MCI concern over new test

Added on Friday, January 30th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | 2 Comments

The motorcycle test fee will increase by £10.50 in October.

[We] do feel that after a period of willingness by the DSA to include industry and rider trainers in detailed consultation, it is a shame that the Agency was not prepared to listen to rider training experts on several fundamental issues

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and the Motor Cycle Industry Trainer’s Association (MCITA) have claimed that the changes to the motorcycle test will not solve road safety problems amongst new riders.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have announced the introduction of a new, two module practical test for new riders which it believes will better prepare new riders for the road and, whilst the MCI and MCITA have been generally supportive of the new scheme from the early consultation phase, concerns were raised about the proposed increase in test fee and the availability of test centres,.

The test fee will increase on October 5 2009 from £80 to £90.50 for the two modules - an increase that was already approved before the proposed test changes.

MCI chief executive Steve Kenward said: “We are very disappointed by yet another increase in test fees. A fee increase of 30 per cent in just over a year will do nothing to help the motorcycle industry and training organizations, and could encourage a ‘permanent learner’ culture among learner riders, with all the safety issues that this implies.”

The MCI also raised concerns over what is described in a statement as a “continuing low number of test sites available for module one of the new test”, adding that “having already delayed the introduction of the new test by six months because of safety concerns linked to a lack of test sites, it is expected that only 44 multi-purpose test sites, supported by part time sites, will be operational by April this year”.

Kenward added: “The whole industry remains very concerned about the coverage of test sites and we are convinced that there won’t be enough. The industry calls on the DSA to continue to identify new sites and bring them on stream quickly. Novice riders should not be expected to ride long distances to take tests. Once again, the safety implications are clear.”

The MCI also registered its opposition to the proposed minimum wait of 10 days between failing and re-taking module two of the test. The MCITA added that a compulsory 10 day wait would have a negative impact on the training process, and would also cost candidates time and money. Three days is a much more realistic period.

“A novice rider needing to retake module two is hardly likely to need 10 days additional training, but will instead undertake a day’s refresher course before presenting themselves for the test,” added Kenwood.

“An enforced 10 day delay is nonsensical and could lead to a ‘disconnection’ of the candidate from the rider training environment. The industry is calling for this to be reduced to three days - in line with module one re-test requirements - when the regulations are laid before parliament.

“Apart from these concerns, we are generally satisfied with the new modular test but do feel that after a period of willingness by the DSA to include industry and rider trainers in detailed consultation, it is a shame that the Agency was not prepared to listen to rider training experts on several fundamental issues that relate to the new test.”

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