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Driver Standard Agency (DSA) Preview of the Implementation of the Amendments
to the Second EC Driving Licence Directive
Changes to the Practical Driving Test for Motorcycles
The Driver Standards Agency (DSA) arranged a demonstration at their Driver Examination Test Centre at
Cardington of their adaptation of the practical driving test as outlined in the EU Directive for implementation by 2005.
Attendees were from the major training schools, police training, Motorcycle
Rider Training Association (MRTA) and the BMF.
There was two sessions putting the proposed test into practice outside and a question and answer session.
Amendments from the EU Directive
6. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A and A1
6.1. Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to ride
safely by satisfying the following
requirements:
6.1.1. Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;
6.1.2. Perform a random check on the condition of the tyres, brakes, steering, emergency
stop switch (if applicable), chain, oil levels, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.
6.2. Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety
6.2.1.
Putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;
6.2.2. Parking the motorcycle on its stand;
*6.2.3. At least two
manoeuvres to be executed at slow speed, including a slalom; this should allow competence to be assessed in handling of the clutch in combination with the brake, balance, vision direction and position on
the motorcycle and the position of the feet on the foot rests;
6.2.4. At least two manoeuvres to be executed at higher speed, of which one manoeuvre in second or third gear, at least 30 km/h and one
manoeuvres avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h; this should allow competence to be assessed in the position on the motorcycle, vision direction, balance, steering technique and technique
of changing gears;
6.2.5. Braking: at least two braking exercises shall be executed, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h; this should allow competence to be assessed in handling
of the front and rear brake, vision direction and the position on the motorcycle.
EN Official Journal of the European Communities 21.9.2000 L 237/54
6.3. Behaviour in traffic Applicants
must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
6.3.1. Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
6.3.2. Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
6.3.3. Riding round bends;
6.3.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;
6.3.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
6.3.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if
available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
6.3.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being
overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);
6.3.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes;
*The special manoeuvres mentioned under points 6.2.3 to 6.2.5 have to be implemented at the latest five years after entry into force of this Directive.
DSA Implementation Proposals
The candidates' motorcycle would first be subject to technical checks.
The area, which the
manoeuvres would be carried out on, measures 125 m by 40 m this is regarded as providing the necessary run off.
The test comprises:
Taking the motorcycle off its centre stand or side stand (whichever suits the candidate), wheeling it
backward around a corner and putting it on the centre stand or side stand.
Riding a low-speed slalom around cones (mentioned this was part of the old Part 1 Test)
Performing a figure of eight around cones (how many times still to be decide)
Accelerating to 30kph around semi circle marked out by cones.
Accelerating to 50kph to avoiding (swerve) either
left or right, the candidates choice, to avoid cones.
Coming to a controlled stop between a set of cones.
Start off and perform a u-turn.
Slow ride between a set distance marked by cones (time for this manoeuvre still to be set)
Accelerate to 30kph around semi circle marked out by cones.
Accelerate to 50kph coming to an emergency stop.
Discussion
Worries had been voiced that the collision avoidance and braking exercises would be combined.
The
DSA voiced that if a candidate failed the off road part of the test that they would not be allowed to continue to the on road test.
Similarly if a candidate passed the off road part of the test
and failed the on road test the candidate would have to complete the off road part section.
The two sections of the test being treated as one.
The issue of converting kph to mph was raised
regarding a conversation with a European official who had indicated to the DSA in May that the 50 km/h speed was to be strictly adhered to. While in June the official had indicated that a sympathetic
view would be taken if in the UK 50 km/h were interpreted as 30 mph. The DSA refused to comment but have written to query the issue.
The test exercises as demonstrated did not lend themselves to being taken on the road.
Questions were asked what sites would be large enough to conduct the off road test as demonstrated.
The DSA commented they had considered truck roadworthiness testing centres but these would be too contaminated by oil and rubber to be safe for the test.
Training schools were worried if the test
was conducted on such a large site that they would not have the required training facilities for candidates.
Worry was also expressed at the extra cost/time to train candidates with extra time to
put candidates through the off road section, on road section.
Consultation
The DSA is to issue a consultation document in December to interested parties.
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