Learner bikers face two-part test

Motorcylists make up 1% of traffic but account for 20% of deaths

People learning to ride a motorbike may have to take a more thorough, two-part test under plans announced by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

An assessment of manoeuvres at 30mph-plus, such as emergency stops, would be followed by an eyesight test and 35 minutes of riding in traffic.

The DSA is currently seeking views on the plans and will make a final decision next year.

It said bikers made up 1% of traffic but accounted for 20% of deaths.

The agency proposes that the first part of the test would include specified manoeuvres to assess the rider's ability to control their machine safely.

They would be carried out at a minimum speed of just over 30mph.

Step-by-step

The second section would include in-traffic riding to assess the rider's interaction with other road users.

DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew said: "Statistics show that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users. They make up just 1% of road traffic, but account for 20% of road deaths.

"A two-part modular test would introduce a step-by-step considered approach to riding a motorcycle and offer the candidate time to absorb each separate important stage to learning."

She added that she hoped motorcyclists would consider the proposals and offer their feedback.