116 MPs back MCN’s bike test call

Over 100 MPs have backed MCN’s call to shake-up a controversial new riding test.

We’re demanding more test centres and changes to a new exercise which has led to dozens of crashes – and 116 MPs have put their signatures to the proposals.

It will place pressure on the Government to rethink the test, which led bookings to fall by 50,000 in the eight months following its introduction.

Our plan to fix it was put forward as a formal motion for debate in the House of Commons by MP Anne Main.

The Early Day Motion highlights the threat posed to motorcycling by the decline in test bookings.

MPs to sign it include Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Robert Goodwill and Lib Dem Shadow Transformer John Leech.  

Although Early Day Motions rarely lead to actual debates, they can place pressure on the Government by demonstrating widespread support from MPs.
Most only gain one or two signatures.

The fall in test bookings has been blamed on learners crashing while attempting a new “swerve and stop” exercise.

The motion states the exercise is more difficult than necessary under European law and calls for it to be split into two separate manoeuvres.

The motion also highlights a lack of test centres which has left thousand of learners facing two-hour rides.

Main pledged to continue campaigning for “urgent adjustments to the motorcycle test” if re-elected as MP for St Albans.

She said: “It is clear from the support I have received from both MPs and motorcycle activists that there is a great will for revisiting the changes to the motorcycle test and for ensuring that centres are easily available to learner bikers.”