Helping L Riders : Motorcycling Test

The Practical Test

On 27 April 2009, the practical motorcycle test was replaced by a new two-part practical test. The new test aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders, particularly young and inexperienced riders.

The new test is in two modules. Both modules must be passed before the candidate's theory test certificate expires, and candidates must present a valid certificate DL196.

Modules 1 and 2 may be taken on the same day or on separate days. However, module 1 must be passed first and if a candidate fails module 1, they must wait three clear working days before re-taking it. Therefore, if they have booked module 2 on the same day, they will not be able to take module 2.

Module 1: The Specified Manoeuvres

Module 1 consists of a series of specific manoeuvres designed to test the rider's ability to control their machine safely, and will last around 22 minutes. It must be conducted off-road at a DSA test centre. The specified manoeuvres are:

At least two manoeuvres carried out at slow speed, including a slalom
At least two manoeuvres carried out at higher speed, of which one exercise should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph) and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
At least two braking manoeuvres, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph).

The candidate must also wear a securely fastened helmet.

Module 1 test candidates will be asked by the examiner to demonstrate their riding ability on either a left-hand or right-hand circuit. Click here to see the standard layout of the left and right-hand circuits. Please note that the standard off-road layout may change due to local conditions.

Candidates who pass module 1 will receive a Test Pass Certificate which they must take with them when they take module 2. Candidates who fail module 1 will not be able to take module 2 until they have re-taken and passed module 1.

Module 2: Road Riding Test

Module 2 of the practical test takes place on public roads and is designed to see if the candidate can ride safely and knows the Highway Code. It is similar to the existing motorcycle test and will consist of the eyesight test, road safety questions and at least 30 minutes of road riding, covering a variety of road and traffic conditions and will also include normal stops, hill and angle starts. It will last about 57 minutes. The test begins with an eyesight test (if the candidate fails, the test will not continue). The candidate must also wear a securely fastened helmet.

The examiner is looking for an overall safe standard of riding.

Further details of the new test can be found in the Learners and New Drivers and Riders section of the DirectGov website.

Booking A Motorcycle Test

When the instructor judges that the learner has enough experience, then she or he will recommend booking a test. Don't be tempted to book a test too soon; the learner needs to be able to perform consistently in a wide range of road and traffic situations.

You can find out how to book a test on the Learners and New Drivers and Riders section of the DirectGov websiteor the DVTA website in Northern Ireland.

After Passing The Motorcycle Test

Passing the motorcycle test is just the first step in a rider's career. There is much that you can do to help your new rider stay safe on the roads - visit the After The Test section to find out more.

It's very important for the newly qualified rider to continue to develop their skills and experience by taking further training, and by building up their riding experience on smaller machines before moving onto larger, more powerful ones.

New Drivers Act

The Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act, which came into force on 1 June 1997, also applies to new motorcyclists. The licence of any motorcyclist is revoked automatically if they reach a total of six or more valid penalty points within two years of passing their test. This includes any valid penalty points which may have been awarded before the test was passed. Penalty points are valid for three years.

Anyone with six or more valid penalty points on their provisional licence when they pass the test for the first time will be granted a full licence in the normal way but any points earned after that will trigger automatic revocation.

In order to legally drive again, the rider must reapply for a provisional licence, ride as a learner (and so only when displaying an L Plate) and pass both the theory and practical tests again.

Passing the test again does not remove the penalty points which remain on their new licence until their three year period expires. If the total of valid points reaches twelve, the rider risks disqualification.