BORN TO BE A BIKER? START NOW BEFORE THE NEW TEST KICKS IN

Going round corners is the least of it in the 2008 motorcycle test …

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Fancy becoming a biker? Start learning now – it’ll be an easier ride to your full licence!

That’s the stark message following the announcement of future test requirements.

Driven by European legislation, The Second European Driving Licence Directive, or 2DLD, will come into force in September 2008 and will introduce new elements to motorcycle testing and training.

Fresh elements to the practical test will include a new manoeuvring test at ‘super test centres’ which the Government is currently building around the country.

The new manoeuvres - including the slalom, figure of eight, hazard avoidance and cornering skills - will all be tested during the new off-road section.

And new elements to the bike test will help riders understand more about the capabilities of their machines. But there is concern about possible additional expense to take the test, the increased cost of training and the fact that the number of test centres across the country will significantly reduce.

Faced with the prospect of longer waiting lists for tests and costly training, many would-be bikers are likely to take their test over the next two summers before the new legislation comes into effect.

Now the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is launching a major campaign to encourage people to take up motorcycling and get their full licence.

MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The last time major changes to the motorcycle test were brought in, in 1997, we saw a huge rise in the number of people taking their test before the changes came into force and a reduction immediately after the changes.  We expect history to repeat itself.

 “Over the coming months, we plan to raise awareness about the 2DLD legislation and promote the benefits of getting on two wheels in order to motivate those who don’t have a full motorcycle licence to get one now.”

More information: www.takeyourbiketestnow.co.uk.

Editor Mel Lewis, a biker with 20 years’ experience, writes: “The MCI talks about bikes being ‘more economical, having lower emissions and being a more convenient and fun way to travel’. All true. You also avoid city congestion charges, park easier, and slip through trapped traffic like an eel. But the real buzz for me on my Ferrari-fast Kawasaki 900 was the awesome sensation of actually sitting on the engine. Not even an Aston gives you that.”