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Green light for driving tests at Halfords in Rutherglen

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Plans to offer practical driving tests from the Halfords store in Rutherglen were given the go ahead today by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond.

Driving tests will be available from the store every Tuesday and Wednesday from Tuesday 7 May. 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.

Practical driving tests are already available from the Halfords store in Wellingborough and more branches are expected to start offering tests in coming months.

DSA is also looking at working with the fire service and universities.

Nottingham Trent University started offering tests earlier this month and tests will be available from Salford fire station in Greater Manchester next month.

Road Safety Minister 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 recently consulted on proposals to improve the way all motoring services are delivered. The Motoring Services Strategy consultation outlined 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. The government’s response to the consultation is due to be published in the summer.