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2008 Motorcycle Test

The new practical motorcycle test is being introduced in October 2008 to comply with European legislation, which aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders. This user group have been identified as having a high risk of injury or death. This is particularly the case for young and inexperienced riders. In October 2000, the European Commission brought in new standards for theoretical and practical driving tests conducted within the European Union (EU). This new legislation adds to this and is intended to ensure that motorcycle test candidates demonstrate that they are competent in the control of their machines at a more demanding level than is currently the case. The new one test event will contain two elements. The Higher speed manoeuvres and other exercises will be tested on safe off-road sites and take about 8 minutes to complete. The accompanied riding element of the test will follow, consisting of a road ride include normal stops, hill and angle starts. Candidates who have exhibited riding skills of a dangerously incompetent level during the off-road part of the test will not be permitted to proceed to the on-road element. The new test will be delivered from a network of sites provided either directly by DSA or via private developers. Many of the centres will be Multipurpose Test Centres (MPTC) providing both motorcycle and car testing facilities. Some will provide Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) and Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) testing facilities. Some low use sites will only provide motorcycle testing. What is different about the new motorcycle test? The new EU standards set extra and more demanding special manoeuvres that must be included in every practical motorcycling test. These new standards include: at least two manoeuvres being carried out at slow speed, including a slalom at least two manoeuvres being carried out at higher speed, of which one manoeuvre should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and one manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph) at least two braking exercises, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph) Link to manoeuvre diagrams The diagrams show the proposed layout of the manoeuvring area. At the discretion of the examiner, candidates will be asked to demonstrate their ability to ride a right circuit, and steer to the right on the avoidance exercise or a left circuit and steer to the left on the avoidance exercise. These new EU standards imply significant changes to the practical test for motorcyclists undertaken in Great Britain. Only one of these special manoeuvres in the current British motorcycle test is the emergency braking exercise, undertaken on the road during the practical riding test at around 20 mph. The practical moped riding test is being developed. The higher speed manoeuvres for moped riders will be slower than for motorcycles. A test for the drivers of motorcycle and side car combination is also under development. Why are special "off road" facilities required? It was considered that it would not be safe to conduct the new higher speed and braking manoeuvres on public roads, which in very built up and busy test areas, would not be safe for the rider, other road users and the general public. Undertaking a fair and consistent assessment for all candidates across Great Britain would be best achieved by using a pre-determined layout using ground markings and cones. It would be impractical to do that on a public road with other traffic present. Due to the minimum speeds required and different handling and power characteristics of different machines, it has been necessary to calculate a minimum test area in which to conduct the new test. What will the new Multi-Purpose Test Centres provide? comfortable waiting room with toilet facilities easy access and toilet facilities for disabled candidates good off road parking facilities for motorcycles and cars separate "radio kit up" room for motorcycle candidates an off road motorcycle manoeuvring area for the new test, finished with a high specification surface providing good grip in wet and dry weather and designed to be without hazards such as drainage gullies. Is the Practical Car test going to change in 2008? No. The new test is for Motorcyclists only. Why is there going to be a new motorcycle test ? The new practical motorcycle test is being introduced in October 2008 to comply with European legislation, which aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders. This user group have been identified as having a high risk of injury or death. This is particularly the case for young and inexperienced riders. What does the new test consist of? The new test consists of a series of off road manoeuvres followed by the on road riding part of the test which is similar to the existing motorcycle test. Why are special off road areas required? The new practical motorcycle test is being introduced in October 2008 to comply with European legislation, which aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders. The EU directive requires that more demanding special manoeuvres must be included in every practical motorcycling test. These are being conducted on specially provided off road areas for candidate safety reasons and to ensure that tests are undertaken in standard uniform conditions throughout the country. How long will the new test last? The off road manoeuvres will take approximately 8 minutes and the on road part of the test will be the same length as the existing test. What are the off road manoeuvres? The EU directive requires that more demanding special manoeuvres must be included in every practical motorcycling test. These include at least two manoeuvres to be carried out at slow speed and includes a slalom, at least two manoeuvres to be carried out at higher speed, of which one manoeuvre should be in second or third gear at a speed of at least 30 km/h (18.75 mph), one manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.25 mph) and at least two braking exercises, including an emergency stop at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.25 mph). Click to follow the link below to a diagram of the layout of the off road manoeuvres. Link to manoeuvre diagrams What happens if I fail the off road part? Will I be told? If a dangerous fault is committed during the off road manoeuvres, the examiner will terminate the test in the interest of public safety and the customer will be informed. Can I practice the off road part of the new test at the MPTC? How much will this cost? We want candidates to be able to practice on our off road areas with their trainers. We are currently looking into the best way to arrange this and how much this will cost. How will you measure my speed? The examiner will use highly accurate speed measuring equipment but the precise nature of the equipment is still to be determined. What will happen if I fail to reach the required speed? You will be allowed one more attempt at the manoeuvre. How wide is the U-Turn? 7.5 metres. Can I fail on the off road part of the test for lack of observation? Yes. All manoeuvres will be assessed as if you were manoeuvring in traffic. Will I be able to take my test in the evening or at a weekend? Yes, where suitable appointments are available. At some Test Centres ‘out of hours’ testing is limited or not available due to local planning restrictions. When will the new motorcycle test start? The new test starts in October 2008. Where will the ‘show and tell’ questions be as part of the new test? After the eyesight test and before the off road manoeuvres. What other exercises/Manoeuvres will I have to do on the road? Normal stops, hill start, angle start and general road riding. How long will I have to wait to retake my test if I fail? 10 working days, the same as the ‘old’ test. Do I have to take both the off road and on road part of the test together? The off road and on road parts of the test will take place on the same occasion as a single test event. If I fail the off road part of the test but pass the on road why can’t I just pay to take the off road part again? The off road and on road parts of the test will take place on the same occasion as a single event test. This will be less costly to administer and deliver and be more convenient for candidates. As it is a single event test the result will apply to the whole test and not just part of the test. How do I find out where my motorcycle test will take place? Details are available on the DSA Web Site. Can I choose where I want to take my Bike test? Yes. Details of locations are on the DSA Web Site. If the MPTC near me is built before 2008 will I have to take the new test? No. The new motorcycle test will start in October 2008. Even if your test takes place from a MPTC, before this date, you will take the ‘old’ test which will not include any of the new off road area manoeuvres.