A PETITION has been launched to ensure Dunfermline has a driving test centre for years to come.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman is calling on the UK government to address the uncertainty surrounding the future of testing in the area.

He said: "The petition I have placed in the Vine Centre is a chance for driving instructors, parents, learner drivers and examiners to have their voice heard, as up to this point they have been ignored.

“Lodging a petition with a number of signatures on it will be our opportunity to send a message to the UK government that we need reassurances about the future of the centre.

“There are jobs and lives at risk here and the lack of answers we have had from the DVSA and the government means that uncertainty has only been compounded.

“We need a driving test centre in Dunfermline and it’s time for the government to recognise that - so let's send a strong message to Westminster that the long-term future of the driving test centre in Dunfermline needs to be secured.”

The Press revealed in April that the landlord of the former Pitreavie Drive test centre site had decided to pull the plug on its lease.

It left students and instructors in limbo until the Vine Centre stepped in to offer a temporary solution.

They confirmed to the Press last month that they will continue to offer their space for as long as it's required.

A permanent site is yet to be found and students have been left in tears over whether they will be able to take their driving test in Dunfermline or elsewhere on unfamiliar roads.

Frustrated instructors have previously accused the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) of failing to keep their promises.

They claim the DVSA had said they would provide three examiners, three days a week at the new premises.

However, this has not been the case and tutors are booking in their learners for their tests months in advance due to high demand and lack of examiners.

Vine management say the centre has offered the DVSA the opportunity to run exams for five days a week but this option has not been taken up so far.

The DVSA told the Press in June that they were working towards "securing long-term provision in Dunfermline."

The petition created by Mr Chapman requires to be signed in person.

It has been placed in the Vine Centre and can be signed by anyone until Friday.