Cannock driving test centre closing forcing learners to travel
Cannock's driving test centre is to close, it has been announced.
The DVSA confirmed the centre would close in the summer, meaning learners will have to travel further to take tests.
The move has been criticised by district council leader George Adamson, who said young people would have to pay more for travel.
People will instead have to take driving tests in either Featherstone or Lichfield.
The Cannock centre, which is based the community fire station on Old Hednesford Road, is currently open two days a week and the DVSA said the closure would deliver a "more consistent service".
It was previously earmarked for closure in 2015 to save money before a u-turn by the DVSA.
DVSA Operations Manager, John Selbey said: "The temporary driving test centre at Cannock only opens for two days a week.
"Using the nearby test centres at Featherstone and Lichfield we will be able to provide all candidates with a more consistent service, five days a week.
“Candidates can take their test at neighbouring driving test centres, which have lower waiting times than Cannock and capacity to accommodate additional test bookings.”
Councillor Adamson said: "I can’t believe that the DVSA has decided to close the driving test centre at Cannock again.
"They did this before and had to reverse the decision, now they are making the same mistake again.
"It’s all about money but what about our learners? They already have to pay about £26 an hour for their lessons.
"There are lots of new houses going up in this area so the demand for driving tests will be going up as the population increases. It makes no sense to close our test centre."
