I wrote recently about the impending cessation of theory testing in Workington, Cumbria, and the transfer of theory testing facilities to Carlisle. Those wishing to take the theory test will now have to travel 32 miles.
It is worth noting from a map of the area that anyone who doesn’t live in Workington already has to travel – perhaps not 32 miles, but they still have to travel. In fact, for people not living in Workington, they will quite possibly have to travel almost the same distance to Carlisle that they already do to Workington.
Cumbria is not exactly the most densely populated county in England.
The News & Star – the same publication that reported on the original story – is now stirring the pot a little more. The DSA has stated quite clearly that there are no plans to stop the practical test in Workington. It has said:
There are no plans to withdraw the practical test service from Workington.
Now, if you are a driving instructor or a local MP (or a twopence ha’penny newspaper) then it is as plain as day that the DSA has stated categorically that it is planning to move practical driving tests to anywhere you want to imagine up out of thin air! Carlisle… Newcastle… Leeds… there’s no limit to what can be read in the statement “there are no plans to withdraw the practical test service from Workington”.