Learners could be allowed to speed

Learners could be allowed to speed while taking their riding test as part of a shake-up of the exam.

They would be given special dispensation to break the 30mph speed limit while attempting manoeuvres including one in which they must swerve and then stop.

At the moment part of the test must be conducted off the road at test centres because of a Europe-wide requirement to perform manoeuvres at 31mph, too fast for our 30mph urban speed limit.

Temporary exemption would allow the entire test to be conducted on the road, addressing a shortage of test centres. 

Roads minister Mike Penning said: “Dispensation for the driving test to allow you to go 1mph over the speed limit is an option.”

Penning last month announced a Government review of the new European test in MCN following a drastic decline in people taking it. He said the review would consider moving the manoeuvres to the road.

Now the minister has said: “What we need to do, and the review needs to look at, is to see whether or not there are ways it can be done. I understand there are so let’s look at that.

“There are ways you could do the 31mph on a public highway by allowing through legislation.”

In practice it may be necessary to allow learners to reach around 35mph as 31mph is the minimum required and many instructors suggest aiming slightly faster. 

Riders have until the end of the month to contribute their views to the review in a public consultation. Email: rusd4consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk