Plans to move all motorbike riding tests to Swansea have been postponed for six months – a move welcomed by Pembrokeshire's politicians.

Learner motorbikers and their instructors had been warned that from the end of September they would no longer be able to take their test in Haverfordwest but instead have to travel to Swansea. The move would have caused job losses as well as huge inconvenience.

"This was because the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) was supposed to be using larger Multi Purpose Test Centres (MPTC) rather than local test centres for the tests from the end of September," explained Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

"However there aren't enough MPTCs ready yet so Pembrokeshire learners can still take their tests in Haverfordwest for the next six months."

Motorbike instructor Gerry Sutton from Lampeter, who teaches drivers from all over Pembrokeshire, says the move will cost him his job.

"It would mean the end of my business, our costs would be too high," he said.

"We would have to get the learners there by bike but avoiding motorways, which would add four hours driving, or transport their bike by van. It just isn't viable.

"The DSA is being a bit slapdash but we are powerless, there's absolutely nothing we can do," added Mr Sutton.

Mr Davies said: "I hope that this bit of breathing space will enable the DSA to look again at finding a new site in west Wales to build an MPTC.

"It is completely unreasonable to expect learner riders to travel to Swansea for their tests, once again we are being marginalised for living in a rural area."

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said: "I am very pleased that Ministers have listened to sense and postponed the deadline for getting the MPTCs up and running. The priority now is to make sure that Pembrokeshire gets its own test centre.

"Hopefully the next six months will enable the County Council to sort out a site for the facility which the DSA has said should come to our County."