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Written by Fran Newton, 09/06/10

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British bikers may be relieved to read that the new motorcycle test is set to be reviewed.

The government has revealed that it is to investigate the new exam, which was introduced with an off-road section last year.

Since its introduction, concerns have been raised about the closure of many local test centres and the establishment of super centres, which include the off-road facility but are few and far between.

This has meant that many riders have had to travel long distances to reach an exam centre before having passed their test, which could mean they risked more than a bike insurance claim.

Transport minister Mike Penning MP announced the move, saying worries had been expressed relating to the safety of the off-road section, while "there have also been complaints about the difficulty for riders in some areas of accessing the off-road test centres".

He has called on groups within the industry to come forward with their ideas about how training and testing for motorcyclists should be improved.

The news follows the publication of a report earlier this year in which the transport committee revealed the government had bungled the introduction of the new test.

The report claimed that closing down many local test centres was unjustified and that ministers has wasted millions of pounds bringing in the new assessment.

As part of the review, the manoeuvres used in both the on and off-road modules in the practical exam will be investigated in terms of how safe they are, while other areas of training and testing will also be assessed.

Bike insurance policyholders can submit their views to the Department for Transport by July 31st and the review is expected to come to an end in autumn.

"This is a clear opportunity to properly review and decide what is required from the training and testing regime in the UK," commented Steve Kenward, chief executive of the Motor Cycle Industry Association.

He said that industry bodies are delighted with the news and even happier that ministers have requested cooperation for the riding public on improving the exam.

Mr Kenward went on to say the industry will carry out its own investigations alongside the government to find out which initiatives are needed to "produce a licence access, training, testing and training upgrade programme that encourages and ensures ongoing access to safe motorcycling, so as to benefit riders, the transport system and the motorcycle and motorcycle training industries".

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