The Lennox Herald reports that driving instructors in Dumbarton engaged in a protest convoy on Monday because the Dumbarton Test Centre might be closed down. It seems to be the latest fad up in Scotland: protesting about test centre closures.
Just for the record, if Dumbarton does close then tests will be conducted out of Anniesland, Glasgow. Dumbarton is a phenomenal 10 miles away from the Anniesland centre. At least the Cumnock one was nearly 20 miles. Well, 16 anyway.
Incidentally, the Dumbarton postal address goes “c/o The Benefits Agency”, so you get an idea of what the physical set up must be. The Anniesland one has its own shopfront (well, two neighbouring shopfronts).
In actual fact, the DSA lease ran out on its previous premises and it is not taking bookings until new premises are found. The DSA said:
DSA plans to continue to provide driving tests in Dumbarton. There are no plans to transfer testing provision to Anniesland or elsewhere.
Testing in Dumbarton has been operating three days a week on a trial basis, but this will be reviewed and can be increased if there is sufficient demand for more days.
Candidates can still book tests slots in Dumbarton for the days when testing is taking place.
So it appears to be a protest over nothing. However, simple black and white factual statements like this never bothered ADIs before, so why start now? Various instructors have said:
We can’t let the crack widen… It’s going to take pressure from us and the public to get the Dumbarton test centre secured.
As I work part-time I don’t know if it would be a viable option to travel to Anniesland.
It’s going to mean double lessons all the time for learners in order to cover travel. With fuel prices increasing as well, all these rising costs are going to be passed on to pupils.
As far as I’m concerned just now it’s shut.
It speaks for itself, doesn’t it?