Review of national motorcycle tests following large numbers of accidents

The controversial motorbike test was first introduced in April 2009 and includes lessons and tests that include a swerve manoeuvre. Its one thing doing this in a test centre and another thing doing it on a 30mph road, however, this interpretation was overlooked by the previous government. This now means that performing the swerve manoeuvre in a 30mph zone is now illegal to perform.

In the test centres driving are asked to reach speeds of over 30mph, swerve, and then come to a complete stop. This technical manoeuvre has been the cause of many accidents at bike centres and risks wheel looks and riders losing control. This becomes even more hazardous in bad weather.

The motorcycle industry has been calling for a review since April 2009. Mike Penning (Under-Secretary of State for Transport) has confirmed a complete review is to proceed.