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The following
was forwarded by Paul Lewis
May 16th marks the date of changes to the motorcycle test.
These are not however, the changes you may be expecting. The Ministerial
Review is ongoing and many of those involved, not least MAG, still hope that a
single test with easy access for all, will be the ultimate outcome. In the
meantime, the DSA have decided to implement a host of changes to the Mod 1
test themselves and said in a letter to training schools:
“You’ll be aware that the government is working with motorcycle groups,
training organisations and others to review the motorcycle test. They’re
considering various options around content and delivery. As part of this
review and DSA’s ongoing monitoring and review process of all tests a number
of minor changes have been identified that can be introduced before the main
review is finalised. These changes will take effect from Monday 16 May 2011.
The government working group supports these changes which take into
consideration feedback from yourselves and the wider motorcycle audience.”
This is particularly interesting because many of the changes are things we
have been asking for since we first heard this Mod 1 format was to be
introduced in 2009, and were comprehensively told were impossible and couldn't
be offered- like for example, removing the 'stop in a box' element from the
end of the swerve manoeuvre, as it was never an EU
requirement.
Similarly, and most strikingly, there will be the introduction of leniency
(5%) to the speed attained for the higher speed manoeuvres, so that if 48kph
is attained, instead of 50kph, that will be acceptable! It is because of the
previous strict speed enforcement that the special
test centres had to be built at great public expense!
What is perhaps more interesting, is that although it says the 'working group
supports these changes' it came as a complete surprise to us. We do indeed
support the changes, as we've been calling for them, but even at the last,
ironically named, 'DSA Stakeholders' meeting, there was absolutely no mention
of these forthcoming changes. One of the reasons that the discussions into the
whole Ministerial Review have been taking so long, is that the DSA were
adamant that the swerve and stop must be combined and that any changes to it
would need thorough and expensive trialling, even just altering the cone
layout on approach to make the corner less severe. There will now be 3
possible 'lines' the candidates can choose.
I do hope that this enlightened change of heart will continue to pervade their
thinking, but I fear it may not, as there are only two dates (below) when all
the training schools in the land will be able to witness the changes, in order
to know what to teach their students. With
less than 2 weeks notice and the Easter holidays approaching, I wonder how
many will be able to alter their diaries in time. Information will be
available to trainers at the following venues, but as examiners also need
thorough training, there will be less test booking availability in the busy
holiday period. Joined up thinking?
12 April (4.00-6.00 pm)
Burgess Hill, Darlington, Edinburgh, Musselburgh, Gillingham, Lee On Solent,
Nottingham, Swansea, Wolverhampton
14 April (4.00-6.00 pm)
Atherton, Bristol, Cambridge, Chester, Enfield, Exeter, Farnborough, Greenham,
Inverness, Rotherham, Swindon, Wakefield
--
Kind regards
Paddy Tyson
Campaigns Co-ordinator
MAG (UK) - Motorcycle Action Group
Tel: 01926 844064
Mob: 07717 345605
www.mag-uk.org
www.ridersarevoters.org
MAG (UK) Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company
number 2681957
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