Windward residents won't have to drive across the island to take their driver's license tests beginning later this year. That's because the city just signed a lease on a new office to replace the one that closed nearly two years ago in Kane'ohe.

City Customer Services Director Jeff Coelho said the city budgeted about $300,000 for the new office, which will open by year's end with six new examiners in the Ko'olau Center, formerly known as Temple Valley Shopping Center.

That's welcome news for Kailua resident Donna Genco and her 15-year-old son, Frank. "I think it's about time," she said. "They could probably open two or three more around the island and still not have enough."

High demand for road tests means people often must wait in long lines or even camp out to try to snag one of the walk-in slots available each day at the five testing sites. Even then, there's no guarantee of getting in.

Appointments can be made at the office or online but are scheduled months in advance.

The new site, besides being more convenient for Windward residents, could help ease lines across the island.

Since June 2004, drivers from Kahuku to Waimanalo have had to drive to town or to Pearl City, Wahiawa, Wai'anae or Kapolei after the office closed at the Kane'ohe police station. The office shut down temporarily as the police station was being renovated, then permanently when the police station expanded into the space.

Genco said her son waited in a long line at the Dillingham office to take the written test and immediately signed up for a road test, six months in advance. He's got an appointment in Pearl City for August.

Coelho said the city will spend $3,068 a month for a 3,000-square-foot office next to Times Super Market. The city is seeking bids for the renovation and hopes to award the construction contract by June, he said. That would mean drivers could be getting their licenses there by November.

City Councilwoman Barbara Marshall praised the administration for finding a site for a service that was sorely missed. "I understand they looked at a bunch of different locations, and this one is fine," said Marshall, who represents Windward O'ahu.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann selected the site after looking at three locations. "We're happy to be able to bring back to the Windward side a full-service Windward driver licensing center," Hannemann said. "Driver licensing is an essential city service."

Last year the city administered 64,511 written tests and 33,943 road tests, Coelho said.

As it did last year, the city will try to ease the summer crunch with extra help beginning Monday, Coelho said. That's when six more examiners will be brought in as temporary hires to help handle the busy summer season when many students are out of school.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.