Councillors are calling for a driving test centre in a part of Lincolnshire without one – but a driving teacher based there isn’t so sure.

Students in Gainsborough have to travel around 20 miles to either Lincoln or Scunthorpe to take their tests.

This puts young people and those without spare cash at a disadvantage, according to a councillor who represents the town.

But Martyn Cowell, who has taught students in Gainsborough for five years, says it would be difficult to establish a test centre in the town.

“Gainsborough isn’t really ideal, all the housing estates have large speed humps so you can’t test students as much,” he said.

“Students spending 35 minutes travelling to Lincoln or Scunthorpe is a pain for them, but I can’t see it working here.”

Martyn is more concerned about government proposals to introduce a minimum learning period of 100 hours before students can book their tests.

“I’ve had students with 30 hours who passed with flying colours. Another student’s been with me for four years – everyone picks it up at different speeds.

“The system is also open to fraud, I saw when I taught in London that teachers would sign off on hours which students hadn’t done.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor Lesley Rollings wants the Department for Transport to consider establishing a new training centre in the district.

A motion she’s submitted to West Lindsey District Council says: “Learner drivers from towns such as Gainsborough must pay for extended driving lessons simply to travel to and practise around these locations.

“[The lack of centres] significantly increases the cost of learning to drive and places many young people and low-income residents at a disadvantage.

“In rural communities, the ability to drive is often essential for accessing employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and further education.”

This will be discussed at the full council meeting on Monday, April 13.