Common sense prevails, new practical motorcycle test delayed!

Finally common sense has prevailed, the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) has announced a six month delay to the introduction of the new practical motorcycle test due to be introduced on the 29th September.

Pressure from leading motorcycle representative groups working together including the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) has finally brought about this last minute U turn!

Deferring the introduction of the new motorcycle test until 2009 was a tough choice, but also the only logical one for Government to make, and the RMI Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) applauds the decision, according to Kevin Bryan, MRTA Chairman.

Lets hope six months is long enough to get an adequate number of new test centres operational?

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

New motorcycle test shambles continues!

The RMI's Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) is asking that the new motorcycle test now be delayed until 2009.

The DSA's target was to have 66 new motorcyce test centres ready by the 29 September but only 38 are operational plus 14 temporary sites.

Commenting on this situation, MRTA Chairman Kevin Bryan said; ‘This is making it impossible for rider training companies to plan ahead and is already affecting business. With many trainees choosing ‘intensive’ courses with a test at the conclusion, the fact is that we can’t sell such courses as we have no way of knowing what tests will be available or where after 29 September. There are seemingly no test slots available anywhere in the country before 29 September excepting cancellations and no ability to plan business beyond that point. The situation naturally affects current trainees and every member of the public looking to take their motorcycle test.'

Bryan adds: ‘The whole motorcycle sector could be damaged by the current test situation. The DSA must act to protect the industry, and the interests of its customers, who will also suffer.’

The MRTA has again written to the Transport Minister to ask for the test to be deferred and will be meeting senior Department for Transport officials shortly to address the issue.

So lets hope common sense prevails and the new motorcycle test is delayed, otherwise it will be another major blow to motorcycling in the UK!!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth

Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The new style motorcycle test is coming soon!

The Second European Driving Licence Directive (2DLD) will comes into force in September 2008 and introduces many new elements to the motorcycle test.

These including slalom, figure of eight, hazard avoidance and cornering skills, which will all be tested during the new off road test which will be held at one of 60 new super test centres.

Motorcycle rider trainers will get their first opportunity to try out the new bike test for themselves on Sunday (1 July 2007) as the Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) puts on a special trial event.

MRTA / DSA test day
MRTA Event Day
Sunday 1 July 2007
Britannia Stadium
Stanley Matthews Way
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 4EG
10am – 4pm
FREE ENTRY

To read more about this free trial day read the MRTA press releases on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/