To meet the growing demand for tests, the Driving Standards Agency yesterday officially opened the first of four new multi-purpose testing centres in Wales.

The purpose-built centre, which will test 200 riders a week, on Newport East industrial estate, was officially opened by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

Other centres will be opened next year in Bangor, Haverfordwest and South Wales with adjacent centres in Chester, Shrewsbury and Gloucester. Existing test centres will continue examining riders and drivers of cars, buses and lorries.

An improved and extended test for motor cyclists coming in next autumn should go a long way to reducing injuries and deaths, said the Minister.

An ex-rider, he said that motorcyclists were particularly vulnerable road users and their numbers were increasing so the new 1hr 15mins test would better assess their handling skills even before they went on the road.

From September, the law will require riders to undertake handling training only off-road and the new purpose-built centre on a two-acre site at Newport East industrial estate will also be available for instructors to book for their pupils.

Over 60pc of riders pass their first test compared to under 50pc of car drivers and the Minister said the roll out of the multi-purpose test centres was part of a programme to tackle a variety of road dangers which together it was hoped would cut the total casualties by 40pc over the next few years.

The longer test will rise to £80 next September and the Newport centre will employ up to 15 examiners each testing six candidates a day for their ability to ride slowly, take emergency evasive action and an emergency stop from about 30mph. 

The centre is equipped with electronic speed measuring equipment to assist examiners.

Only if they pass this initial examination will the rider be allowed onto the road for the traditional observed run.

DSA central operations manager Geoff Morgan said the new centres would provide a safer and better environment for candidates with changing facilities and comfortable waiting area as well as washrooms.

The waiting time for riding tests is typically four weeks and it was intended that no rider would be more than 20miles from a test centre.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said, “Last year 23,326 bikers were injured in road accidents, with 599 killed. Although the number of accidents involving motorcyclists is falling, there are still far too many.

“This is very much a win-win situation for motorcyclists, their instructors and examiners, and ultimately anyone else who uses the roads, which will become safer.”

He toured the Newport centre with Lord Mayor and Mayoress Allan and Mrs Jane Morris and watched demonstrations of the new handling test in the riding area adjacent to the centre offices.