DSA releases proposals for motorbike test overhaul

Superbike racer Cal Crutchlow passes his bike test in July (pic Honda)

The DSA yesterday published proposals that are seen as the first steps towards an overhaul for the UK motorbike test.

The proposals centre around splitting the current single-event test into two modules.

• The first part would contain the specified manoeuvres element of the test, with exercises designed to assess the rider's ability to control their machine safely. This would include avoidance and emergency stop exercises carried out at a minimum speed of 50 kph.
• The second part would include an eyesight test and up to 35 minutes of in-traffic riding, assessing the rider's ability to safely interact with other road users.

A six-week consultation period is underway, ending on January 9, and the DSA are appealing to bikers and the bike industry for feedback.

If the proposals are accepted, the DSA plans to increase the number of test sites where the specified manoeuvres module can be taken. The price of the motorbike test would also be split so each module is paid for seperately - module one costing £10, and module two costing £70.

DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew said:

"Statistics show that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users - they make up just 1% of road traffic, but account for 20% of road deaths. A two-part modular test would introduce a step-by-step considered approach to riding a motorcycle and offer the candidate time to absorb each separate important stage to learning. The new test may also offer a long term solution in terms of service provision for both the agency and the industry. I hope motorcyclists will consider these proposals and give us their views."

View the consultation paper and have your say at the DSA website.