The Practical Motorbike Test
All practical motorcycle tests are conducted by a DSA examiner at a Driving Standards Agency test centre. Our local test centre is Musselburugh multi purpose test centre, we also use test centres at Bathgate( Mod2), Livingston (Mod 1) and Kirkcaldy. The test is in two parts and candidates must pass the module 1 test before being allowed to attempt module 2. We generally allow at least a day, sometimes a week between mod1 and mod2 tests.The type of motorcycle used, and the age of the candidate will determine the licence category. From 19th Jan 2013 new rules will apply, see link here, or call us for more details.
Suitable clothing for test candidates
While you are on your test the examiner will be responsible for your safety. While the majority of the candidates dress appropriatelt for the motorcycle test, the
We are able to supply our candidates with the three main items required; helmet, jacket, and gloves. It is the responsibility of the candidate to wear appropriate trousers and boots. You can view the DSA press release here
At the start of either test your examiner will check your documents, so make sure that you take these with you; driving licence, CBT , theory test pass certificate, and proof of ID e.g. your passport. The examiner will ask you to sign the insurance declaration to be sure that you are insured while riding on the test.
Module 1 Practical Test
The off road test is mainly about machine control, but you must also have the self discipline to remember your rear observations before starting each exercise, just like you would do on the road. The skills required include slow control, braking and safe use of speed when cornering. Remember that you will be allowed a second attempt at the higher speed exercises at the end of the test if neccessary. Most of the exercises can be practiced either on our training area or on a quiet road so they will be familiar when the test time comes. Here is a short video of the new avoidance exercise.
Module 2 motorcycle test
The examiner will check all your documents including the module 1 pass certificate and fit you with a radio before heading outside to check your eyesight (by asking you to read a car number plate). You will be asked some basic safety questions, which will have been covered on your course. The test route should take about forty minutes to complete, . There are several routes, and most involve national speed limit and dual carriageway roads. The examiner will expect you to make reasonable progress by getting up to the speed limit and overtaking if neccessary, where it is safe to do so.The examiner may also include any of the following; hill start, angled start, slow riding or he may simply ask you to stop and then ride away again. Your instructor will cover these exercises with you.
Independent riding
Since October 2010 there has been a short session of independent driving, where the examiner will ask you to follow road signs towards a particular destination. During the this section, there will be no instructions over the radio. As with the rest of the test, there is no penalty for going the wrong way, provided that you do so safely and legally. The examiner will tell you when the independent section is over and you will follow his directions over the radio again. Here is a video about the independent riding section.
