The New 2008 Motorcycle Test

The motorcycle test is going to get harder this year and as a result, it will make training and testing more expensive. The new test is set to be introduced in October and is to be conducted at the Driving Standards Agency new multi-purpose test centres.
The new practical test will have two elements to it.

• First will come the off-road higher speed manoeuvres and other exercises. These will take about eight minutes to complete.
• Then comes the accompanied riding element of the test, which is quite similar to the existing test.

What we have found with previous changes to legislation is that there is a last-minute scramble for places leaving many people disappointed.
If you want to be sure of getting your licence before the changes come in, you need to start booking now.
If you are not sure about what licence you want to get, or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0871 52 000 52. The various current licence options are listed here.

For further information on the new test, please view the following pages on the Driving Standards Agency web site

Is the Practical Car test going to change in 2009?

No. The new test is for Motorcyclists only.

Why is there going to be a new motorcycle test ?

The new practical motorcycle test is being introduced in March 2009 to comply with European legislation, which aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders. This user group has been identified as having a high risk of injury or death. This is particularly the case for young and inexperienced riders.

What does the new test consist of?

The new test consists of a series of off road manoeuvres followed by the on road riding part of the test which is similar to the existing motorcycle test.

Why are special off road areas required?

The EU directive requires that more demanding special manoeuvres must be included in every practical motorcycling test. These are being conducted on specially provided off road areas for candidate safety reasons and to ensure that tests are undertaken in standard uniform conditions throughout the country.

How long will the new test last?

The off road manoeuvres will take approximately 8 minutes and the on road part of the test will be the same length as the existing test.

What are the off road manoeuvres?

The EU directive requires that more demanding special manoeuvres must be included in every practical motorcycling test. These include at least two manoeuvres to be carried out at slow speed and includes a slalom, at least two manoeuvres to be carried out at higher speed, of which one manoeuvre should be in second or third gear at a speed of at least 30 km/h (18.6 mph), one manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph) and at least two braking exercises, including an emergency stop at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph).


What happens if I fail the off road part? Will I be told?

If a dangerous fault is committed during the off road manoeuvres, the examiner will terminate the test in the interest of public safety and the customer will be informed.

Can I practice the off road part of the new test at the MPTC? How much will this cost?

We want candidates to be able to practice on our off road areas with their trainers. We are currently looking into the best way to arrange this and how much this will cost.

How will you measure my speed?

The examiner will use highly accurate speed measuring equipment but the precise nature of the equipment is still to be determined.

What will happen if I fail to reach the required speed?

You will be allowed one more attempt at the manoeuvre.

How wide is the U-Turn?

7.5 metres.

Can I fail on the off road part of the test for lack of observation?

Yes. All manoeuvres will be assessed as if you were manoeuvresing in traffic.

Will I be able to take my test in the evening or at a weekend?

Yes, where suitable appointments are available. At some Test Centres ‘out of hours’ testing may be limited or not available due to local planning restrictions.

When will the new motorcycle test start?

The new test starts in October 2008.

Where will the ‘show and tell’ questions be as part of the new test?

After the eyesight test and before the off road manoeuvres.

What other exercises/manoeuvres will I have to do on the road?

Normal stops, hill start, angle start and general road riding

How long will I have to wait to retake my test if I fail?

10 working days, the same as the ‘old’ test.

Do I have to take both the off road and on road part of the test together?

The off road and on road parts of the test will take place on the same occasion as a single test event.

If I fail the off road part of the test but pass the on road why can’t I just pay to take the off road part again?

The off road and on road parts of the test will take place on the same occasion as a single event test. This will be less costly to administer and deliver and be more convenient for candidates. As it is a single event test the result will apply to the whole test and not just part of the test.

If I fail the on road part of the test but pass the off road why can’t I just pay to take the on road part again?

The off road and on road parts of the test will take place on the same occasion as a single event test. This will be less costly to administer and deliver and be more convenient for candidates. As it is a single event test the result will apply to the whole test and not just part of the test.

How do I find out where my motorcycle test will take place?

Details are available on the DSA Web Site - Link

Can I choose where I want to take my Bike test?

Yes. Details of locations are on the DSA Web Site - Link

If the MPTC near me is built before 2008 will I have to take the new test?

No. The new motorcycle test will start in October 2008. Even if your test takes place from a MPTC, before this date, you will take the ‘old’ test which will not include any of the new off road area manoeuvres.