The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and other bodies are urging the new Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, to revisit motorcycle training and testing. There are already problems with the new two-part test and the 3rd European Directive on Driving Licenses, which will mean further changes, is looming.

The implementation of the 2nd Directive on Driving Licences has been a complete mess (to put it mildly) with not enough multi-purpose test centres and safety concerns following injuries sustained by candidates during module one of the new test.

As the DSA have largely ignored the protestations of the MCIA and other riders groups about improving the safety of the test it is hoped that Lord Adonis will take our concerns more seriously before looking at the 3rd European Directive, due for implementation by 2013, and on which consultation starts is due to start soon.

There is no doubt that as the new test gets a reputation for being dangerous that the training industry and ultimately road safety is at risk.

Sheila Rainger, MCI spokesperson said,“ We hope that the new Secretary of State will understand the need to take decisive action to repair the damage that is being done to the new testing regime and the image of the current motorcycle test. We hope that government will give very serious consideration to industry’s proposals and take the opportunity to create a training and testing system that will create safer riders, not just fewer riders. ”

The Third Directive (3DLD) allows members of the EU to choose between training or testing of motorcyclists as they move up the ladder of new motorcycle licence categories. Independent research has shown that effective training on road craft and attitudes to riding are more likely to improve safety than repeatedly testing machine skills.

Unsurprisingly, the DSA seem to be favouring testing because of their inflated estimates of the cost of training.

The MCI disputes the financial estimates and believes that the choice between training and testing should be made on the basis of which will best promote road safety.

The consultation may also propose that learner motorcyclists should lose their right to ride unaccompanied on L-plates.

The MCI has warned Lord Adonis that these measures would be extremely damaging to the industry and the vitality of motorcycling in the UK. As an alternative, the motorcycle community has proposed:-

>>>That the consultation on the motorcycle aspects of 3DLD is delayed by three months. This will allow a pause for reflection and give time for a proper consideration of what needs to be achieved from the testing and training regime under the context of 3DLD.

>>>The consultation on the motorcycle specific aspects of 3DLD is separated from the main body of the consultation. This will allow the consultation of the non motorcycle aspects of 3DLD to go ahead in July.

Sheila Rainger, MCI spokesperson said, “3DLD is intended to create better trained riders and safer motorcycling. But this outcome will depend on how the proposals are implemented. The motorcycle community cannot afford a repeat of the fundamental mistakes that were made when 2DLD was implemented.”

“Evidence shows that testing alone will not produce safer, more competent riders. 3DLD is an opportunity to put a training-based licensing system in place that will genuinely cut rider casualties and improve road safety – but it must be done properly and in genuine co-operation with the motorcycle community, particularly with the trainers who will be asked to deliver any new system”

Personally, and I don’t want to be a doom and gloom merchant here, more a realist, I don’t hold out much hope for things to change in respect of the new testing regime. Having less motorcyclists taking their test equals less motorcyclists on the road equals reduced casualty rates – job done!

What do you think?