Motorcycle Insurance

The introduction of the new motorbike test should be postponed until all the necessary facilities are in place, an industry body has claimed.

From September 29th anyone wanting to gain a motorcycle licence will have to take a two-stage test, with the customary road-riding element supplemented by a series of off-road trials.

These include a slalom course, braking exercises and two high-speed drills.

However, the Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) has suggested the new qualification is not yet workable, as only 38 of the planned 66 multi-purpose test centres have the facilities needed to conduct off-road assessments in place.

MRTA chairman Kevin Bryan called on the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to reconsider its plans and put the start date for the new test back by six months, in order to ensure sufficient test centres and slots are available for learners.

Mr Bryan added: "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."

In addition to a licence, bikers hoping to take to the road without L-plates are required to have motorcycle insurance and a machine with an MOT.

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