Scottish drivers the first to take tests in supermarket car parks

SCOTTISH learners drivers are to be the first in the UK to take their driving tests from supermarket car parks.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is to offer tests from the Asda stores in Arbroath and Forfar when centres in each town close later this month.

In Forfar, the examiner will have office space in the building and a designated parking bay at the side of the store. Meanwhile, in Arbroath, candidates will be asked to park in an available space and meet in the cafe.

The learners will drive from the supermarket, carry out the test as normal and park in a bay in the supermarket once they have finished to be told whether they have passed or failed.

Whatever the result, the students can then wander a few yards into the supermarket to buy a celebratory present for themselves – or pick up a leaflet to sign up for car insurance.

Driving instructors across Angus have hailed the move as a victory, as the DSA originally intended to stop provision there altogether in favour of a new centre in Dundee.

Arbroath instructor Lez Wells, who has led the fight against closures since 2010, praised the efforts of local MP Mike Weir.

He said: “It is great news for instructors and students, who can now relax and don’t have to worry about where they will be sitting their exams, or going to Dundee for their test.

“Without Mike Weir this wouldn’t have been possible.

“I was down at Asda in Arbroath first thing after I got the news, to see if there would be the possibly of getting permission for designated parking bays so we won’t have to go raking around for our students.”

While the DSA has carried out testing from hotels and leisure centres elsewhere, it is the first time supermarkets have been used, with leases on the two Angus centres due to expire at the end of this month.

There will be no charge for the use of either supermarket, as the national chain is allowing access as part of a community scheme.

Mr Weir said: “It has always been my aim to ensure that the service continued, whether or not there were dedicated offices.

“In consultation with local instructors, we had put forward various suggestions, including Asda, whom I had contacted directly to gauge their interest.

“This ensures that local candidates will not have to travel to Dundee and is the best available solution both for them and local instructors.”

UK road safety minister Mike Penning said he was delighted a local service would continue for driving test candidates in Angus.

He added: “I want us to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests to make sure that we are offering people the best service possible, wherever they live.”