Motorcycle groups have welcomed a decision to delay the closure of test centres for learner riders.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, test centres in Oxford and Banbury had been set to close on September 29. It meant learner riders would have been forced to travel to Swindon or Newbury to take new tests, which involve off-road testing — something that could not be done at Oxford or Banbury.

Instructors and groups feared the closure of the centres would lead to more people riding illegally on the roads, and lobbied Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

However, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has confirmed it has pushed back the introduction of the new test to March 2009 — allowing more time to find alternative test locations in Oxfordshire.

Welcoming the news was Dave Grover, an instructor for Oxford-based Quickstart DA.

He said: "I always felt the timing of the test centre closures was bad and I am glad they have seen sense.

"This would have seen learner riders having to travel along busy roads in bad weather conditions over the winter months, to take their tests in areas they had little or no experience of riding in.

DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew said the organisation had listened to riders' concerns. She said: "Increasing road safety for motorcyclists has always been a top priority and it remains so."