Go-ahead for driving tests from Halfords

Plans to offer practical driving tests from branches of Halfords have been given the go ahead by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond.

Driving tests will be available from the Halfords store in Wellingborough from Tuesday 5 February. Other branches of Halfords across the country are expected to start offering tests in coming months. All tests will be conducted by Driving Standards Agency (DSA) examiners.

The move is part of an initiative to offer a more local service for driving test candidates. As well as using conventional test centres, DSA is working with public and private sector partners to provide driving tests in areas that don’t have a local test centre.

Stephen Hammond said: “We are very pleased to be working with Halfords to provide a more local service for driving test candidates. “This is a great example of working with private sector partners to provide an important local service that is convenient as well as being cost effective.”

Halfords Commercial Director, Paul McClenaghan, said: “Halfords is already a local destination for motorists, who come to us for a diverse range of automotive products and services. We’re always seeking new ways in which to enhance our offer, so working with the Driving Standards Agency is a natural fit for the business and extends the help we are able to provide to motorists.”

The government is currently consulting on proposals to improve the way all motoring services are delivered. The Motoring Services Strategy consultation outlines long term proposals to put customers firmly at the heart of the way motoring services are delivered, so that they best serve the consumer while getting the best possible deal for the taxpayer.