Test rethink needed

I am writing to register my objection and to complain about the level of difficulty involved in the newly implemented motorcycle test.

The level of skill required to pass the Module 1 and in particular the avoidance manoeuvre, is far in excess of that needed to safely control a motorcycle for somebody who is still learning to ride.

When a rider passes all eleven stages of the Module 1 test they are still a learner and required to maintain this status so therefore they have achieved nothing only the ability to apply for Module 2 testing.

It is absolutely self-evident that after passing both modules of the test they are still learning.

The complete disregard and appreciation of this fact has been ignored by the bodies setting out the new test and they expect new riders to possess skills that an experienced rider has acquired over a period of time spent on the road, indeed I have read in the press and spoken to experienced riders who freely admit that they would find the new test daunting to undertake.

The Module 1 avoidance manoeuvre part of the test requires a rider to begin accelerating halfway round a bend to achieve a minimum speed of 50kph to pass through a speed-measuring device.

The need to “get your speed up” is continually promoted by instructors to their pupils to even have the remotest chance of passing the test.

The need to dramatically increase speed whilst taking a bend surly goes counter to all practical everyday riding behaviour and would be discouraged by most driving instructors.

I cannot understand why a previously respected government body has seen fit not only to implement this dangerous and unnecessary exercise, but also to carry on, regardless of pending lawsuits and the huge numbers of new riders failing the test.

To continue with this element in the test is clearly in conflict with most riding instructors and the motorcycle industry, one has only to see the media coverage to understand that the DSA has overstepped the mark and made the test too difficult for this level of rider.

I am greatly relieved to mention that I am not in the motorcycle trade in any way whatsoever and so do not have any vested interest.

I believe the DSA have dealt the motorcycling fraternity a stab in the back that will eventually lead to the reduction of legal motorcycle road use and the demise of the motorcycle trade.

My interest is seeing this part of the Module 1 test abolished or at least changed. My hope of one day passing the test is the now sadly dwindling. I abandoned my first test because I misunderstood (complete buffoon) an instruction by the examiner and so elected to withdraw from the test.

My second attempt at the Module 1 test failed for braking too heavily into the coned box after successfully completing all parts of the test, the reason for my failure given by the examiner was “if it was icy you would have come off”, in fact It wasn’t icy or even wet, I didn’t lose control.

I did however come through the speed-measuring device faster (55kph) than was required to pass.

In my opinion I should have passed, even if it were with a comment of “watch your braking” or something similar, I would have accepted that. Had the conditions been icy I would not be riding anyway, let alone undertaking a test.

My long-term intention is or was to get rid of my car and use my motorbike, so saving money, being “green” and doing something I really enjoy.

The financial cost of training and testing stands very close to £600 at the moment. I have also spent in common with a lot of other people I’m sure, a large amount on clothing, helmet, boots and a second-hand bike to practice on.

Perhaps I should invest in a big gas guzzling motorcar? My experience as a road user is, riding a modest but varied number of motorcycles over the last twenty years mostly abroad with and without members of my family as pillion passengers, I have held and used a car and HGV licence for a long time, I regularly drive abroad.

I have never had a motorcycle accident or even fallen off (a few inevitable near misses but not many bikers can say that) Perhaps the government is adopting an agenda of removing motorcycles from the road, it seems the environment of “suspicion and scepticism” is prevailing at the moment.

I wonder what will be the response from the DSA when someone undertaking the Module 1 test comes off and breaks their neck. Surly the way to improve rider behaviour and in turn road safety is by education, encouragement and enforcement, which one do YOU see prevailing at the moment?

My question for the motorcycle training fraternity is this. The DSA say they have worked with you guys to construct this test, what were you thinking of, how do you feel now your number of trainees and your income has fallen through the floor?

Why didn’t the DSA give YOU enough time to arm yourself with the correct equipment to train riders to pass the avoidance element of the test, instead of a couple of bricks in the road and a guess at the correct speed? What an appalling state of affairs.