Bike test to be reviewed

A controversial new riding test which has seen hundreds of learners crash and bookings plummet is to be reviewed by the Government.

In his first formal interview since taking his new post, to be published in tomorrow’s MCN, roads minister Mike Penning invites motorcyclists to send him their views as part of a review to be concluded by autumn.

Over 250 learners have crashed attempting exercises in the new test since it was introduced in April last year. The number of complete tests conducted has fallen by an estimated 60%.

Penning, a former biker of 20 years, said: “I think there is some understandable anxiety which I share. But the way to do this I think is to have a review.

“I want everyone to be involved. I don’t want to have a review and people to then come back to me and say ‘I didn’t know that was going on.’

“So I’m asking the stakeholders, including MCN and its readers, to come together and say what the remit of the review should be. What are the concerns?”

MCN has been calling for the test to be reviewed since March, when we revealed the dramatic decline in bookings. Conservative and Lib Dem transport spokesmen backed our call before the election. Tory Penning said: “I’m fulfilling that commitment.”

Submit your views by email to RUSD4consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Penning gave MCN strong indications of proposals likely to be considered in the review. To read his full interview, in which he says he wants to “send a message to motorcyclists” that he is listening, get MCN, on sale tomorrow.

 

Get the latest MCN out on the 9th of June Rossi speaks from his hospital bed  Schwantz on Rossi’s come-back chances Yamaha Tenere V Ducati Multistrada V BMW R1200GS V KTM 990 Adventure TT: Find out what’s gone into Hutchinson’s Honda