The search for a site to build a new driving test centre has switched from Oxford to Kidlington.

For almost six years the existing centre has been operating from a temporary site in James Wolfe Road, Cowley, after the original location in Marston Road, Oxford, closed in November 2000.

Experts say the situation in a cul-de-sac is far from ideal as residents have to deal with large numbers of learner drivers every day.

Now the Driving Standards Agency wants to build a new multi-purpose centre in Kidlington that will incorporate car, motorcycle and light truck testing. It has instructed commercial property agents Lambert Smith Hampton to find a site.

But the need to have up to four acres of land to incorporate the new motorcycle test, which will involve challenging off-road test manoeuvres before general on-road assessments, could prove a sticking point.

Val Clarke, secretary of the Oxfordshire Driving Instructors Association, said: "Because the sites need a minimum requirement of 2.5 acres, it is hard to find anything suitable. I understand the Kidlington area is being looked at but nothing has been found yet."

The Government has said up to 70 new centres have to be in place nationally by 2008.

It is intended that most candidates should be able to reach their nearest test centre within 30 to 45 minutes travel time, travelling no more than 20 miles.

Jon Silversides, director at the Oxford office of Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "Because of the car tests, sites have to be within two miles of an urban area.

"We will be examining a variety of options in each location to ensure the best outcome for the DSA."

Trevor Wedge, chief driving examiner at the DSA, said: "Two of the new manoeuvres for the bikers involve speeds over 30 miles an hour. The design of the new test will allow a more efficient testing process by conducting all of the set manoeuvres, while maximising safety, in one location."

Two years ago the waiting list for tests spiralled to 19 weeks at the Cowley centre due to a lack of examiners.

But they are now running at nine weeks still 50 per cent longer than the national average of six weeks.

Ms Clarke added: "It is a very busy time of year but a new test centre would help."