Brake and swerve test 

In 2008 candidates will have to take a three part motorcycle test before getting their licence:

• A theory test including the hazard perception test
• An off road riding assessment including a swerve/avoidance maneuver and emergency stop, pushing the bike in reverse and u turn
• An on road practical riding test similar to the present one without the maneuver which will be carried out off road.

Further to this, the tests will only be conducted at special test centers (many of the local test centers will cease to test motorcyclists) meaning that candidates may have to travel much farther to get to the test centre. This of course this will mean extra training time and costs to all concerned.

Direct access increased from 21 to 24

The Direct Access age for motorcyclists is to be raised from 21 to 24. And 17 year olds starting out on a 125cc will have to wait four years- and may have to pass three tests- before being allowed to ride a motorcycle producing more than 35Kw ( about 47bhp).

The new restrictions were approved by the european parliament on 14 December and will be introduced within the next six years. Steps are being introduced which will require those who pass their test on a 125 to wait two years and undergo either further training or a second test which has still to be decided- before moving on to a machine up to 35 Kw. The two years experience rule and test/training option will apply again before a machine over 35Kw can be ridden.

There has never been a better reason to get your bike licence now!!!!