State Looks To Close Testing Centers

Pinching pennies by the state could come at a cost to your convenience.  The Department of Public Safety is poised to shut down nearly half of its testing centers statewide because of budget problems.

Of the 59 testing sites, the state has 27 slated to close.  That includes facilities in Claremore, Sapulpa, Sand Springs, Pryor and Vinita.  Several testing sites are already temporarily closed, mostly in rural communities.

"I think many members of the House just simply don't think this is what's going to happen, but with a standstill budget, DPS doesn't have the ability any longer to rob Peter to pay Paul," said Senator Kenneth Corn from Poteau.

Senator Corn wants to raise driver license fees to fill the gap, but his legislation keeps hitting roadblocks in the legislature.