The introduction of the new motorcycle test seems to, ironically, be putting novice riders at more risk of injury than not. There have been several reports in the press of novices breaking limbs and generally injuring themselves whilst undertaking the new avoidance part of the test, especially in wet conditions.

I am not a fan of this new part of the test as I don’t feel that it properly reflects real-life conditions and that’s because there are too many variables and unknowns – just like er real life – and as such cannot be recreated on a wide open bit of tarmac.

Now the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and the Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association (MCITA) are proposing a simple change to the new motorcycle test which would radically reduce the risk of novice riders crashing while attempting the ‘hazard avoidance manoeuvre’ and ‘controlled stop’ manoeuvre.

It seems that these two manoeuvres are carried out at the same time requiring two drastic changes of direction and stopping in an unreasonable distance, made worse in wet conditions.

The proposal put forward by the industry to the DSA, which they are now considering, is to either:-

1 – Remove the controlled stop manoeuvre from module 1 testing

or

2 – De-couple the controlled stop manoeuvre from the swerve manoeuvre

The industry are concerned about further serious injuries to novice riders and the effects on business of the lack of confidence that could result, coupled with the difficult conditions they are already experiencing due to the lack of available tests.

MCITA’s analysis of the original European Directive has found that the EU doesn’t require the controlled stop manoeuvre to be tested in module 1, and as such the test can be seen to be ‘goldplating’ an already onerous piece of legislation.

Should we be surprised at that, dear reader?

MCI’s Sheila Rainger said “If the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) insists on checking the rider’s ability to perform a controlled stop before progressing onto the road, we are calling for this to be tested as a totally separate manoeuvre from the swerve.”

The DSA have said they will review the proposals and both organisations calling for the change are hoping that common sense will prevail.

I’ll second that, but don’t hold your breath as in my opinion rarely are the words common sense and DSA used together.