Bike Insurance

Bikers have only a few days left to register their views on the proposed new motorcycling test.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is keen to introduce a two-part test, complete with a range of exercises to be carried out under controlled conditions.

These include a low-speed slalom, a high-speed exercise involving avoiding obstacles and two braking tests.

Riders who successfully complete that section of the test would then be asked to undertake the more familiar accompanied on-road assessment.

A final decision about whether to bring in the new test is not due until March 30th 2009, but a DSA consultation exercise on the proposed change ends on January 9th.

DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew is hopeful that bike insurance policyholders who take part in the consultation will back the plan, which she believes would help to improve safety and cut the number of bikers who lose their lives on the road.

"A two-part modular test would introduce a step-by-step considered approach to riding a motorcycle and offer the candidate time to absorb each separate important stage to learning," she explained.

Ms Thew added that the introduction of the new test may also have benefits for the DSA in terms of the quality of service it could offer to the motorcycle industry.

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