Plans to use Oxford United's car park as a motorcycle test centre have moved a step closer.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) confirmed that it had submitted an application to use the site at the Kassam Stadium, in Greater Leys, Oxford.

The agency has put on hold plans for new tests, which would have seen the existing centres in Oxford and Banbury close at the end of the month.

Learner motorcyclists would have had to travel to Swindon or Newbury to take the new test — which involves new off-road manoeuvres.

Kidlington-based instructor John Wheeler said he was encouraged by the planning application.

He said: "It is good to hear that it is developing and I hope that the proposal is accepted.

"Without a test centre in the Oxford area, my job, and that of other instructors, would have been very difficult — and local motorcyclists would find it very difficult."

However, Mr Wheeler said he felt Oxford should have been given a new test centre more than 10 years ago when the centre in Marston Road closed.

He added: "The problem is now that the cost of building such a large test centre to accommodate both cars and the new off-road testing for bikes is going to be much greater than it would 10 years ago.

"I will also be interested to see whether the Kassam Stadium will provide a permanent test centre, or whether it will be a temporary solution, in which case, the DSA will need to find a permanent solution quickly."

The city council said that the plans were out for public consultation until a week today.

The DSA said it hoped to get a decision by mid October.