Minister announces planned changes to motorcycle test

Date: 21/12/2010

Changes have been published that will see the current test for motorcyclists in the UK undergo an overhaul.

Junior Transport and Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has this week published the proposals for a new, single on-road vehicle examination for bikers that is set to be trialled.

He explained that the motorcycle test review - which the Department for Transport has been working on alongside bike groups and training organisations among others since June - is a top priority for him.

"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," he explained.

The current motorcycle examination is split in two parts - one off-road and one on-road.

Changes outlined for the new, single test include the possible introduction of a hazard avoidance manoeuvre, while slow exercises including the U-turn, slalom and figure of eight may be examined at a training centre before heading on to the road.

Mr Penning revealed that he hopes the changes will make the test more open to people living in areas "poorly served" by off-road test centres and it is believed a phased introduction of the examination will begin by the end of next year.

Last week, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service launched RideSMART - an initiative that aims to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed on the roads.

Posted by Mary Treen