The new practical motorcycle test is due to be launched on the 29th of September, this year in an attempt to fulfil European legislation, which has the aim of improving the level of road safety for both motorbike and moped riders. It is this category of riders that have been highlighted as being more at risk of injury or even death, especially amongst younger drivers.

October 2000 saw the European commission, drafting in new standards for theory based and practical based tests, held within the EU. The new legislation will serve as an added extra to ensure that every motorcycle test candidate can display that they are skilled in the control of their machines, at a more complex level than what is currently the case.

The new test will consist of two parts. The higher speed exercises as well as other exercises, will be conducted on safe off-road sites and will last for a duration of 10 minutes. The second part will then be the on road component of the test, which is made up of a ride on the road covering various roads and traffic conditions, which include normal stops, hill and angle starts.

Be warned, if you happen to display signs of dangerous incompetence during the of-road part of the test, you will not be allowed to move onto the on-road part.