In January 2009 the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) announced that the motorcycle test would be split into two parts: Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider's ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises; and Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on-road riding, assessing the rider's ability to safely interact with other road users. This took effect in April 2009. The decision to split the test in two is the result of changes to the practical driving test for motorcyclists introduced this year as a consequence of the European Second Driving Licence Directive - though the decision to deliver the new test in two parts and via multi-purpose test centres was taken by the Government, following two rounds of consultation.

Concerns have been expressed that there are too few test centres and that some test candidates are now required to travel long distances to reach their nearest test centre. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of riders taking the off-road test, particularly the 'swerve and stop' test.

The Transport Committee will hold an inquiry into current motorcycle testing arrangements. In particular:

Has the DSA interpreted the EU Second Driving Licence Directive correctly and applied it appropriately?

Are the off-road motorcycle tests safe and appropriate?

Is the number of motorcycle test centres adequate and are the locations satisfactory?

What is the impact of the recent changes in motorcyclist testing?

The motorcycle rider is overrepresented in road accident and road casualty data. A close analysis of the casualty rate per billion passenger kilometres shows that motorcycling continues to be the most high risk mode of travel. In 2006, motorcyclists were 52 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than car occupants and 356 times more likely to be killed than bus or coach occupants.1 The above statistics highlight the very obvious need for greater protection of powered two wheeler riders through the training of other road users, vehicle design, informative campaigns and rider training and testing. It is vital that the likelihood and severity of collisions involving motorcyclists is reduced. PACTS therefore welcomed the EU directive which
called for a change in motorcyclist testing methods.