Driving instructors are “ready and brimming with ideas and enthusiasm” to help save High Wycombe’s driving test centre, MP Steve Baker said today – as he brought up the issue in the House of Commons.

Mr Baker praised Transport Secretary Grant Shapps for “really grasping the issue” of saving the test centre in the town, which is set to close tomorrow.

The centre is set to be axed, just a year after it was saved from closure.

But the Wycombe MP – who took a prominent role in saving the centre last year – said it was “essential” we have driving tests in the town.

He said: “I was extremely disappointed to be informed last week about the threatened closure, once again, of High Wycombe’s Driving Test Centre.

“Having been through this before, just over a year ago, I remain determined for High Wycombe to maintain driving tests for the thousands of learner drivers in our town.

 

“It is essential we have driving tests in High Wycombe, which is why I was thrilled to help secure the lease of the test centre at Cressex Business Park since May 2021, and I am grateful my support was recognised by the Save Wycombe Driving Test Centre Campaign, High Wycombe’s driving instructors, examiners, the Bucks Free Press and local people.

“Yesterday I personally spoke with the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps about my concerns and remain hopeful that the DVSA will locate another building.”

Speaking in Parliament this morning, he added: “Can I get the ministers to pass on my sincere thanks to the secretary of state for transport for really grasping the issue of saving High Wycombe Driving Test Centre for the second time in, I think, a year.

“Can we convey to the DVSA that driving instructors in Wycombe are standing ready and brimming with ideas and enthusiasm to help the DVSA get done what the secretary of state would like, which is to find a permanent place for that test centre.”

The DVSA said they are searching for a new site and said they would get in touch with Buckinghamshire Council after a Bucks Free Press article revealed the council was “very willing” to help them find somewhere new in the town.

A DVSA spokesman said: “Unfortunately we have been served notice by our landlords at the High Wycombe driving test centre.

“We contacted affected candidates as soon as we were able to make sure their test goes ahead at the nearby centre in Slough.

“The Transport Secretary has asked DVSA to provide further advice on finding a replacement site We are now conducting a search and are looking at all options for providing tests in High Wycombe and are keeping the situation under review.

“We will keep local instructors updated on the situation. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused and will let you know more as soon as possible.”