SOME driving tests have been cancelled in Newport after examiners decided to stage a two-day strike.

About nine examiners met outside the Newport driving test centre yesterday and today, in Stephenson Street, protesting against extra working hours and a new driving manoeuvre which has been brought in with the new driving test.

Damian Evans, who is branch organiser of Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and a driving examiner, said there had been “at least” 10 cancelled tests.

“We don’t want to do this but we have no choice,” said Mr Evans.

“At least 10 tests have been cancelled. But there could be more.”

Driving tests underwent a significant shake-up yesterday, with the length of independent driving being doubled to 20 minutes and new manoeuvres being introduced.

The driving examiner added that the strike is happening because of a “dangerous” new manoeuvre and other reasons.

He said: “We are here because we are being expected to travel up to an extra 90 minutes without pay. This is because of new rules.

“We are also here because the new test has brought in a new manoeuvre that needs health and safety checks.

“The new manoeuvre is pulling up on the righthand side of the road. So the driver will be pulling up on to the other side.

“We think this is dangerous because of oncoming traffic and it needs to be checked.”

He added: “It’s important that people know that we are not against the new test – the satnav part is brilliant.

But the whole pulling on to the right-hand side is putting our lives at risk with oncoming traffic, so it needs testing.”

Another examiner Noel Purcell, who lives in Cwmbran, echoed similar remarks.

“Pulling on to the righthand side, which also involves reversing, is dangerous,” said Mr Purcell.

“It could also see us doing tests outside people’s houses. I doubt they will be happy.

“There needs to be a risk assessment.”

DVSA chief driving examiner Lesley Young said the new driving test marks a “significant milestone”.

He said: “Despite PCS’s cynical and opportunistic attempt to disrupt the launch by calling strike action, 92 per cent of scheduled driving tests went ahead today.

“Thank you to our customers for their patience and understanding during this unsettling time and to our driving examiners whose commitment and dedication made the launch of the new test a resounding success.”