Motorcycle Practical Test

The Motorcycle test has seen a degree of change over the past few years, this has been mainly due to the number of accidents involving motorcyclist and a large proportion being new motorcyclists who have only recently passed their test.

In January 2009 the motorcycle test was again reviewed in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents and increase the level of rider understanding and competency for all new bikers. The new motorcycle test which was announced in 2008 finally commenced on 27th April 2009 after it's initial starting date was postponed several months.

Previously the motorcycle test involved one practical test, similar to that of the driving test, if the candidate passed the practical test then they were able to ride on the public highway. This has now slightly changed and the test will be built up of 2 main parts, each part will be in the format of a practical test with a DSA Examiner.

This new type of testing has now come into force and all new tests will be in this new revised format. Whilst learning you will be taught all of the necessary skills to be able to pass this revised test and as long as you are safe and competent you should have nothing to worry about. Remember, you also have to pass your motorcycle theory test before you can gain your licence.

The 2 main parts of the test are now called modules, and each module focuses on a different part of the riding requirements. The 2 modules are:
 

Module 1

This module will focus on manoeuvres and will not take place on the public highway, instead it will take place in a designated of road site where only you and your examiner will be in attendance. This will be very similar to your CBT lessons in that it will involve you demonstrating your riding ability around cones etc.

You will be asked to complete at least 2 manoeuvres carried out at a slow speed, one of these will be the slalom where you will ride between a set of cones to show you are stable and confident on the motorcycle.

You will then be asked to complete 2 manoeuvres at a higher speed, of which one will be at around 19mph. Your second manoeuvre will be at a minimum speed of 32mph which will involve avoiding an obstacle.

Lastly you will need to undertake 2 breaking manoeuvres, one of these will be an emergency stop at a minimum speed of 32mph.

A set layout for the module 1 test has been set and a circuit has been designed by the DSA to effectively enable you to demonstrate your driving ability to the best of your capacity. You must successfully pass the requirements outlined in module 1 to allow you to move on to module 2.

The Module 1 test will last for an average of 22 minutes.

 

Module 2

The second part of the test is a practical examination on the public highway, this part of the test it to ensure you are safe on the road and can adhere to all driving requirements such as signalling, speed, breaking etc. This module will last for an average of 57 minutes and will incorporate the standard eye test requirement for road safety. You will be riding on the public highway for a minimum of 30 minutes of the test and in this time your examiner will determine if you are up to the required standard. You will still have a number of requirements to meet on your module 2 test, for example hill starts and angle starts so be prepared for these.

It is also essential that you remember to bring along with you your module 1 pass certificate, as without this you can not undertake your module 2 test and you would need to forfeit the test and rebook it at additional cost to yourself.

If you are interested in only riding a moped, then you still have to undertake module 1 and 2, however there will be a number of slight variations, for instance the emergency stop will be carried out at 19mph.

The new test requirements are not designed to catch you out, instead they are designed to ensure your riding capabilities are safe any you are able to successfully deal with any hazard you may encounter when alone on your motorcycle. The lessons you take will equip you with all of the required skills you will need to pass both modules so when you attend your test you should pass it with flying colours.