There are more changes to come with regards to the new Motorcycle Practical Test.
From the 4st of October Module 2 of the Test, which is the practical, on road ride, will include a section of independent riding. What this means is that the candidate will simply be asked to follow a series of directions or traffic signs. For example the instruction might be, “Follow signs towards the M4 and then follow signs for Cwmbran” (if your test is in Newport that is!).
The purpose of this to make the test a more natural and realistic ride, taking more responsibility for their own actions rather than just following step by step directions given by the examiner. It is anticipated that this would take up approximately 10 minutes for the whole duration of the test.
Students won’t fail for going the wrong way (unless they end up heading for London along the M4 !) but they will be tested on their ability to make decisions in a timely and well managed way taking account of route and traffic conditions. It will give the candidate the opportunity to ride as if they are on their own, and unsupervised.
This shouldn’t be too much of problem for 1st Class Rider Training students. As it is now, when training we give directions like, “Take me to MacDonalds and then follow signs to Burger King”…..