An Angus driving test service will be the first in the UK to be operated 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.
Driving instructors across the county hailed the move as a victory, as the agency’s first choice had been to cease cover in Angus altogether in favour of testing at a new centre in Dundee.
Arbroath instructor Lez Wells, who has led the fight against closures since December 2010, said he is ecstatic about the decision and praised the efforts of MP Mike Weir, who backed their battle.
”It is great news for the instructors and for our 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,” Mr Wells said.
”Without Mike Weir this basically wouldn’t have been possible. We have had the best support we could have wished for.”
Mr Wells added: ”I was down at Asda in Arbroath first thing this morning after I got the news to see if there would be the possibility of getting permission for a couple of 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.
In Forfar, the examiner will have office space in the building and a designated parking bay at the side of the store, while in Arbroath candidates will be asked to park in an available space and meet in the cafe.
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 the Asda stores, 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.
”I hope the new flexible arrangements will also allow the DSA to look at providing tests in areas of Angus, such as Brechin, that have previously lost their test centres.”
UK Government Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said he was delighted a local service would continue for driving test candidates in Angus.
He added: ”We have worked very closely with the MP for Angus, Mike Weir, and with the local community on this. 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.”
The agreement in Angus reflects a wider strategy from the DSA to offer more local services for driving test candidates.
Testing will be conducted from Asda in Forfar from May 15 and in Arbroath from May 28, with both locations operating two to three days per week, in line with the current arrangements.
All tests will continue to be conducted by DSA examiners.
Robert Hallyburton, store manager at Asda Forfar, said: ”We are delighted to be able to support this strategy, which gives space for candidates to carry out their driving tests in their local area.
”Hopefully we will see many people pass with flying colours.”