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The New Test

 

Learn to Ride

It was announced today that the new motorcycle test WILL be delivered in TWO parts. Module 1 is the manoeuvres test as detailed below. Module 2 is the road ride which will be 30 minutes long. Details of how this will be booked have not yet been released. The current test fee of £80 will be split between the tests. Module 1 £10 Module 2 £70. On October 5th 2009 this fee will increase to £90.50 split between the two tests. Module 1 £15.50 Module 2 £75.00. Will post more details when I have them. Any question please e-mail me at lee@fast-trak.co.uk. You can read the DSA document CLICK HERE This is a pdf file. You will need Adobe Reader installed to read it. This test comes in to force on 27th April 2009
 
The new test due to come  in on 29th March has been put back again to 27th April. Also being proposed is to split the test in to two modules. What does that mean for you? Well it means you will have to attend the test centre twice as the DSA will not guarantee that the second part of the test will follow on from the first. This could mean that you train up to test standard and take your part 1 then have to wait three of four (maybe more) days before you can take part 2. This will incur more cost to you has you have to hire the bike and instructor twice as well has more time off work etc. The DSA have not confirmed that this is going to happen but are in an consultation period. I have logged my concerns with this but going on DSA past history they will do as they wish no matter what impact it has on the training industry. We have plenty of test booked from now until April. So to beat this test book in soon.
 
It was announced today (13/09/08) that the new motorcycle test due to be introduced on 29 September 2008 has been put back until March 2009. This is because the DSA has not got every thing in place to deliver the test fairly across the country. This means that we are back to the old style test at old test centres. There is still the question of price. We understand that the old test may be charged at the new test price of £80. So you now have 6 months to book and pass your test if you want to beat the new test.
 
 
You may or may not know that in October 2008 the government is bring in to force the new motorcycle test to comply with European legislation. This comprises of a two part practical test. Part A is a manoeuvres test Part B is the on road test. Both parts are taken together, first you will take the manoeuvres test which will take about 8 minutes to complete then on to the road section. If you fail the manoeuvres section you can not do the road section and you fail the test.
 
Part of the manoeuvres test will include the U'Turn and Emergency (controlled) stop which will no longer be carried out on the road. One of the interesting manoeuvres is the "swerve brake" or "avoidance" manoeuvre. This is carried out at 32 mph and you have to swerve between two cones then brake into a box.
 
The manoeuvres section is carried out off road at a Multi Purpose Test Centre (MPTC). The test centre to cover this area is located in Garretts Green South Birmingham. This is only 17 miles away but can take up to an hour to get there through the city centre traffic.
 
Below is the article about the test including a diagram of the test which appeared in the latest DSA Despatch magazine.
 

For reference 30KPH = 19 MPH and 50 KPH = 31 MPH

Click on image to enlarge. For more information visit www.dsa.gov.uk

 

DO NOT PANIC about this new test. It is NOT are hard as many training schools and the press make out. I (Lee) have taken the test at the new test centre in Birmingham. There is nothing in the test that I would not expect my trainees to pass with ease. In some parts the test is easier than at the present time. E.G the dreaded 'U' Turn will now be performed between two white lines, so no kerbs to worry about, on a flat surface 7.5 meters apart. The average road is only 6 meters. The emergency stop will be performed off road which eliminates the danger from cars, dodgy surfaces and man hole covers. Some of the other elements we already cover from CBT onwards. The 'swerve brake' is not as scary as it sounds with the swerve not as server as expected. What ever the test demands from you, YOU WILL be ready for it.
We have courses available for this test. Please call for details.