New Motorcycle practical test

[Mully79]

Has anyone taken this test yet? (I think it was launched 28th April). If so, what did you think of it? I'm thinking of booking my test over the summer.

[joggerjayne]

I feel sorry for you.

The new test has been universally criticised by bikers and training agencies.

I learned to ride and took my test just over 3 years ago. At that time, there was a lot of talk about the new test coming in.

Nobody could see the need for any changes. Injuries to bikers are not generally caused by incompetent bikers ... they are caused by irresponsible car drivers. What was needed was not a change to the bike test, but a change to the car test to include a "biker awareness" element. I've had an accident since taking my test. A car driver, who was in the middle of the road at some raffic lights, opened his door and knocked me off. He said he hadn't seen me. Well, they never do.

That's my bit. Back to your question ...

I think the new test is ridiculous, and has too many unnecessary elements. Having said that ... having a driving licence that covers motorbikes is a delight. It is fab to go into a Harley Davidson dealer, leave your passport as i.d., and take a big, shiny Harley for a test ride.

So, although the new test is stupid ... go ahead and do it.

Jayne
Aspiring Biker Chick
Brighton

[Mully79]

I totally agree with you Jayne.

I was hoping to take my test last summer to beat the then-September deadline but my finances screwed that idea up. I've become a much better car driver (driving for 10 years) since I started riding a motorbike - simply because I'm so much more aware, knowing what it's like riding a bike and being on constant alert. Makes you complacent, being sat in a big safe cage - there should be an awareness element in the car test. Perhaps that should also cover bicycle awareness (my husband rides one and he has a much worse time than I do on my motorbike).

So far I've been lucky but I'm pretty adept at emergency stops, swerves and nifty manoeuvres to avoid car drivers who haven't bothered to look before pulling out / changing lanes etc. All good practice for the practical test then! Can't wait til I have my full licence :o)

[PhilLew]

Apparently there have been a few accidents during the first new test.


http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsres ults/mcn/2009/April/27-30/apr2809-first-new-te st-candidate-crashes/

I heard they have suspended them and gone back to the 'old' test for the moment but I can't find any evidence to prove that.

If thats true then go for your test ASAP it's well worth it.
I passed mine on a direct access course a few years ago (my wife wanted a bike licence but didn't want to learn alone, so I agreed to do it to keep her company) and have loved having a bike ever since.

[joggerjayne]

Yes, I saw something on the telly about candidates having accidents during the new Bike Test.

From a personal viewpoint, some people don't expect girls to want to ride big bikes, which makes it even more jolly to go out on a Harley, or a Varadero.