Major overhaul for bike test
Added on Thursday, May 26th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Major overhaul for bike test
“Underprepared” motorcycle test candidates will “weeded out” under changes to the testing system, with candidates now being forced to prove that they are capable of taking part in the high speed elements of the test.
Road safety minister Mike Penning has announced a series of changes, amid vocal criticism of the current testing system, introduced in 2009.
At the centre of the overhaul is the controversial “swerve” manoeuvre, which has been heavily criticised by campaigners following a spate of accidents since its implementation. Opponents to the test argue that the manoeuvre is unsafe and not representative of “real world” conditions.
Under new rules announced by Mr Penning, candidates taking the off-road test will now be tested on slow-speed manoeuvres first (such as the observed “circuit ride”), to prove to examiners that they have necessary competence in motorcycle control before being allowed to move on to the high-speed section, which includes the swerve test. Candidates will also be given more time to familiarise themselves with the test-track layout.
The emergency stop manoeuvre will also now take place before the swerve or avoidance exercise. Candidates who fail the emergency stop will not be permitted to carry out the avoidance exercise if it is considered unsafe for them to do so. The DfT said this should “significantly reduce the likelihood of an incident for those candidates who are poorly prepared”.
In addition, candidates will now be given a 5% tolerance for the speed at which they complete the high speed manoeuvres, meaning that the manoeuvres can be completed at 30mph rather than the mandated 31mph (50kph) – a speed that is illegal on many stretches of road in the UK.
“As Road Safety Minister – and as a motorcyclist – I know how important it is that our motorcycle test prepares new riders for real life on the road,” said Mr Penning. “That is why I decided to carry out a full review of the motorcycle test. The first changes from the review are being implemented from today when we will be applying common-sense measures which will see the off-road section of test made safer, fairer and more realistic.”
In March 2010, a government report accused the DSA of “bungling” the implementation of the new test, particularly over delays in the opening of new “super” test centres, which left some candidates facing journeys of up to two hours to their nearest centre. The report also accused the DSA of “failing to listen to the motorcycle industry” and for “needlessly” closing functioning test centres.
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