THE Government’s Trans-port Committee has launched an investigation into the tougher and more expensive motorcycle driving test introduced in April this year – and is inviting comments.

It was in January that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) announced that the motorcycle test would be split into two parts.

Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises.

Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on-road riding, assessing the rider’s ability to safely interact with other road users. Changes to the practical driving test for motorcyclists were introduced this year because of the European Second Driving Licence Directive – although the decision to deliver the new test in two parts and via multi-purpose test centres was taken by the Government following two rounds of consultation.

One reason for the costly new test centres was the European requirement for an emergency stop at 50kph – equating to 31mph, this ruled out old urban test centres in 30mph limits.

Concerns have been expressed that there are too few test centres and that some test candidates now have to travel long distances to reach their nearest test centre. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of riders taking the off-road test, particularly the ‘swerve and stop’ test.

The Transport Committee inquiry into motorcycle testing arrangements will study in particular: l Has the DSA interpreted the EU Second Driving Licence Directive correctly and applied it appropriately?

l Are the off-road motorcycle tests safe and appropriate?

l Is the number of motorcycle test centres adequate and are the locations satisfactory?

l What is the impact of the recent changes in motorcyclist testing?

Interested parties are invited to submit evidence by September 22. Submissions should be concise with paragraphs numbered with evidence in Word or Rich Text format, by email to transev@parliament.uk, with a contact name, telephone number and postal address.