DVA and MoT centre at Newbuildings in Derry
Mr Durkan has lobbied both Minister Mallon and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) over the past few months urging them to address the significant backlog at Altnagelvin Test Centre.
Said the Foyle MLA said: “I’ve been working over the past few months to extend capacity at Altnagelvin Test Centre.
“Following a number of complaints about the lack of practical driving test slots in the Derry area.
“I fully appreciate that all test centres across the North are experiencing significant backlogs given the impact of the COVID pandemic and I have contacted DVA on several occasions to discuss actions which they have taken to improve capacity.
“However, it is clear that Altnagelvin Test Centre is experiencing significant additional challenges.
“So much so, that many learner drivers have been forced to take their test elsewhere, travelling to Omagh and Coleraine just to secure an appointment.
“I’ve spoken with countless learner drivers who have been on the booking site morning, noon and night to no avail.
“Some of whom have missed out on job opportunities or otherwise have been hindered within their employment without a driving license.
“I subsequently wrote to Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon who has given assurances that an external recruitment drive for 16 new full-time driving examiners was underway.
“I asked that new recruits were drafted into Derry to help address the backlog and am pleased to report that a new staff member will be allocated to the test centre at the end of the month and it is envisioned that an additional examiner will be in place in the coming months.
“These measures will go a long way in building capacity, ensuring that people within the city can access driving test slots and hopefully look forward to a new-found sense of freedom on the road.”
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