DISGRUNTLED driving instructors are threatening to take drastic action in their attempt to stop a test centre from being shut down.
They are planning to take their learners to the busiest parts of Cardiff at rush hour or do a “go-slow” through the city centre to get themselves heard.
Despite admitting their protests could cause mayhem, the instructors believe they need to make test centre bosses sit up and listen.
The row is over the planned closure of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) test centre in Barry from January.
Driving teachers in the Vale say they would be forced to use the test centre in Cardiff, costing them more in time and fuel. Added costs would have to be passed on to pupils and the instructors fear this could mean a loss of trade at a time when conditions are already difficult.
Barry instructor Lyndon Davies said the drivers were discussing taking their learners to Culverhouse Cross at 4.30pm – when rush hour traffic is fast approaching its busiest.
He said: “We know it would be mayhem down there but we feel we’ve been left with few alternatives.
“Of course the last thing we want is to cause an accident, the safety of our learners is top priority.
“But if we felt we could disrupt the busiest part of Cardiff in a safe way then it is something we will look at.”
A group of instructors were meeting at the Barry Conservative Club tonight at 8pm to discuss the plans.
Vale MP John Smith and Vale AM Jane Hutt have already backed the campaign to keep the centre in Barry.
Jim Stokes, who teaches for the PAL School for Driving in Barry, added: “We are looking at a number of measures.
“We’re hoping as many instructors as possible turn up for the meeting to talk about how we go forward.
“It has got to the point where the DSA just put the phone down when we ring up.”
Barry Council has offered the DSA two possible sites for relocation but they have been rejected.
The DSA has said the Barry centre is unsuitable and inadequate, and centres in Cardiff and Bridgend have the capacity to cope with the extra workload.
A spokesman for the DSA said: “The centre at Barry does not offer the services we would wish to offer our customers and the premises do not have the benefit of off-street parking for our customers.”
Why are the DSA closing ‘local’ driving test centres & opening up fewer larger test centres? Aren’t they trying to get people to drive in an Eco-Safe way – this can’t really happen if they are being forced to travel further!! Travelling further means more traffic on the roads – again at a time when agencies are trying to get us to drive less. Mixed messages being sent out from the Government & DSA.
The driving test should be overhauled to include a new “etiquette” section to nip road rage, middle lane hogging and selfish parking in the bud, a poll has found.
Four out of five motorists would back the idea if it helped curb “sins” such as overtaking on the inside or bad parking, the study found.
There was also strong support for making all drivers retake their tests periodically to iron out bad habits.
Overall 82 per cent supported the idea of adding a motoring etiquette section to driving tests, according to the poll carried out for Intune, the car insurer.
Those who take up more than one space in the car park or cut other motorists up on the road caused most annoyance, each cited by 80 per cent of respondents asked to identify the most irritating traits in other motorists.
Road rage and hogging the middle lane of the motorway were also near the top of the list of bad habits, singled out by 77 per cent and 75 per cent of respondents respectively.
Meanwhile two thirds said they would back a change in the law to force all motorists to retake their test periodically while four out of five said those over 70 should be made to do so.
“Statistically older drivers have more accidents but they are more likely to be minor accidents,” said Mark Gettinby, director of financial services at Intune.
“Older drivers should not be stereotyped as being bad drivers as the majority are safe drivers, just as there are some younger people who are poor or dangerous drivers.
“It is important for all drivers, regardless of age, to ensure they are competent behind the wheel and keep up to date with their skills and road rules.
“Taking the time to be courteous towards other road users will also help make the roads safer for everyone.”
:: GfK NOP polled just under 1,000 drivers for the survey.
Book driving lessons in Bedford with Bedford driving school Txt-Drive. You will take the current driving test in Bedford. Txt-Drive driving instructors cover the DSA’s driving syllabus which includes many different driving subjects including parking. You will be taught where it is safe & legal to park your car. Book driving lessons with a Txt-Drive driving instructor in Bedford, call : 0800 8600 983 (FREEPHONE) or visit the website www.txt-drive-bedford.co.uk
Txt-Drive driving instructors offer the Pass Plus course. On the Pass Plus course you will cover 6 driving modules including motorway driving. You will be told how to drive correctly on the motorway, how to make progress by overtaking but also how to drive your car in a safe manner.
Free driving lessons in Bedford for you and your friends from the Bedford driving school Txt-Drive.
Introduce a friend to Txt-Drive and after they have booked five 2 hour driving lessons, you will receive a free one hour driving lesson in Bedford & your friend will also receive a free one hour driving lesson in Bedford!!
This offer is UNLIMITED so you can introduce as many friends as you like!! So you can introduce 2 friends and get 2 hours of driving lessons free or introduce 10 friends and get 10 hours of driving lessons free!!
To book a driving lesson in Bedford with Txt-Drive please call 0800 8600 983 (FREEPHONE). Or visit the websites www.txt-drive.co.uk or www.txt-drive-bedford.co.uk for more information about Bedford driving instructors, Bedford driving school and Bedford driving lessons.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news about Txt-Drive, driving lessons, driving tests, the DSA, driving schools etc by following Txt-Drive on Twitter.
One of the DSA’s videos for learners taking their Car Theory Test.
The nearest Theory Test centres to Bedford are in Milton Keynes and Luton. The pass mark for the Theory Test is 43 our of 50 and 44 out of 75 for the Hazard Perception test. You must pass BOTH tests at the same time to pass the overall test. If you fail one test you will fail the whole test.
Books & DVD’s are available to help you practise and revise for both the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test. This books and DVDs can be purchased from you Txt-Drive driving instructor. Your driving instructor will also be able to assist you with your Theory and Hazard Perception practise/revision if you require help.
