New modular motorbike test - consultation period coming to an end

As previously reported back in November, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have published proposals for a new motorbike practical test which would see the current single-event test being split into two modules.

The six-week consultation period ends this Friday, and the DSA have made a final call for feedback on the proposals from the bike industry as well as riders.

The proposals can be seen at the DSA website.

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Take a theory test online now!

Even the most hardened biker might learn a thing or two by spending a bit of spare time taking a practice motorbike theory test.

As of September 2007, 50 multiple choice questions are asked in 57 minutes, and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.

Are you good enough to pass? Or rather, should you be on the road?!
Take the test at www.all4bikers.com/theory.

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DSA releases proposals for motorbike test overhaul

Superbike racer Cal Crutchlow passes his bike test in July (pic Honda)

The DSA yesterday published proposals that are seen as the first steps towards an overhaul for the UK motorbike test.

The proposals centre around splitting the current single-event test into two modules.

• The first part would contain the specified manoeuvres element of the test, with exercises designed to assess the rider's ability to control their machine safely. This would include avoidance and emergency stop exercises carried out at a minimum speed of 50 kph.
• The second part would include an eyesight test and up to 35 minutes of in-traffic riding, assessing the rider's ability to safely interact with other road users.

A six-week consultation period is underway, ending on January 9, and the DSA are appealing to bikers and the bike industry for feedback.

If the proposals are accepted, the DSA plans to increase the number of test sites where the specified manoeuvres module can be taken. The price of the motorbike test would also be split so each module is paid for seperately - module one costing £10, and module two costing £70.

DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew said:

"Statistics show that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users - they make up just 1% of road traffic, but account for 20% of road deaths. A two-part modular test would introduce a step-by-step considered approach to riding a motorcycle and offer the candidate time to absorb each separate important stage to learning. The new test may also offer a long term solution in terms of service provision for both the agency and the industry. I hope motorcyclists will consider these proposals and give us their views."

View the consultation paper and have your say at the DSA website.

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NEC show bits and pieces

Another round-up of the latest news ahead of the NEC show which opens to the public on Friday.

Suzuki will be launching their 2009 models in Birmingham, headed by the all-new GSX-R1000 (pictured above) as well as the new Gladius 650 and a revamped Bandit 650. Head to hall four for a chance to see the bikes in action in the test ride area.

Suzuki are also giving away free oil filters to owners at the NEC - simply collect a voucher at their stand, which can then be swapped for a filter at any authorised Suzuki dealer.



The Driving Standards Agency people will also be at the NEC launching their new rider safety initiative. The Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) is part of the the Government's Motorcycling Strategy (that's GMS, abbreviation fans!) to help reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents on the roads that involve bikes.

Qualified bikers who visit the ERS stand will be encouraged to "iron out bad habits and keep you safer on the roads... and it can help to gain riders discounts on insurance" - the words of TV presenter Louise Brady, who will be at the NEC to promote this scheme, along with former Superbike Champion and now MotoGP commentator, Steve Parrish.

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Bikers left out of pocket as UK government delays new test

It seems the new motorbike test has been delayed for six months by the DSA, who say the postponement will allow them to make the test available to more locations. Bikers who paid £80 to take the new test will now be set the old, £60 test - but will not be refunded the £20 difference.

Here's the story from BBC Newsbeat:



Bikers' groups have told Newsbeat they're being ripped off over the new motorcycle test. The tougher exam was meant to start on Monday but has now been put back six months. Despite this, the cost has already gone up from £60 to £80.

Thousands have booked in and paid for the new test.

Now they'll be sitting the old one but won't be refunded the extra £20 they stumped up.

Dave Sharp is from the Motorcycle Action Group. He said: "I think it's appalling that riders who are perhaps short of money are not going to be refunded.

"It would make a big difference to those individuals and I think it's totally unethical."

The Driving Standards Agency denies that bikers are being ripped off.

It insists the cost of taking the test was going up anyway and isn't linked to the introduction of the new exam.

But Dave Sharp still thinks it's unfair.

He said: "Twenty quid on a motorbike's a full tank of petrol.

"Depending on the bike, it might get you up to 120 miles, so it is a significant amount of money. It's a nice little earner for the government."

Malcolm Palmer also discusses this at his blog today, and here is the MAG response.

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