Plans for a state-of-the-art driving test centre in north Essex have been revealed.
The new site, in Clacton, would ease the backlog of pressure in Colchester, which sees learner drivers waiting 12 weeks for a test.
Students waiting double the recommended time could be transferred to the coast and take their test within four weeks.
The bigger site would be built off the Clacton by-pass at the new Brook Park retail park, replacing the Carnarvon Road site.
Sector manager for the Driving Standards Agency Graham Waite said it is always on the look-out for bigger and better test centres.
He said there are now seven examiners based at Colchester's Grange Way test centre working flat out to get through the current backlog.
The long waiting list has led to claims from the town's driving instructors that the examiners are too tough and pass-rates too low.
But Mr Waite says Colchester's 39 per cent pass-rate for the last 12 months roughly reflects the national average.
Published Wednesday July 21, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article