Own an ATF? Host practical driving tests
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By David Wilcox
OWNERS OF authorised testing facilities (ATFs) are being invited to apply to host truck and bus practical driving tests on their premises. The DSA is seeking new driving test sites to replace those shared with Vosa test stations that have either closed or are earmarked for closure.
There are about 60 truck driving test centres in the UK, conducting an average of 45,000 LGV tests annually. As most of these centres are at Vosa test stations, the DSA has been left with gaps in its network and a shortage in capacity as and when the sites have been closed or sold.
For example, last year Vosa stations at Gloucester and Garretts Green in Birmingham, where DSA driving examiners conducted 1,000 LGV driving tests annually, were both closed. In February, Vosa is set to close its Leicester test station – a site that also houses the DSA’s driving test centre, which conducted 1,000 truck driving tests in 2011/12.
The DSA is inviting applications from ATF owners who believe they may be able to accommodate LGV and PCV practical driving tests. They will need to have an offroad hard-standing area of at least 66m x 11m, large enough to conduct the manoeuvring exercise. The DSA said: “All expressions of interest will be considered, but the DSA’s priority is areas where Vosa has made a ‘cease testing’ announcement in relation to a site shared with the DSA.” ATF owners can contact the DSA at customersites@dsa.gsi.gov.uk