New Derby driving test centre approved

Planning permission has been approved for a new driving test centre at Chatsworth House, Aspen Drive in Derby (Prime Business Centre). Image by Google Maps.

A new driving test centre for Derby has been approved to help cut waiting times for learner drivers and resolve “significant challenges”.

Council bosses have approved plans for a new centre to be located at Chatsworth House at Aspen Drive, Raynesway.

The approval comes at a time when learners across the UK are reportedly having to wait as long as five months (20 weeks) for a practical test.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has made changes to the driving test booking system, meaning only learner drivers themselves can book a test.

But despite this, eager learners are still having to wait months for their test date – depending on the demand where they live.

Earlier this year, the DVSA submitted plans for a new test centre in Derby.

It asked for planning permission to change the use of the ground floors of Chatsworth House – within the Prime Business Centre – from office space to a driving test centre.

The Government agency body said the current test centre in Derby on Quintin Road in Alvaston has “reached the end of its operational life and is no longer fit for purpose.”

The DVSA said the building’s limitations “now present operational inefficiencies and risk service disruption”.

A letter to the council from DVSA states: “The site at Suites 4,5 & 6 Chatsworth House, Raynesway, Derby, has been identified as the preferred solution.

“It provides adequate internal accommodation for enforcement and driver operations, appropriate parking and direct access to established test routes. These factors ensure operational continuity with minimal transition risk.

“Relocation to this site will support the DVSA’s ability to deliver consistent, high quality car driving tests, safeguard local testing capacity, and meet ongoing customer demand without interruption.”

The DVSA says driving tests will start and finish on the Raynesway site and could take place during weekends.

However, it is not yet clear when the new test centre will open. The DVSA has been approached for comment.

Planning permission was officially granted on September 15th.

A Derby City Council decision notice reads: “In dealing with this application the city council has worked with the applicant / agent in a positive and proactive manner and, whilst no amendments to the scheme were necessary in this case, it has been determined in a positive fashion.”