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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New bike test module for Northern Ireland

This one slipped through the net...

Last Monday (8th) saw the introduction of a new bike test module for learners in Northern Ireland. Previously the test consisted of a theory module together with an on-road practical examination, but this has been extended with a third module of motorcycle manoeuvres.

The 30-minute test is the result of an EU directive, and consists of:

• A slow riding exercise, with the candidate riding alongside the examiner at walking pace.



• A slalom and figure of eight exercise.



• Walking and ridden ‘U’ turn exercises and use of the motorcycle stands.



• A curve, ridden in second or third gear at a minimum speed of at least 30 km/h (18.75mph).



• A combined avoidance and braking exercise at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.25mph).



• An emergency braking exercise at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.25 mph).

The new module was launched by NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson, himself a keen biker, who said: "It is important that motorcyclists are fully equipped for the challenges they will face on the road. The new motorcycle manoeuvres test will enable examiners to test core skills in an off-road environment."

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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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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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