NEW DRIVING TEST CENTRE FOR SOUTHEND
James Duddridge MP, David Amess MP and Mark Francois MP actively campaigned to prevent the closure of Southend Driving Test Centre in 2008. The campaign included letters to Ministers, the Driving Standards Agency, a petition with 3000 signatures supporting the campaign, Written Questions and an adjournment debate was held. However, despite the best efforts of residents and Parliamentarians the Driving Test Centre was closed in 2008.
The closure of the Test Centre has, as expected, caused implications for learner drivers and driving instructors. When James was informed of a pilot scheme, which is in operation at various locations within the UK that provides driving tests within the community, James wrote to the Minister and also the Driving Standards Agency requesting that Southend is added onto the scheme.
The Minister visited Rochford and Southend East in January and met with local driving instructors, councillors, MP’s and council officers to discuss the possibility of adding Southend to the scheme.
James received a letter from the Minister yesterday confirming that Southend will be added to the pilot scheme and learner drivers will be able to take their tests in Southend from the 17th May 2012.
James said
“I am absolutely delighted that Southend has been added onto the pilot scheme delivering driving tests within the community.
All the hard work and dedication from everyone has paid off. I would like to thank all involved. The Driving Test Centre is fantastic news for learner drivers not just from Rochford and Southend East but also the surrounding areas.
I hope that on the 17th May, the first test that is taken from the new centre will be a pass for the student, however, I don’t want to apply any pressure!
