I fought against the closure of the Theory Test Centre in 2021, but the Government were adamant that an arbitrary 40 minute travel distance to Preston was good enough for Fleetwood residents. I thought this was completely unfair for learners.

And so when the DVSA announced that the Driving Test Centre was also for the chop, enough was enough. I challenged the Government and demanded the Secretary of State intervene.

Learners would be forced to pay for extra time with instructors to travel there and back, and instructors would have to raise prices to cover the extra wear and tear and fuel to cover longer journeys, along with having to take fewer learners on due to less availability risking their income – I put this clear and quite obvious point to the Transport Secretary.

I’m delighted to see that not long after my demand, the DVSA have seen sense and have now axed their plans to close the Driving Test Centre in Blackpool.

I hope this will come as excellent news for local learners and instructors, and can help to keep driving lessons affordable and more available.

Related links:

Update: Blackpool Test Centre – Government Respond to Cat

Cat challenges Government on closure of Blackpool Driving Test Centre

Latest – Closure Of Blackpool Driving Theory Test Centre

Local Theory Test Centre To Close