Changes to the module one motorcycle test - 16th May 2011
The government is working with the motorcycle industry to review the delivery and content of the motorcycle test. This working group includes DSA, DfT, the motorcycle training industry and motorcycle user groups.
This work (along with DSA's ongoing monitoring and review process of all tests) has identified a number of minor changes that can be quickly introduced before the main review is finished.
The following provides you with an outline of the minor changes DSA intends to introduce to module one with effect from 16 May 2011.
Change to the sequence of the manoeuvres (see revised order below)
So that all the slow speed elements will be carried out before the higher speed exercises. This will allow candidates to demonstrate the necessary competence in motorcycle control before moving onto the more demanding manoeuvres.
Controlled stop
This provides an opportunity for candidates to ride the circuit bend of the motorcycle manoeuvring area before coming to a controlled stop. There will not be a minimum speed requirement to this manoeuvre which will allow the candidates the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the layout before moving on to the emergency stop.
Emergency stop manoeuvre
This is to take place before the avoidance exercise. If candidates fail the emergency stop they will not be permitted to carry out the avoidance exercise. This should significantly reduce the likelihood of incident for poorly prepared candidates.
Choosing preferred riding line
Re-position cones on the exit of both left and right hand bends to allow the rider to choose their preferred riding line.
The slow ride
This will now be conducted whilst the candidate rides between the figure of eight and the U-turn manoeuvres. The examiner will observe rather than walk beside the candidate. This will make for a smoother transition from one manoeuvre to another whilst compensating for the extra time required for the candidate to benefit from the additional ride around the circuit bend.
Altering requirements for the controlled stop following the avoidance exercise
The requirements for the controlled stop following the avoidance exercise will be altered. The first pair of blue cones that currently form the stopping box will be removed for this exercise. The examiner will ask the candidate to stop near the remaining two blue cones. This will allow the candidate a greater length to stop in and also allows flexibility in where they stop. Candidates will still be required to stop under control.
Flexibility of speed assessment
For the high speed manoeuvres, DSA intends to introduce a degree of flexibility into the assessment of the speed requirement. There will be a five per cent tolerance of the speed required. (2 km/h below 50 km/h). Providing the candidate commits no faults other than not reaching the speed within this tolerance, the examiner should record this as a riding fault rather than a serious fault. (A riding fault will contribute to the result of the test. A serious fault would result in failure)
Rider faults
The maximum number of rider faults a successful candidate is allowed will remain at five; the number of attempts allowed for the higher speed exercises will also remain unchanged.
Summary
To summarise, these changes are designed to address those aspects the motorcycle industry felt needed to be changed.
The key message is that the exercises will remain the same; it is mainly the order in which they are delivered that will change. This will give candidates more time to settle down and familiarise themselves with the updated layout. This will also give them the opportunity to build up their speed gradually, reducing the risk of candidates riding too fast.
Revised sequence of set exercises for module one of motorcycle test1
1 - manual handling
2 - slow control steering (slalom and figure of eight)
3 - slow ride: this will be observed as the candidate rides to the next exercise
4 - U-turn
5 - circuit bend and controlled stop carried out between 30 km/h and 50 km/h (about 20 mph to 30 mph) followed by a controlled stop in the area marked by the four blue cones; speed not measured
6 - cornering and emergency stop; speed measured
7 - cornering, avoidance exercise and controlled stop; speed measured
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