Caithness learner drivers ‘have to go to Orkney’ for driving test

Learner drivers in Caithness are going as far as Skye and Orkney to sit their tests because of difficulties in getting a slot in their home area.

Disquiet about the length of waits some are facing was raised at a meeting of community representatives on Wednesday evening.

Thurso Community Council chairwoman Thelma Mackenzie said: "There seems to be very long intervals between visiting instructors coming up here.

"It has meant people are having to go to the likes of Golspie, Inverness, Skye and even Orkney."

She said it puts extra onus on the learners having to sit their tests on an unfamiliar route.

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The concern was raised at the latest meeting of the Association of Caithness Community Councils, which was attended by far north MSP Maree Todd.

Ms Todd said that, while it is a reserved issue, she would look into it.

Thurso driving instructor Geof Wallis said: "The feedback I get is that sometimes it can be very difficult to book a slot locally.

"I know people who have gone to Golspie and Orkney to sit their test."

Mr Wallis, who has run Geoff's Driving School for two years, added: "One of my pupils has said they can't get anything until after Christmas."

He reckoned people face a two to three month wait to get a slot in Thurso.

"It is frustrating but it seems the whole of the country is in the same predicament."

Mr Wallis advised people to go on the cancellation list if they are facing a lengthy wait.

Gary Sinclair, who operates Gary's Driving School in Wick, said the testing regime changed when Caithness lost its resident examiner in the early 2010s. Since then, the service to the Highlands and Islands has been provided by half-a-dozen examiners based in Inverness.

Mr Sinclair said examiners would come to outlying test centres like Wick only when all the available slots are taken up.

"They are trying their best but they have a huge area to cover," Mr Sinclair said.

He estimated the average wait in Wick is between six and eight weeks.

He knows people who have taken tests outwith the county.

"A few weeks ago, I had a guy who went to Kirkwall."

A Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) spokesperson said: “DVSA monitors test demand in Thurso and Wick to ensure there is adequate test availability for local candidates.

“We also work with local driving instructors to understand how many candidates are waiting for a test.

“Both towns are supported by examiners who are based at Inverness Driving Test Centre (DTC).”

The spokesperson added that driving examiners visit Thurso and Wick on a monthly basis – two days at Thurso and three days at Wick – with increased provision in times of higher demand and in the summer.

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