Confused.com Takes a Look at Criticisms of the New Motorbike Test

• Guides
• Published: 24 Jun 2009 in Motoring and Van Insurance

Is the new motorbike test causing problems for learners?

Getting your head around all the steps needed for your motorbike licence can be confusing enough, but now a new section of the test can send you round the bend – literally!

The Government is under pressure to rethink a section of the new motorbike test after a series of crashes in the first weeks.

What are the criticisms of the motorbike test?

In April 2009 the government changed the first part of the practical riding element of the bike test to include a “swerve” manoeuvre at around 30mph. It has since come under fire from some training experts who claim it’s dangerous.

Riders are given a cone-marked course in an off-road area to complete various sections at minimum speeds. However, problems arise with the swerve, which involves getting the bike through an offset cone “gate” then braking within a set distance. Critics say if riders have to brake and swerve at the same time they’ll come off, especially if it’s wet.

Why has the test changed?

The Driving Standards Agency insists the changes were needed to make sure riders had the skills to avoid accidents on the road.

The Agency also says the test was designed by professionals with support from the bike industry and that hundreds of trials were carried out before it was made official.

Is the test really that bad?

This all depends on who you listen to. One instructor says there were 15 “incidents” in the first few weeks of the new test, including one rider who suffered broken bones. Others say the test is unsafe because there’s not enough room to accelerate to the minimum speed of 50kph (31.2mph). The Motorcycle Action Group has officially asked the government for changes.

However, not every instructor thinks the test is bad. Andy Loweth, of Dexterity Training, says: “The manoevure’s fine, the speed is fine, it’s not such a huge swerve. It’s a training issue and a sense of proportion has to come into it. It’s not a big deal.” Loweth says insiders admit that people had accidents under the old test set-up and would like to see figures comparing the two.

What’s the answer?

Some groups want the test radically changed to use a different layout, but there could be problems finding areas big enough to stage anything larger. Others say there needs to be an optional manoeuvre for when it’s raining or the course is wet. A third group are happy with the new test and say it’s just a question of training riders to deal with the situation correctly.

If you’re interested in learning to ride a motorcycle, check out Confused.com’s Guide to Getting Your Motorbike Licence, and for tips on staying safe while riding a bike, take a look at Be Leader of the Pack with Confused.com’s Motorcycle Safety Tips.