LEARNER drivers have been hit by news that the driving test theory centre in Basildon is to close.

The closure is part of a national cutback which also includes shutting the centre in Harlow and the BBC has reported the fears of local instructors who say that there will now be very long waits in the area.

Instructor John Fennelly said people were already facing waits of 10 weeks for a test due to Covid-related delays. "One of my pupils tried to book a theory test and can't get one for 10 weeks," he said. "It's quite devastating news."

The DVSA said the changes would create "a more even distribution" of test centres nationally.

The Essex closures will mean three test centres will remain available in the county - in Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is responsible for administering the theory and practical driving tests, said the changes were the result of a new theory test contract having been awarded to more than one company across the country.

It meant the locations of some centres nationally would change from 6 September, although the total number would increase from 180 to 202.

The DVSA said increasing the overall number of centres "will result in a more even distribution of test centre locations and will make theory tests more accessible to those in remote areas of the country".

A spokesman added no candidate should have to travel more than 40 miles in a rural area or 40 minutes in an urban one.