Darlington has been identified as a possible location for a multi-purpose driving test centre.

The Driving Standards Agency plans to set up about 60 centres throughout the country over the next four years.

They will be used when the agency introduces changes to the motorcycle test, which will include a new set of off-road manoeuvres.

Would-be bikers would have to pass the test before being allowed to continue on the road, in a move designed to make motorcyclists safer.

Testing of car drivers in the area could also be relocated to the site within the next few years.

Plans for a bigger test centre would also include space for additional examiners, helping to keep waiting times for tests low.

Chief driving examiner Robin Cummins said: "Although we have identified Darlington as a possible location, we are still only at the planning stage at present.

"We are looking for sites which include about two-and-a-half acres of relatively flat land which has reasonable access to the local road network, and we can only press ahead with test centre plans if we find appropriate land sites on acceptable terms.

"We also need to make sure we get the full benefit of this investment, as all of our funding comes from the driving test fee, so it stands to reason we should use the site for testing drivers as well as motorcyclists."