DRIVING instructors have written to Stormont voicing concern that learners cannot take their test locally as their nearest centre is being used as a Covid-19 testing facility.
The first driving tests since lockdown begin today, but the Craigavon test centre will continue to be unavailable due to coronavirus testing.
A group of more than 30 driving instructors said that while they understand the importance of a central Covid-19 testing centre, the decision was "unnecessary and ill-considered".
In a letter to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), they said it would have a "significant detrimental impact upon both learners and instructors in the area".
They said learner drivers will either have to look for an instructor closer to an open test centre, or instructors will have to conduct lessons "18 to 20 miles away" from their usual area – limiting the number of lessons and increasing costs.
The instructors urged the department to revisit the decision, "otherwise jobs will be lost and businesses will close".
They have ideas for possible "workarounds" to allow the driving test centre to reopen and "would welcome inclusion in a consultation process".
Driving tests will re-commence from today for critical workers, with general booking of driving tests expected to begin from November.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart and Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd have urged infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon to revisit the matter.
DfI did not provide a comment within the time frame requested.
A Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) information booklet circulated recently said they "understand the significant challenges" faced by instructors.
They said the Craigavon test centre would continue to provide Covid-19 testing "and will not be available for driver testing", but added: "We will update you when this position changes."
