Reading Driving Test Centre Closure Date Confirmed by the DVSA

The DVSA got notice to leave the current test center site. The owner wants to build housing there. They found a new permanent location and are currently negotiating a lease for it.

Testing ends at Elgar Road on March 22, 2025. The DVSA wanted a direct move to the new site, but the landlord requires them to leave sooner. Therefore, they will use their business continuity plan.

They will run tests from the nearby Holiday Inn. All examiners will move to that temporary site, ensuring tests continue without interruption. Testing starts there on March 24, 2025.

All examiner roles will then move again, relocating to the new, permanent site later. A spokesperson could not reveal its location yet, which is normal for commercial property deals. They will announce the permanent site later.

They plan an information session on March 10 at 6 PM, which will be at the Holiday Inn too. The DVSA wants to open the new center fast.

Rachel Newland is a driving instructor from Earley who worried about the Elgar Road center closure. It will close in Spring 2025 and be replaced by an apartment building with 16 flats.

Mrs. Newland accused the DVSA of missing targets, stating tests in Reading are down 24,000 this year. She mentioned that one of her students almost got a test in February, even though the building is closing in Spring 2025.

She thinks no one should travel far for tests and that waiting times should be short. People should not travel over seven miles or wait longer than six weeks.