Driving tests return to Louth
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is bringing practical driving tests back to Louth.
DSA has reached an agreement to deliver tests from the town’s Meridian Leisure Centre.
The former driving test centre in Louth closed earlier this year. However, as part of a national trial to provide a more local service for driving test candidates, DSA will be delivering tests from the Meridian Leisure Centre on Wood Lane from 6 July.
The trial will provide 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 will also be delivered from other venues such as local authority buildings, hotels or leisure centres, as is the case in Louth.
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 more 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 trials will only involve practical car tests; theory test centres will not be affected.