New Motorcycle Test

From Daily Telegraph dated 19th January 2008.


How to get your motorcycle licence

Last Updated: 12:01am GMT 19/01/2008

Kevin Ash steers novices through the licensing process before the big
changes in October
" Win tickets to the MCN London Motorcycle Show
Last year there was a significant growth in the number of people
taking their bike test, up almost 13 per cent to 28,216, and it won't
let off yet. Partly this is driven by the time and cost savings to be
had in daily commuting, partly by the unreliability and inconvenience
of public transport, but right now the main factor behind the surge is
a new-format motorcycle test coming into force in October.
There are aspects of the new test that are more complicated than the
current one and of questionable value, such as a brake-and-swerve
manoeuvre. The real issue, however, will not be the test itself but
where you can take it. At the moment, there are 225 test centres
around the country; by October there will be 46, with 65 the eventual
target. Some applicants will therefore have to travel huge distances,
perhaps 100 miles or more, in order to take their test.
The reasons for the new test are infuriating: the format has been
determined by the EU and includes an emergency brake test from 50kph.
This equates to 31mph and, with many test centres surrounded by 30mph
limits, the only way to do this legally would be to travel to a 40mph
limit. The largely irrelevant brake-and-swerve test is cited by the
DSA (Driving Standards Agency) as another reason the entire test must
be conducted off road. So the motorcycle test has become another lever
in the DSA's mission to set up a series of so-called super centres
around the country at which all types of tests, from bikes to HGVs,
can be taken. Once established, they can also be used commercially to
generate profits for the DSA…Moreover, the EU's 50kph is a guideline
rather than a fixed legal requirement and, even if it was, negotiating
a 30mph clause for the UK would be a possibility.
For now, getting to a test centre is easy, but negotiating the rules
and regulations on the way to a full motorcycle licence is complex.
Our flow chart (below) shows the way to achieve it, but we've still
had to simplify the process. If you're not sure about your own
situation, contact your local motorcycle training centre, listed under
"Motorcycle Training" in Yellow Pages, or visit the BSM stand at the
Telegraph-supported London Motorcycle Show, which opens on January 31.
If you already have a full or provisional driving licence, make sure
you have a provisional motorcycle entitlement as this was not issued
automatically on newer car licences.
Armed with your provisional motorcycle licence, you must take
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT - about £80-100) before you're allowed
on the roads, on a sub-125cc bike. You must show basic
machine-handling competence, after which you're issued with a
certificate valid for two years. You also need to pass a theory test
to gain a full licence, although this can be taken once you're riding
on the road with L-plates. This is a two-part test which examines
Highway Code knowledge and hazard awareness using video clips. The
cost is £28.50 - find free samples at www.theory-tests.co.uk.
At this stage you do not need to buy a motorcycle, or even riding
gear, as most training centres will hire it all out. Using their bike
is an especially good idea if you don't intend to stay on a 125cc
machine after you've passed your test, and chances are you might
suffer some low-speed spills, too - always best done on someone else's
bike.
The main choice then is whether or not to go for the Direct Access
licence course. This can be done in stages or completed in about a
week, with costs ranging from £500 to £1,200 or more for full
residential courses, and you use a 46bhp bike. At the end, you come
away with a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence, but don't assume
you can then ride a 180mph superbike: apart from anything else, no
insurer will touch you. For the first two years after the standard
test, taken on a 125cc bike, you're restricted to a machine of no more
than 33bhp, which is sufficient for some riders indefinitely. Many
bikes producing much more power can be restricted to 33bhp by dealers,
so you can ride one of these for two years and then have the
restriction removed, effectively giving you a new bike without the
hassle of buying and selling.
If you take your test on an automatic (a scooter), you will be
restricted to automatics (scooters or the Aprilia Mana 850
motorcycle). The website www.getintobiking.com is full of information
on passing your test and lists UK training centres.


The London Motorcycle Show is ideal for those thinking about gaining
their motorcycle licence. Most of the new bikes available today will
be on display with knowledgeable staff available to talk about them,
and rider and driver training group BSM is there to help complete
motorcycle novices get their licences and onto bikes. DWe have 10
pairs of tickets to give away for the MCN London Motorcycle Show,
which takes place at London's ExCeL from January 31 to February 3.
This year's show has many top manufacturers exhibiting their latest
models, including Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, BMW and
KTM.
There will be an array of trade stands, offering everything from new
bikes through to the latest equipment and merchandise. The Live Action
Arena boasts live stunt shows, and the MCNLive! stage will give
visitors the chance to meet top biking superstars and take part in
some awesome activities - including the search for the 2008 MCN Babe
of the Year…
For more information on this year's MCN London Motorcycle Show, or to
book tickets, call 0870 730 0049 or log on to
www.londonmotorcycleshow.com. If you book in advance, you'll be given
a numbered ticket; drop it into the competition box on the MCN stand
for a chance to win a new Ducati 848. Advance tickets cost £14 for
adults, £10 for seniors, £8 for children (11-15), or £18, £10 and £8
respectively on the door. The show opens at 10am on Thursday and
Friday and 9am at the weekend.
For a chance to win tickets, go to click here or on "Competition" in
the left-hand menu. Regrettably, postal and e-mail entries to
Telegraph Motoring competitions are no longer accepted.

 

<snip>

*Yawn*

 

What the **** was the point in posting that, you numbuts?

Or were you just spamming that dreary show in London?

Next time, just post a fucking link. Shit for brains.

 

Or better still don't post anything.