Well it is in and what a start. I’m pleased to say that 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff has had a success with our first student going forward for the New Part 1 of the 2 Part Test, passing with a fault free ride.
Others were not so fortunate and reports in the press showed four crashes and one broken arm on the first day of the new safety manoeuvres part of the test.
With no motorcycle test centre in Cardiff we have to travel to Swansea or Newport for the Part 1 of the test. We then get a choice for the Part 2 (on road practical riding) and the choice is Swansea, Newport or Merthyr. Yes, again, No Cardiff motorcycle tests.
What this means is that the demand for motorcycle tests has far out stripped the availability.
Tests which could have been taken in Cardiff, Abergavenny, Bridgend, Cwmbran and many other regional, ‘local’ test centres can now only be taken at the limited number the DSA have provided for us.
The DSA are proud of what they have achieved! But now you try getting at test for students. At Newport last week there were training schools from Monmouth and as far as Hereford with students for tests. Newport is now their ‘local’ test centre.
So take away the misfortune of the crashing test candidates on day one, it is the ‘crashing’ of the testing and booking system, buckling under the strain of there not being enough test centres that will carry the lasting damage.
The industry is struggling, and the DSA think they have met their targets.