayrshire is one of 7 areas across England, Scotland and Wales in which DSA intends to trial a more local approach to delivering driving tests. The trials will provide practical car tests in selected areas 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, in some areas tests could also be delivered from other venues such as local authority buildings, hotels or leisure centres.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
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 provide a local service that is both convenient for candidates and cost effective.
The trials will be 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 to other areas without a local test centre where there is a significant demand, as well as suitable test routes and venues.
The trial will only involve practical car tests, theory test centres will not be affected.