Driving tests to resume in rural Moray amid closure of local centres
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DRIVING examiners are continuing to carry out practical tests in rural areas despite the ongoing closure of many local test centres.
A driver testing site has been set up for learners in the east of Moray, the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said.
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross had contacted the agency after concerns were raised by a constituent in Keith who was told they would have to sit their test in Elgin instead. This was despite every lesson having taken place in and around Huntly.
The DVSA confirmed that the Huntly test centre remains closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, but that an alternative testing site has now been started up at Dean’s of Huntly, on Depot Road.
Mr Ross said: "I raised this issue with the DVSA because I was concerned that rural driving test centres in the north of Scotland were not conducting tests.
"People living in the Keith area, for example, mostly sit their test in Huntly.
"However, I was told that with people not able to get tests booked in Huntly due to the closure of the test centre were being told to go to Elgin instead.
"That meant additional expense for young people who are learning to drive as they would then have to take some lessons in a different town prior to their test.
"Many rural areas are also severely limited in terms of public transport options, which can make it even more challenging for learner drivers to get to and from tests or lessons.
"I asked the DVSA to look into this and make clear what contingency plans they had in place, so I am pleased to hear that tests have resumed in Huntly which will be helpful for learner drivers in the east of Moray."
