Confirmed: UK’s Motorcycle Test to Be Reviewed

After receiving a large number of complaints from motorcycle groups and visiting a test centre to look at the testing procedure, UK’s Road Safety Minister Mike Penning ordered a review of the motorcycle testing. Moreover, ways to improve training will also be considered.

The current two-module motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 in order to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licenses.

Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, avoidance and emergency stop exercises. Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on-road riding.

“Road safety is a top priority and the testing and training on offer is vital in our work to cut the disproportionately high numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured on our roads each year,” Mike Penning said in a release.

"It is clear there are concerns among the motorcycling community about the safety of the new test's off-road module. There have also been complaints about the difficulty for riders in some areas of accessing the off-road test centres,” continued Penning. "That is why I am today asking riders, safety groups and motorcycle industry representatives to come forward with their ideas for how testing and training can be improved to ensure we produce safe, confident and responsible riders."

Motorcycle riders, trainers, road safety groups, and others are invited to submit their views on what aspects of the motorcycle test should be looked at, including how and where they think motorcycle testing might best and most safely be carried out.

Views should be submitted to the Department for Transport at the following email address by July 31, 2010: [email protected] .