2009 Motorcycle Test


The new motorcycle test

The decision regarding the recent consultation to introduce the new test in modular format was announced by Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Transport, on 29 January. The key points are:

  • New motorcycle test to be split into 2 parts
  • Increased number of service delivery points
  • New test can be booked from 30 March 2009 at the latest
  • Testing to commence on Monday 27 April

The new motorcycle test 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.

The new test will be completed in two modules. The specified manoeuvres conducted at specific speeds will be tested in Module 1 on safe off-road sites and take on average 22 minutes.

These specified manoeuvres are:

  • At least two manoeuvres carried out at slow speed, including a slalom
  • At least two manoeuvres carried out at higher speed, of which one exercise should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph) and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
  • At least two braking manoeuvres, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)

On the day of the Module 1 test, candidates will be asked by the examiner to demonstrate their riding ability on either the left-hand or right-hand circuit. Please note that the standard off-road layout may change due to local conditions on the casual sites.

Click here to see the standard layout of the left and right-hand circuits.

Those candidates who have demonstrated riding skills of a dangerously incompetent level during Module 1 will not be permitted to take Module 2.

Those candidates who have passed Module 1 will receive a Test Pass Certificate which they must bring with them when they take Module 2.

Module 2 of the test will be about 57 minutes in length and will consist of the eyesight test, road safety questions and at least 30 minutes of road riding. consisting of a road ride covering a variety of road and traffic conditions and will also include normal stops, hill and angle starts.

The practical moped riding test

The practical moped riding test (which does not include the high-speed requirements) will also be carried out in two modules. The obstacle avoidance and emergency braking exercises will be carried out in Module 1 at 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph). A test for the drivers of motorcycle and side car combination is also under development.