Driving instructors have blasted the closure of a lorry and trailer test centre - saying it will put jobs at risk.

The LGV testing site just outside Canterbury is the only one of its kind in east Kent, offering those hoping to drive lorries and coaches or tow trailers a place to take their tests.

But The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which operates the site in Hersden, has announced it is set to shut next month.

From then, those wishing to take their tests will instead be forced to travel to either Gillingham or Hastings.

Instructor Kim McGhee, 65, has criticised the move, which he says could force him to close his business.

He runs Kent Trailer Training Ltd, a firm specialising in helping drivers to gain towing licences, with his wife Teresa.

Mr McGhee, from Reculver, said: “The DVSA said you can use the alternative test centre at ‘nearby’ Hastings, and Gillingham. But neither of them are nearby.

“I’m not going to Hastings - it would not be cost effective to do that.

“I’m now having to do a cost/benefit analysis of whether it would be viable for me to do tests in Medway.

“After all, you don’t just go there for the test. During lessons, instructors also take pupils to the area where they’re going to take the test several times.

“My business may or may not continue.”

Mr McGhee says the closure will have an impact on work opportunities across the area.

“The people that will be affected by this are those who want to drive a lorry for a living; those who want to drive an ambulance,” he said.

The DVSA says the Hersden site will be closing on November 20.

Director of Operations, Richard Hennessey said: “It is important we provide customers with a value-for-money service.

“This current site is a part-time centre and only opens three days a week, providing limited test slots of around 11 tests per week.”

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