The Motorcycle Test

Practical Motorcycle Test

The motorcycle test will comprise of two modules from 27th April 2009, On road and off road (module one & module two) this will conform to the legislation required by the 2nd European Driving Licence directive. It is not going to be any more difficult to pass providing that you have been taught how to ride a motorcycle safely which is what we do from day 1 of learning with ART.

Both parts ot the test can be conducted on a single day at one of the Driving Standards Agency's new M.P.T.C. (Multi Purpose Test Centres) but if you fail Module 1, you will not be allowed to take Module 2 on the same day, here at ART, we will only book both parts of the test on the same day if we are very confident that you will pass.

The second choice is to take both modules separately allowing you to progress at your own rate rather than the pressure of an "intensive" course (not to mention helping to spread the cost), once module one has been passed, this can be "banked " for up to two years running alongside the theory test, module two can then be taken when you are ready but before your theory test expires.

The allocated time is approximately 15 minutes for module one to perform the manoeuvres on the MMA (Motorcycle Manoeuvring Area) and 55 minutes for module 2 (on road) The MMA is a flat level tarmac area of 125 metres long by 40 metres wide (5000 sq metres).

There will be both a Left and Right circuit available on the MMA and the examiners will change between the two on a regular basis.
ART Demonstration Video for Module 1 Test.
MMA Circuit layout (Left & Right)

Module One

Module one will comprise of a series of manoeuvres listed below, if this is completed to a safe and competent standard module two can then be booked, this will be a pursuit test much like the current one where the examiner follow you on a (normally) pre arranged route, you will still be expected to complete a hill start and an angle start (moving off from behind a parked vehicle or obstruction)

1. On and off the stand. - This can be either the main or side stand.
2. Wheel the machine. - This will involve pushing the machine backwards between two set of cones in a reverse U-Turn.
3. Slalom. - Ride through 5 cones in a slalom. (4.5 meters apart)
4. Figure of eight. - Ride a figure of eight twice between two cones. (6 meters apart)
5. 30kph circuit ride. - (18.64 mph) This involves riding the radius at one end of the MMA, N.B this is not speed timed.
6. 50kph avoidance. - (31.068 mph) This is the main part of the off road element, you must reach the minimum speed of 50 kph between the timing gates before changing direction to either the left or right, this will ensure that all motorcyclists are equipped with the skills necessary to avoid another vehicle user “pulling out” in front of them or safely negotiating a hazard in the road i.e. deep pothole. You are given two attempts to pass this part of the test to reach the minimum speed.
7. Controlled stop. - After you have changed direction you must perform a controlled stop.
8. U-Turn. - The U-Turn must be completed in between two lines that are 7.5 metres apart. (So no more kerbs to worry about!)
9. Slow ride. - This is over a distance of 17 meters, which must be ridden at walking pace as if to simulate riding in slow moving traffic, without putting you feet down, the examiner will walk alongside you and you must not pass in front of them.
10. 30kph circuit ride. - (18.64 mph) This involves riding the radius at one end of the MMA, N.B this is not speed timed.
11. 50kph emergency brake. - (31.068 mph) To perform the emergency stop exercise, you must again come through the timing gates at the minimum speed of 50 kph; again you are given two attempts to pass this part of the test to reach the minimum speed.

As from May 2011 the minimum speed has now been reduced to 48kph (29.85 mph) for both the avoidance manoeuvre and emergency stop.

Module Two

Once Module One has been passed, the Module two is taken out on the public road, the examiner will check your documents, eyesight and kit you out with one of their radios (very similar to the one your instructor uses).
You are then asked the safety questions and the practical maintance questions before the practical road ride.

Road riding element
The examiner will give you directions using a radio. They will normally follow you on a motorcycle.
You'll ride in a variety of road and traffic conditions. You'll be asked to carry out:

• normal stops
• an angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle)
• a hill start (where possible)
  

Independent riding section of the riding test
Your riding test will include around ten minutes of independent riding. This is designed to assess your ability to ride safely while making decisions independently