TWO PART TESTING
TRAINERS MEET THE DSA                                                                              NEW TEST POSTPONED
DSA RESPONSE TO A2B
THE NEW MOTORCYCLE TEST
CBT COURSE AVAILABILITY
DIRECT ACCESS AGE INCREASE
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The DSA are now proposing two part testing in areas where a Multi Purpose Test Centre is not yet available.The 10 minute manoeuvre test will be conducted at the existing Poole Test centre, this will take place at weekends due to lorry/trailer reversing test being carried out on weekdays. (Booking/test fee = £20), followed by a weekday road test (Booking/test fee = £80). This proposal is not perfect as it may well cause a longer wait for tests. The road test Examiner would want to see your Two part Driving Licence, CBT certificate, your Theory Test Pass certificate and a Manoeuvre test Pass certificate. The Manoeuvre Test pass cert expires on the day your Theory Cert expires.

DSA MEETING 26th September 2008 

The new style motorcycle test has been deferred until the 29th March 2009. However, the DSA have confirmed that a Poole MPTC will not be ready in time.

Motorcycle test availability will gradually improve as things settle back to as they were, however 29th March 2009 is not that far away and should the new test proceed  I would envisage that all of the old style test slots will have been taken before the end of January 2009.

The general concensus of the Training Schools was to remain focused and demand that:-
The DSA must defer the commencement of the new motorcycle test until ALL of the proposed MPTC's have been commissioned.

The New M/C Test has officially been delayed for 6 months until 29th March 2009. This has been decided to enable more Multi Purpose Test Centres to be built thus reducing the distance that some candidates were being asked to travel. However, for the residents of Dorset if the new MPTC for Poole cannot be approved and built inside six months, the same difficulty of travelling to Fareham may still exist. So watch this space.
News added 18/09/2008

HOW HAS THE TEST CHANGED?
The test becomes a three part test and comprises of:-  1. Theory-test, 2. Manoeuvre-test, 3. Road-test.  Everyone will have to take the new test from 29th September 2008. It has been introduced to comply with European legislation and aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcyclists. To take the new practical motorcycle test you will need to pass the m/c theory test as is required at present. You will then be asked to complete an off-road manoeuvre test on a specially designated area. The exercises will include; use of stand, pushing the m/c, a slalom, figure of eight, obstacle avoidance, controlled stop, slow ride and an emergency stop, the test will take approximately 10 minutes. Certain speeds need to be reached during the avoidance and emergency stop manoeuvres, if the candidate fails to achieve the required speed on the first run a second attempt will be allowed. Understandably, the Examiner needs to satisfy himself that you have acquired the necessary skills to handle the m/c before continuing onto the 25 minute road-test element. You will no longer be required to perform a 'U' Turn and an Emergency stop on the public road, unless real life traffic/road conditions dictate that you need to.
WILL I NEED ANY EXTRA TRAINING TO PASS THE NEW TEST?
Anyone who has trained with A2B will confirm that you are taught to ride a motorcycle safely, systematically and competently. A2B have an excellent training site where we will simulate the new Manoeuvre Test. We are confident that the new test is easily achievable and to some of you, the safer environment may even improve your confidence. I am encouraging everyone to avoid test day disappointment by investing in 3-5 days training. Remember, re-tests are expensive and are an inconvenience to you and to us.
WHERE WILL I TAKE THE NEW TEST?
Most areas will have a new Multi Purpose Test Centre (MPTC) within a few miles, however, Dorset's MPTC will not be ready until 2009. The DSA are expected to provide a temporary test site in Poole until the new MPTC is built.
HOW MUCH MORE WILL THIS NEW TEST COST ME?
Three to five days training will have you riding beyond DSA test standard. Your training course will be based on your ability and it will be timed to conclude on the day of your DSA test appointment. The DSA motorcycle test fee is set to rise by £20.  
A2B's OPINION OF THE NEW MOTORCYCLE TEST.
A2B welcome any measures that may make motorcycling safer. To be in full control of a motorcycle or scooter requires a high degree of skill and ability. Therefore the new manoeuvre test will highlight any weaknesses which could later become a safety issue when in close proximity with other road users. Therefore I have no issues with the principles of the new m/c test.  However, I am concerned that the DSA are going ahead with the launch of this new test format prior to having a Dorset MPTC facility in place. I have written to the DSA with my concerns and await their reply.
news added 1/08/2008

CBT courses available within 5 - 7 days.
news added 2/08/2008

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.
news added 1/09/2007