It's an 'L' of a trial for test drivers

Taking a HGV test in South Staffordshire is proving one 'L' of an inconvenience for learner drivers.

They are being driven round the U-bend by locked toilets at the test centre in Cat and Kittens Lane, Featherstone.

The toilets have been locked because of vandalism.

HGV instructor Mr John Rock aged 64 from Halesowen said: "This is absolutely ridiculous. Pupils are nervous and the first thing they say when we arrive is 'can I use the toilet?'

"They are already stressed over sitting the test and it just adds to their discomfort when they discover that there is no loo for them.

The Driver Standards Agency(DSA) rents office space from the Government's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) that operates on the site.

Instructors say VOSA staff allow DSA examiners to use toilets elsewhere in the building but draw the line at instructors and their pupils.

VOSA spokeswoman Rachel Hicks said: "Unfortunately there has been an ongoing problem with vandalism to the toilets over the past 12 months. Plans for an interim solution are currently being discussed."