Advanced Riding Techniques Ltd
01293 413330 or 01342 717577
UK Motorcycle Practical Test
The Motorcycle Test
Taking a Practical Motorcycle Test in the UK
The motorcycle test has comprised of two parts from 27th April 2009, Off road and on 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 one 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 within the same week. 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 are both a Left and Right circuit
available on the MMA at most MPTC's and the examiners will change between the two on a regular basis.
Video demonstration of the Module one motorcycle test here
Module one motorcycle test
Module one will comprise of a series of manoeuvres listed below.
- a/ On and off the stand. - This can be either the main or side stand.
b/ Wheel the machine. - This will involve pushing the machine backwards between two set of cones in a reverse U-Turn. - Slalom. - Ride through 5 cones in a slalom. (4.5 meters apart) then straight into 3. (Fig 8)
- Figure of eight. - Ride a figure of eight twice between two cones. (6 meters apart)
- Slow ride. - This is over a distance of Approx 17 meters, which must be ridden at walking pace as if to simulate riding in slow moving traffic, without putting your feet down unless it is a completely controlled stop. At the end of this you will need to stop with the front wheel in between the four blue cones.
- 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!)
- a/ 30 Kmh circuit ride. - (18.64 Mph) This involves riding the radius at one end of the MMA, N.B this is not speed timed.
b/ Controlled stop. - After you have ridden the circuit ride you must perform a controlled stop with the front wheel in between the four blue cones. - a/ 30 Kmh circuit ride. - (18.64 Mph) This involves riding the radius at one end of the MMA, N.B this is not speed timed.
b/ 50 Kmh controlled stop as if in an emergency. - (31.068 Mph) To perform the emergency stop exercise, you must again come through the timing gates at the minimum speed of 50 Kmh. You are given two attempts to pass this part of the test to reach the minimum speed. - a/ 30 Kmh circuit ride. - (18.64 Mph) This involves riding the radius at one end of the MMA, N.B this is not speed timed.
b/ 50 Kmh avoidance manoeuvre. - (31.06 Mph) This is the main part of the off road element, you must reach the minimum speed of 50 Kmh 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 & safely negotiate a hazard in the road i.e. deep pothole without panicking & slamming on the brakes!. 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 48 Kmh (29.82 Mph) for both the avoidance manoeuvre and emergency stop. If you do less than the required 50 Kmh but do at least 48 or 49 Kmh (30.44 Mph) on both the emergency stop and the avoidance manoeuvre you will pick up 1 rider error mark, and still pass. You are allowed 5 rider error marks in total on the mod 1 test.
At the end of the module one practical test (usually around 10-15 minutes) your examiner will debrief you on how the ride went and tell you that you have been successful (hopefully) ART will always try and ensure that you instructor is present for the end of test debrief to ensure that we fully understand any potential issues.
Module two motorcycle test
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 (Pillion & luggage) and the practical maintenance questions (Show me & tell me) before the road ride. 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 are allowed 10 rider error marks on the module 2 test.
The pursuit test involves the DVSA examiner following you on a (normally) pre arranged route, you’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. You’ll be asked to carry out:
- Normal stops
- An angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle)
- A hill start (where possible)
- Junctions
- Roundabouts
- One-way systems
- Dual Carriageways (where possible)
- Your riding test will include around ten - fifteen minutes of independent riding. This is designed to assess your ability to ride safely while making decisions independently
At the end of the module two practical test (usually around 35-40 minutes) your examiner will debrief you on how the ride went and tell you that you have been successful (hopefully) ART will always try and ensure that you instructor is present for the end of test debrief to ensure that we fully understand any potential issues.