Opening date revealed for new permanent Blackpool driving test centre

Monday, 13 April 2026 12:08

By Central Radio News

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced the new eagerly-awaited driving test centre for Blackpool will open later this week.

The original site was closed down by the landlord on 26 May 2023 and the various businesses within it had to look for alternative accommodation.

Since then, DVSA has moved all its examiners to several temporary driving test centres to ensure no tests were lost from the town.

Now DVSA has announced that the first day of driving tests at the new site will be on Wednesday 15 April 2026. The new site will offer more tests than the old one at the point of it closing. The address for the new site is Unit 8, The Pavilions, Avroe Crescent, Blackpool, FY4 2DP.

Seven examiners will work at the new centre, with a further two in training.

DVSA’s Operational Delivery Manager, Richard Bradley, said: “DVSA has been committed to providing a long-awaited, permanent driving test centre for the town after several years of using temporary premises.

“Our new site in Blackpool will be a modern space, which will benefit instructors, examiners and learners.

“We’d like to thank local instructors and learners for their patience while we worked to open this new centre.”

The first day of testing at The Pavilions will be Wednesday 15 April. The last day of testing at South Shore Lawn Tennis Club will be Tuesday 14 April.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

St Annes paddling pool set to make a splash again after repairs funding agreed

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.
Hunt is on for temporary ‘pop-up’ home for heritage trams

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.
Major uproar at plans for 100-home development in Fylde countryside village

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.
Blackpool Council update on Adult Services progress after last year’s ‘inadequate’ CQC rating

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.
Community stewardship set to continue at Lytham Assembly Rooms

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.
Contractors working together to create new community hub in South Shore

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.
Windfarm cabling reaction and full route explained

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.
Duke brings right Royal touch to Blackpool’s Stanley Park for centenary

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.