Parramatta to lose driving test facility within weeks

The dreaded driving test is nerve-racking enough, but now kids will be forced to wait longer and will not be able to sit the test in their local area because the State Government is once again cutting services to Parramatta.

At the end of this month the Parramatta Motor Registry will relocate to Argyle Street but driver testing will be cut altogether because the new site isn't suitable.

Greg Shaw from the Public Service Association said cutting driver testing services from Parramatta would also mean longer waiting periods at other registries.

"Removing the driving test facilities from Parramatta is taking a vital service out of the area, and will only increase pressure on other local motor registry offices," said Mr Shaw.

"Currently people are forced to wait more than a month to sit a driving test at Parramatta and surrounding areas - the system is already stretched to breaking point."

The Public Service Association is concerned that although the RTA says they will relocate some driver testing to another location, there are no guarantees.

"Other local offices do not have the facilities to cope with a growing number of motorists and people wanting to take driving tests.

"The RTA says they will move driving test facilities to Silverwater, but that office doesn't even open on a Saturday. It's going to inconvenience so many people.

"If driving tests are not able to be carried out on weekends, how will students find time to take the test? They'll be waiting even longer," said Mr Shaw.

Motor registry officers are also disappointed in the lack of consultation there has been on the issue.

"Officers are being forced to relocate to areas they have had no real say in. The lack of consultation from the RTA has been unsatisfactory throughout the ordeal," said Mr Shaw.

The PSA understands the driving test facilities will be gone from Parramatta by July 26, 2008.