Vine will be new driving test centre – but only three days a week

The Garvock Hill venue stepped in to save the day but has been told it'll only be needed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

After weeks of uncertainty, the Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed that they will be moving their Dunfermline test centre and will start at the Vine on Monday, June 3.

They leave their current premises in Pitreavie Drive on Friday, May 31, and a statement confirmed: "Candidates with tests booked at the current site after May 31 will be emailed and their tests re-booked at the Vine Conference Centre."

There was already strong criticism of the DVSA from angry West Fife instructors and learner drivers for allowing it to get to the point where the lease was up and they had no new premises or an extension secured, and they were fortunate that Tim Thomson at the Vine Conference Centre stepped in to offer a solution.

Up until then, it had looked likely that tests would have to be carried out in Kirkcaldy while an alternative test centre in Dunfermline was sought.

Mr Thomson, the conference centre manager, said they were happy for the arrangement to become permanent.

He explained: "I saw the story in the Dunfermline Press and there was quite an outcry about it.

"So I contacted the DVSA and said we have a venue that's available if you're willing to talk to us.

"That's how it happened. They came and checked it out and said it was perfect for them."

He added: "It's only going to be three days a week though, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, which we only just found out.

"I'm not sure why that is, the centre is available on Thursdays and Fridays too.

"At the moment, that's all I know."

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman spoke about the test centre problems at Westminster last week.

He said: “I had already written to the DVSA and the Secretary of State for Transport, and I raised the issue on the floor of the House of Commons.

"While I am delighted that an alternative venue has been found, we know this is only temporary and Dunfermline and West Fife needs and deserves a permanent driving test centre dedicated to the needs of future learner drivers, driving schools and to drive up competency standards to reduce accidents on our roads.

“Can I thank the team at the Vine Conference Centre for stepping into the breach at the last minute and for providing the facilities required, and to the DVSA, who I hope will continue their search for a permanent test centre in Dunfermline.”

Yesterday (Wednesday), a spokesperson for the DVSA was unsure why there would only be testing in Dunfermline for three days a week.

And they could not clarify whether the test centre at the Vine was a temporary or permanent arrangement.

The Press asked for these points to be addressed but had not heard back before we went to print.

The confusion and uncertainty has already had an impact on local driving instructors, some of whom reported a drop in bookings, and they held a meeting in Townhill last night.