Motorcyle tests – EU rules make them more dangerous

Yesterday during a Commons debate on Road Safety the Island’s MP Andrew Turner voiced his concern at the increased risk to those who are learning to drive on motorcycles due to changes planned to the testing procedures. As a result of an EU directive on theoretical and practical driving tests, Islanders will be required to travel to the mainland in order to take a motorcycle test which will include testing them on their ability to carry out manoeuvres at greater than 30 miles an hour.

During the debate Mr Turner said: “ The test centre [on the Isle of Wight] will be closed and motorcycle tests will instead be provided on the mainland – not even close to ferries. That is wholly unsuitable for motorcyclists, as tests will be 20 or 30 miles from where they live, and I fear they will drive without a licence.”

In order to reach one of the new test centres on the mainland, Islanders will have to travel to the ferry terminal and onward to the test centre without a licence. Whether they pass or fail the test they will then need to make the return journey, all on roads which are likely to be unfamiliar to them as inexperienced motorcycle riders.

The EU directive dictates the components of the test for new motorcyclists, which includes the following:
• at least two manoeuvres executed at higher speed, [including] one manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50km/h (31.25mph).
• at least two braking exercises, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50km/h (31.25mph).




The Directive does not say that these manoeuvres must be carried out off road but the DVLA have decided that as they need to be carried out at speeds that exceed the UK’s normal urban speed limit that they must be undertaken at specially designed test centres.

The Minister for Transport Jim Fitzpatrick promised to look into the matter in detail and contact Mr Turner’s office.

Mr Turner said
“This is a prime example of the Government ‘gold plating’ EU rules to the detriment of the public and at the expense of common sense. Why can’t these manoeuvres be tested on quiet rural roads here on the Island? It is hard to see how the proposal made by the Government is contributing to road safety. I am glad that the Minister has promised to follow up on the point I raised and I look forward to hearing from him.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808

Link to full text of the debate :

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm071017/halltext/71017h0006.htm