THE opportunity to take driving tests in Westbury is set to continue, after the first successful months of a trial.
Last December, a part-time trial facility was set up at Leighton Recreation Centre, which was welcomed by learner drivers and their instructors who previously had to travel to Chippenham to take the test. Now the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has told the White Horse News, “The trial has been successful and we intend to continue offering driving tests in Westbury.
“We will continue to monitor demand to ensure we’re providing the right number of tests for the local community.”
Westbury driving instructor Roy Hayward, of RH Driving, says the news will be welcomed by both instructors and students. “It’s not just good for Westbury, it’s the entire local area,” he said. “It’s much more accessible, and you can use the time much more effectively than if you’re travelling to Chippenham or further afield.”
The facility operates from Leighton Recreation Centre two days a week. Initially one examiner operated from the site, but after the success of the first weeks of the trial, this was increased to two examiners.
The facility in Westbury was set up as part of a trial exploring delivering tests from sites other than conventional driving test centres, with a similar scheme being run from the Longfield Community Centre in Trowbridge.Driving instructors estimate that this reduces the cost of learning to drive in Westbury, Trowbridge, Frome, and Warminster by £200-£400, compared to travelling to Chippenham as was previously required.