Wednesday 16 October 2013
Media enquiry from Emma Pinch, Alderney Journal:
I've been told by our local driving instructor that the Traffic dept has sent an email to our States informing them that the test examiner from Guernsey will now only come over to test candidates when there are five ready to take the exam. Before the threshold number was three apparently. Could you check that out for me please and get some info on why the change is being made and also tell me when his next dates are?
Environment Department response:
The Environment Department is responsible for providing both theory and practical tests in Alderney. The cost of sending an examiner to conduct practical driving tests in Alderney is relatively expensive and, therefore, in these more challenging times it is necessary for the Department to maximise the overall benefit that can be achieved through these visits.
Throughout 2013 the Department has scheduled visits to Alderney every other month (as opposed to monthly) and, by and large, this has worked fairly well. In the past there have been as few as one or two candidates per visit but so far during 2013 we have averaged three candidates per visit.
Whilst the Department has recently advised the States of Alderney office that the ideal number of test slots that should be filled to justify a visit is five, the Department will ensure that visits continue to be undertaken every eight weeks, unless demand drops significantly below this requirement in the quieter winter months. It should also be noted that LGV and PCV tests cover two slots and that on such occasions only three other tests would be required to meet the ideal requirement for a visit.
In the event that a particular candidate was left waiting for a test for an extended period, then the Department would consider scheduling an additional visit. It should also be pointed out that Alderney residents are able to take their practical or theory tests here in Guernsey, which may well suit a number of potential candidates who are currently being educated in Guernsey or working here for protracted periods of time.
The most recent visit to Alderney by the Driving Examiner to undertake practical driving tests was on 25th September and the next visit is scheduled for 6th November.
ENDS
