Changes in the law from September 29th, 2008 means there is a new practical test to pass before you can ride a motorbike. This is being introduced to improve standards of road safety for bikers. There is currently a high injury and death rate on UK roads and the government is committed to reducing the number of accidents on by 40% in 2010.
The new practical test has two elements. Higher speed exercises will be tested on safe off-road sites (at new Multi-Purpose Training Centres). The on-road element follows, consisting of a ride covering a variety of road and traffic conditions and includes stops, angles and hill starts. New special exercises are as follows: -
- Two exercises carried out at slow speed, including a slalom (cone weaving)
- Two exercises carried out at a higher speed, at which one should be in second or third gear, at a speed of 19mph+ and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 32mph.
- Two breaking exercises including an emergency break at a minimum speed of 32mph.
Your bike needs to be no less than 75cc for the practical test.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
This was introduced in 1990 to help reduce high accident rates amongst inexperienced riders. You need to do this before you apply to take your practical test. A pass certificate lasts for two years and enables you to ride a bike up to 125cc, restricted to 15bhp (brake horse power). CBT has five sequential elements and costs from £70 - £100 depending on your trainer: -
- Intro to riding
- Practical on-site training
- Practical on-site riding
- Practical on-road training
- Practical on-road riding (two hours minimum)
Motorbike Theory Test
This was introduced in 2002 and is made up of two parts: –
- Multiple choice of 50 questions with a pass mark of 43/50 (you can practise online)
- Hazard perception test (HPT) of 14 video clips of everyday road scenes in which you have to identify 15 developing hazards. To score highly you need to respond to the developing hazard as in the early stages. The pass mark is 44/75.
How To Prepare For Your Theory Test
Study the Highway Code, Your Traffic Signs, and the relevant book from the DSA’s Driving Skills Series. There is a DVD called ‘The Official Guide To Hazard Perception.’
Once you’ve passed the theory test you can apply to take your practical test.
What If I Want To Ride A Bigger Bike?
Once you’ve passed the practical test you can take the A2 Test, which allows you to ride a bike up to 500cc (33bhp) for two years after which you can ride any cc of bike, if you are over 21. Or, do the Direct Access Scheme (DAS), which allows you to ride any cc of bike without waiting for two years. Before you can do this you need to pass your CBT and theory test.
Resources
Direct Gov - information and advice on learning to ride a bike.
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