Minster proposes test changes
Added on Monday, December 20th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Minster proposes test changes
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has put forward plans to trial a new, single, on-road motorcycle test.
Mr Penning has drawn up plans that would scrap the current two-module test, which features a module that is completed off-road, in favour of one which he believes will better prepare motorcycle riders for the road.
The report suggests a new hazard avoidance manoeuvre which – subject to further trialling – could be carried out on the road. There is also a proposal which will be given further consideration, that slow manoeuvres such as slalom, figure of eight, and U turn could be examined at training centres by delegated examiners ahead of the main test.
The current test has come in for criticism from industry groups and from candidates, with concerns raised over the location of the required “super” test centres as well as safety concerns over the “swerve” manoeuvre.
The next step will be to hold wider trials, with test-level candidates, in the new year. This process will be followed by public consultation on the proposed changes.
“I want to make sure that we have a test which prepares bikers properly for the road so the motorcycle test review is a top priority for me,” said Mr Penning.
“My goal has always been a single, on-road test which is rigorous and reflects real-life conditions. By working with the motorcycle training industry and others we have identified a set of changes which have the potential to deliver this.
“It is also my aim that these changes will open up the test to those living in areas which are poorly served by the current network of-off road test centres.
“I am grateful to all those who have given their time and expertise to the review and the focus will now be on starting trials of these proposals.”
The Department for Transport hopes, subject to further work on safety, cost and value for money, that there would be a phased introduction of on-road testing moving to general adoption of the new test by the end of 2011 or early 2012. This will include on-road testing in priority areas which are poorly served by the current network of off road test centres.
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