These new centres will provide modern and bespoke facilities to local people and the proposed developments have been designed to create modern and attractive buildings which will fit comfortably into the local environment. As the motorcycle test is all about demonstrating control and safe handling of motorcycles, the Agency does not anticipate or allow noisy revving and racing.

Development of the network: progress

As at 24 July, DSA has acquired 44 MPTC sites (plus a further two sites which have been acquired subject to planning consent). Of these, we forecast that 38 will be operational by 29 September.

In addition to the permanent MPTC sites, DSA is working with our sister agency, Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to enable us to deliver motorcycle testing on a part-time basis from 12 VOSA sites across the country. Because of VOSA’s operational requirements, we will probably only be able to offer tests from these sites at weekends, but our intention is to ensure that all of them will be delivering the new test from 29 September. We also believe that, even taking into account the limited hours of operation at the VOSA sites, we will be able to meet the forecast demand for motorcycle tests.

Our overall programme target remains the acquisition and construction of around 60 permanent MPTCs and, once the construction and acquisition of a permanent site is completed, we will review the need for continued provision from the VOSA sites on a case-by-case basis.

Availability from 29 September

With around 50 operational sites (including the part-time VOSA sites), this will mean that, from 29 September, around 75% of the GB population will be able to reach a bike test station in 45 minutes or less and 93% in under 60 minutes.

However, we are aware that excellent provision in some areas will not, in itself, lessen the impact upon candidates and trainers in those areas which will not be covered by either permanent or VOSA site provision, and it is recognised that the limited test slot availability at the VOSA sites is not ideal.

At a recent meeting with representatives from the industry, it was agreed to consider the potential for the introduction of split motorcycle testing on an interim basis. The primary benefit of such an approach would be that testing could be delivered from more remote sites where urban test routes would not be available.

For general enquiries about the MPTC project, please contact

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Casual sites

As well as weekend testing from sites used by VOSA, we have also been investigating the use of ‘casual hire’ sites e.g. car parks.

In order for these options to work, the required exercises have been arranged in different layouts so that we can use more of the various sized and shaped sites that are now available to us. Such sites will need to offer an area of good quality tarmac with approximate dimensions of either 125m X 40m (410ft X 131ft) or 175m X 12m (574ft X 39ft) and, ideally they will already have a planning consent for bike training in place.

They would need to be located close to a variety of sufficiently challenging road conditions and, given their temporary nature, the test area surface should be of a good standard (e.g. flat, even, tarmac) so that we could use it without the need for significant development.

However, whilst we now have more potential options, and thank those of you who have passed us details of potential sites, we are still searching and urge you to contact Chris Huntington, Assistant Project Manager, on 0115 936 6838 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are aware of any suitable sites.

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