A temporary driving test centre will be opened in a Moray town to cut the backlog of assessments that has built up while its permanent base remaining out of bounds.
Student drivers from Buckie eager to secure their licence have until now been assessed behind the wheel from the local fire station.
However, the centre has remained closed to learners following the resumption of tests nationally earlier this month in an effort to protect emergency service workers from Covid-19.
Now it has been confirmed a temporary base will be set up at Buckie swimming pool next month to allow assessments to resume once more.
Bill Addison, who runs his own driving school in the town, has only been able to secure two bookings at the Elgin test centre since it opened again on September 14 due to the backlog of learners.
The instructor has revealed some students have had up to five tests cancelled during the coronavirus lockdown, while others have moved away without being able to secure their licence.
Mr Addison said: “It’s been difficult to get tests booked in Elgin because there’s the extra demand there due to the wait and then also the added pressure from people from Buckie.
“It also means that the people I’ve been teaching are having to do their tests on unfamiliar roads, which makes it a bit more difficult for them.
“The virus has put everyone back months already – some of my learners have gone away to university and I’ve been teaching care workers who could have really done with their licence at this time.”
Driving lessons are currently allowed to take place as long as both the student and instructor wear face coverings and the rear windows are lowered to improve ventilation.
Investigations to establish a temporary test centre in Buckie began after Mr Addison raised concerns the town was not even showing on the DVSA’s website as a place where assessments were undertaken.
A Moray Council spokeswoman said the additional arrangements being put in place would allow the resumption of tests in the town.
She said: “We understand that examiners are required to wash their hands in between tests and we’re able to accommodate that request for access to facilities at Buckie swimming pool.
“The DVSA has advised they expect tests to resume in Buckie, where they run tests two days a week, in October.
“Subject to any changes in government legislation or guidance, we’re happy to accommodate this to allow testing to resume in the area.”