THE Isle of Wight's only driving test centre will close at the end of March and move to a new site. 

As reported by the County Press last year, the existing centre on Medina Avenue, Newport, could be knocked down and replaced with seven houses.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has submitted a planning application to change units at the Innovation Centre at St Cross Business Park, Newport, into a driving test centre.

Three test examiners would be based at the site, carrying out approximately 3,600 tests per year.

The office space would be used by the examiners and no internal or external changes would be required for the proposed change of use.

The application states: "The proposed use is complementary to the surrounding uses and is an appropriate use to be located on an established Business Park."

A DVSA spokesperson said: “DVSA’s contract with the landlord at Newport Driving Test Centre is due to end on March 27 2018.

“DVSA is committed to providing a driving test service on the Isle of Wight, and continues to look for a new permanent site on the Isle of Wight.

“We’ll make an announcement once we’ve found a new site.”