LEARNER drivers can now take their tests in Southend for the first time in four years.

The new temporary exam centre, based in the council-owned Tickfield Centre on Tickfield Avenue, opened its doors yesterday.

The first pair to take their tests set off at about 8.15am.

Emma Hall, 33, and Angel Manjoro, 18, were even given a lucky bunch of flowers beforehand – and they seemed to work as both passed with flying colours.

Emma received just four minors while Angel had five.

The centre marks success for the Southend and District Driving Instructors Association which has been campaigning for a test facility in Southend since the Prittlewell Chase site closed in 2008.

Chairman Tony Myhill said: “It is giving the people of Southend a vital service, and it’s going to save the driving instructors fuel and time.

“It is sensible because now people are taking their tests on the streets they are normally going to use. Southend is so much more challenging than Basildon. We have roundabouts, slow roads, fast roads and one-way streets, so new drivers need to get used to that.”

The new centre offers 28 test slots each week, with two examiners drafted in to work on Mondays and Fridays.

The DVLA has currently taken Southend off its booking system to ease the three-month waiting list which has already materialised in Southend. The hefty wait could soon lead to the Government introducing even more test days in the town.

Prior to its closure the permanent Prittlewell Chase centre employed eight full-time examiners, and Mr Myhill is optimistic the town will once again have a full-time centre.

He said: “We’re hoping this will lead the way for something more permanent and the longer it stays full up the more of a chance we have. It is the first step in a long challenge we are pleased that we have got this far.”

Instructor John Ashton will travel to London later this week to meet with Roads Minister Mike Penning and discuss future plans for the town.

He said: “It is brilliant news and just proves the test centre should never have been closed in the first place. We now need to carry on campaigning to get a more permanent centre in Southend.”