LEARNER drivers will now be able to sit their theory tests in Colchester again.

A new test centre at Wellington House, on Butt Road, will open its doors on September 29, with online bookings having been available since August.

The Driving Standards Agency had closed its former North Station Road test centre in 2011 because it was no longer cost-effective.

Figures at the time indicated it was running under capacity and hosting fewer than 9,000 learners from a possible 30,000.

Students were faced with a costly trip to either Chelmsford or Ipswich.

Steve Reynolds, of Colchester Driving School, has been an instructor for six years.

He has welcomed the decision and said it will lead to faster lead times for tests.

He said: “For a lot of these youngsters it’s an extra expense and takes extra time in travelling but of course, it also results in longer lead times at those centres, so the process was longer for most people.

“Students could be waiting between 10 and 12 weeks for a theory test, but beforehand if you booked at Colchester, you could get a date within three weeks.

“So closing it just added to the period you had to wait.

“I’ve had pupils who were almost test ready on a practical level, but still hadn’t passed their theory test because of this issue.

“Although we were told the old centre was closing because of national government cutbacks, whenever I went in, it would seem very busy and popular.”

A further 27 theory test centres are also due to open across the country.

Lesley Young, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency chief driving examiner, said: “We are committed to providing a service which meets the needs and expectations of our customers.

“I’m pleased we’ll be able to offer customers more choice as a result of our contract extension with Pearson VUE.”