The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is planning to close the Holyhead Road and Foleshill Road test centres and create one new centre in Exhall, outside the city.

But instructors say they have only had three weeks to raise their objections, instead of the normal three months.

Many instructors feel the move will make tests harder for learner drivers.

Central centre

Geoff Little, the regional chairman of the Motor Schools Association, said the plans go against overwhelming support for a city-based centre.

"We had consultations with the DSA five years ago and, in theory, most instructors were of the opinion that one centre was needed but they wanted it more central," he said.

"They are now coming up with a plan where the test centre for Coventry will be outside the boundaries of Coventry.

"It is further away for the people who live on the south side of Coventry."

Poor facilities

A spokeswoman for the DSA said it was important to move quickly to secure the site, which the agency has been looking for since 1998.

"Unfortunately, we've looked at over 15 sites (in Coventry) and, for one reason or another, they just weren't suitable."

She added that the current facilities are not acceptable.

"The two sites we have are not up to standard - they have no customer toilets or proper access for disabled people."

"It's not about saving money, it's about improving customer service," she added.

The spokeswoman confirmed that driving instructors have three weeks from Monday to contest the decision.