A driving instructor has slammed the "shameful" decision to close High Wycombe's driving test centre, just a year after it was saved following a major campaign. 

David Jephcott, of Bill Plant Driving School in High Wycombe, said on Facebook he was "furious" at the decision to shut the Lancaster Road driving test centre after Friday, April 29. 

He urged everyone who wants to save the centre to contact Wycombe MP Steve Baker, as well as the DVSA, to share their upset at the news - the second time that learners have faced disruption in a year. 

The driving test centre used to be in Wellington Road, but in 2020 it was deemed as "not a good use of public money" so had to close. 

Fortunately, a huge campaign helped get the centre moved instead of closed, and since around May last year, tests have been operating out of Lancaster Road instead. 

Sadly, the joy at saving the centre has been shortlived, as it is now facing closure again - in less than a week's time. 

Sharing a message on Facebook, the Bill Plant High Wycombe page wrote that it was a "sad for Wycombe" as the town had been "yet again sidelined in favour of Slough and Aylesbury". 

The message, along with a screenshot of an email announcing the closure to students who had their tests booked, added: "One week's notice. Shameful that so many learners will now have higher costs in traipsing to Slough or Aylesbury. Shameful also that no instructor has actually been told!

"Those pupils with tests booked in Wycombe this month have been good enough to forward the below to us."

Bucks Free Press readers are also furious at the decision. 

Julia Paxton wrote: "Why is it always High Wycombe that have things taken away, hospital, driving test centre, so not only do people have to pay the earth for lessons they now have to find the money to go further a field to take the test. Priorities people get them sorted."

Eva Davies wrote: "This is terrible. It’s hard enough finding a driving test I’ve even put in next April and May for all areas and nothing comes up available, and now this?

"Hopefully they can sort this out and maybe use another building. So many empty places in Wycombe I’m sure."

Kaie Bee branded the decision "ridiculous". She wrote: "Driving instructors generally know the various test routes and do your lessons around those roads, to give you some familiarity to the area and make you less nervous, at least they did when I passed my test in High Wycombe many years ago! 

"The kids will not know Slough at all, and even driving in a new area with navigation from someone when you've been driving many years can be a bit anxiety inducing, never mind being examined on your driving ability!

"I get that you should be able to drive anywhere with navigation, but there's nothing wrong with driving familiar roads because the likelihood is you'll spend the majority of your time driving on familiar roads!

"I'm sure there are plenty of options in Wycombe they just aren't looking. And one week's notice is frankly unacceptable!"

Jill Rose's son is directly affected by the decision. She wrote: "Can't believe it! Booked son's test six months ago and now is being cancelled. He now has to get used to Slough or Aylesbury's roads and wait for another test to be arranged. Gutted!"

Have you been affected? Let us know - email stephanie.wareham@newsquest.co.uk and share your experience.