DVSA put the brakes on resort theory test centre bookings

Learner drivers will have to take their theory test in Preston or Liverpool from September, OTS News can confirm.

The local theory test centre on Leicester Street, managed by Pearson Vue in Gordon House, will no longer offer theory tests for begginers or HGV drivers from the end of August.

The move comes as part of a DVSA reshuffle over how test centres are operated. The overall number of test centres nationwide will increase to 202, but Southport’s Gordon House will no longer offer tests.

The DVSA said: “We are changing the way the theory test is provided in England, Scotland and Wales. From 6 September, the number of theory test centres in Great Britain will increase from 180 to 202 and many theory test centres will move location.

“A new booking system will launch at www.gov.uk/book-theory-test on 19 July, with tests available from 6 September onwards. ADI part 1 and DVSA enhanced rider scheme trainer theory tests will be available to book at www.gov.uk/book-your-instructor-theory-test.

“Tests on or before 3 September can still be booked, where available, on the current booking system on GOV.UK.

“Practical test centre locations are not affected by the changes we are making to our theory test centre network.

“Unfortunately, some changes to theory test centre locations will not be confirmed by the time we open the new booking system on 19 July. We will add these test centres to the booking system as soon as the addresses and opening dates are confirmed.

“Candidates who want to book a theory test before their closest theory test centre opens can use ‘find your nearest theory test centre’ on GOV.UK to find the nearest alternative centre. We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

“We will update the ‘find your nearest theory test centre’ service on GOV.UK when the new booking system goes live on 19 July.

“The theory test is not changing. From 6 September the theory test will look slightly different on screen but the structure and content of the test itself will not change.

“By managing the service ‘in-house’ DVSA can update and improve questions and clips more quickly when we need to make changes.”