From October 2008 the existing Practical Motorcycle Test is being replaced by a new, much tougher two part test, which will include an eight minute test of machine control on a special test centre facility. The Driving Standards Agency invited insidebikes.com along to sample a `dummy’ test, and the reaction of both novice riders and bike instructors.
All new riders on 125cc plus sized bikes will have reach a speed of 50kph ( about 31mph ) then swerve around a cone, before immediately braking hard to simulate an emergency stop. However after some test runs in sunny Stoke-On-Trent, it appears that the DSA is having a re-think on the minimum speed for the swerve move.
Key points of the UK motorcycle test/licence procedure from October 2008;
* Pass CBT Part 1 and get a certificate.
* Eight minute machine control test off the public highway.
* Swerve and brake move at 50kph minimum, to simulate avoiding action if a car pulls out in front of the rider. This may be reviewed after initial test runs suggested it was a difficult move for novice bikers to accomplish.
* Feet-up slow riding section – taking at least 10 seconds to cover ten metres.
* Push the bike backwards around a corner and safely park it.
* Figure of eight and zig-zag through cones section.
* Emergency stop simulation.
* A dangerous piece of riding, or serious failure off-road means the on-road test will be cancelled.
