BASINGSTOKE'S driving test centre was closed this morning (January 9) as examiners across the country have gone on strike over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

According to GOV.UK it is expected that some driving tests may be affected by the strike action from Wednesday, January 4 until Tuesday, January 10. 

Strike action is being carried out by workers at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, including driving examiners, staff in the call centre, driving instructor examiners and local driving test managers. 

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The PCS, which represents workers employed by several British government departments, is calling for a 10 per cent pay rise, better pensions, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.

The Gazette visited the test centre in Basingstoke on Sullivan Road in Brighton Hill on Monday, January 9 to find it closed with not a driving instructor in sight.

The centre has placed a sign outside, it reads: "Industrial action may affect services at some test centres from December 13. If a test does not go ahead, we will let you know and we will automatically reschedule your test.

"You do not need to do anything. If your test was booked through a third party, it's their responsibility to keep you informed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The government said the union's demands were "unaffordable".

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Driving centres faced huge backlogs as a consequence of the pandemic. In August, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said there were more than 500,000 learners waiting for their driving test.

The industrial action comes as part of another wave of strikes across the country alongside paramedics and technicians, nurses, Royal Mail workers, Border Force staff and rail workers. Strike action by driving examiners, ADI examiners and local driving test managers began in Scotland and northern England on December 13 and has now reached the Midlands and Eastern England.

The DVSA said the strikes will not impact theory tests and tests will automatically be re-booked if they are cancelled, with residents not having to take any action.