Broken arms versus bright ideas
Controversy over the new two part motorcycle test
Large size photo download available at end of page.
11th May 2009
A new style motorcycle test started this month with more than a hint of controversy over practical benefits versus broken arms and riders falling off.
In the old style test candidates were followed on road by an examiner riding a motorbike and were marked on how they coped with traffic and set manoeuvres. As of the beginning of May the test has been split into two modules. Module one is based at large off road sites called MPTCs (Multi Purpose Testing Centre), the second module is on road. Initial reports were good where test candidates have said that the U-Turn and Emergency Stop were much easier to complete.
Controversy however has hit the training industry when on the first day of introduction a rider on test in Rotherham crashed and needed to be taken to hospital with a suspected broken arm. Since then there have been several additional accidents across the country for riders on test for the new module one. In Cambridge one candidate wrote off a £2000 learner bike after loosing control and flipping the bike into the air. No one was seriously hurt.
Driving Standards Agency officials who had extensively tested the new setup before going live reported that “Candidates need to be trained properly by a reputable company before attempting the new two part test”.
Miranda Rose of the Driving Standards Agency stated “During the first day of the new motorcycle test there were 4 incidents where riders unfortunately lost control and fell from their motorcycle. One candidate sustained a broken arm and the remaining 3 suffered no apparent injury. Each of these riders made the same mistake; they braked heavily whilst steering to carry out the avoidance exercise. – Unfortunately the outcome of that kind of rider reaction is inevitable and on the open road is one of the main causes of crashes, serious injury and death”
Bernard Adams, Chairman of the Motorcycle Rider Training Association and Managing Director of Camrider; one of the country’s largest training businesses stated: “It has become apparent that some training schools have not thought through how to train candidates for the new test and some just do not have the facilities”. “This should be a relatively simple test that helps riders gain valuable skills and we hope customers will choose schools that have the resources and expertise to train them properly”. Out of 400 plus tests and mock test since the new regime started Camrider have reported no accidents or incidents for candidates undertaking training with them.
Riding instructors at Camrider after a cautious start all state that they are in favour of the new test and agree with the practical benefits of training and testing new riders to a higher standard. In particular the need to correctly teach the process of motorcycle steering, both in normal riding circumstances and in an emergency. Luke Isted, one of Camrider’s lead instructors stated: “The new test can be safe and easy to complete – preparation and good instruction is the key!”
The whole new test set up was pushed forward by European directives that sought to harmonise testing regimes across Europe. The UK’s Driving Standards Agency thought the best way to implement the European directives was to build a network of “Super Centres” at the cost of several million pounds.
The new test allows riders to be tested at set speeds on special manoeuvres in a safe off road environment. Its primary aim is to test that the rider can brake, swerve and take corners at a reasonable speed – 50kph to be precise! It also allows some of the trickier elements such as “U-turn” and “Emergency stop” to be completed off road, thus making the on road part easier to complete.
The current worry is that the cone layout is not right for some candidates who have not prepared properly for the test. Certainly if a rider had never seen the layout then the module one might seem daunting. The results from candidates actually going through test however is very positive. Daniel Brown (pictured) who trained with Camrider; passed module one on 28th April and said: “The whole deal was very easy – We had practiced for the test a few times and I knew what to expect”
Oddly the module one test past is linked to the life of your theory test. People passing module one need to make sure they have time left on their theory pass certificate so they can get module two out of the way and have a full bike licence.
The second module of the test is on road. This is very similar to the old test where candidates were followed by an examiner with a radio link to give directions. This module can be pre-booked to happen straight away after the first module or can be taken later on.
The Camrider test candidates are giving a cautious but positive welcome to the new testing standards. It’s becoming obvious that elements that candidates used to fail on most are now easier to complete. In particular the U-Turn; as it’s done on a large flat piece of tarmac with no camber or kerbs to worry about. There have been a lot of concerns about getting up to speed for the 50 KPH corner and Emergency Stop, but as two attempts are being allowed by the examiner it’s proving to be less of a worry than previously thought.
The message to get across is that the test now has new elements and it’s vital to get trained by a well resourced and properly qualified instructor. If you can do that you will actually find that the new test is easier to complete than the old one.
A detailed explanation of the new test along with a video explanation can be found at www.camrider.com direct link http://www.camrider.com/2008test/2008-new-motorcycle-test
Ends.
Notes
Contact: Bernard Adams 01223 835348
Camrider is one of Europe’s largest motorcycle rider training companies.
Set up in 1977 Camrider it conducts over 4500 CBT and full tests per year. Sites located throughout East Anglia and North London.
Bernard Adams is Managing Director of Camrider and sits on the executive committee of the MRTA.
The MRTA (Motorcycle Rider Training Association) is Europe’s largest trade association involved with rider safety and training. It has over 100 members representing in excess of 900 instructors. Formed in 1992 it represents members and advises the government at Ministerial level.
DSA information: Originated direct from their press office: Rose, Miranda [Miranda.Rose@dsa.gsi.gov.uk]
Photos: Please just click on link or photo for large res version
Showing certificate is Daniel Brown – Camrider pupil passing module 1 on 28/4/09
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Hanna Rogers undertaking module one instruction from Luke Isted of Camrider
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