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RizzoTheRat
Original Poster
8,070 posts
61 months
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http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...Looks like they're adding extra categories next year A1 - 14.5 bhp, 17 years old A2 - 46.5 bhp and not derived from a vehicle of more the double the power, 19 years old A - over 46.5 bhp, 24 years old or 2 years with an A2 plus a further test. So it looks like a 17 year old will have to do a test to ride a 125, then another test 2 years later to ride a bike limited to 46.5bhp (which can't be something with over 93bhp and a restrictor kit, and then another test 2 years later to ride a bigger bike. That sounds expensive. I'm all for promoting safer riding but is it the youngsters that are the problem? I thought the majority of accidents were the older age group who will still presumably be able to do direct access and afford a bigger bike, though that's now increasing from the current 21 to 24. If we've got anyone on here under 24 who's thinking of learning, I suggest you get it done this year.
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LordFlathead
7,935 posts
127 months
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Also in favour of more rider training, but at what cost? Seems to be another revenue collecting scheme with multiple tests costing yet more money to pass. I may be alone here, but I would prefer to see mandatory refresher training for those that have passed their test 20 years ago (like me!). At my age, I'm sure I know everything there is to know about riding a bike, and my ego is still writing cheques my arse can't cash 
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bob1179
13,465 posts
78 months
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It annoys me greatly. We all know why motorcyclists are being targetted. However why are learner car drivers not being looked at too? Teach them proper observation and roadcraft? I'm sure this would also reduce accidents. To go one step further, why not push for car drivers to have a mandatory two years on two wheels before being allowed to take a driving test? I'm sure it would greatly improve our roads. 
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RizzoTheRat
Original Poster
8,070 posts
61 months
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moanthebairns
4,262 posts
67 months
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Another retarded idea, they more need to scrap the Mod 1 test!
Im pretty sure its been said before but people have killed themselves on 125's before.
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Andy XRV
1,848 posts
49 months
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According to figures quoted on the bike show the other night when the current bike test was introduced the number of new riders dropped by just under 100,000 to 50,000 a year.
I'm pretty sure the proposed changes will put another nail in the coffin.
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Fleegle
10,634 posts
45 months
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Andy XRV said: I'm pretty sure the proposed changes will put another nail in the coffin. Or more newbies taking a chance and riding unlicensed?
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Charlie Foxtrot
2,390 posts
84 months
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Andy XRV said: According to figures quoted on the bike show the other night when the current bike test was introduced the number of new riders dropped by just under 100,000 to 50,000 a year.
I'm pretty sure the proposed changes will put another nail in the coffin. On all of my DAS lessons so far only one other person has been close to my age. All the other 500cc learners are middle aged. I know I've not been with every newbie biker in town, but I'm guessing most people my age don't actually have a spare grand to put into lessons and kit before even buying a bike. Especially if they're running a car already. Or not, I dunno, it's just my theory.
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RizzoTheRat
Original Poster
8,070 posts
61 months
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I think you're right. It used to be that a bike was a cheap form of transport, so you got a lot of people having a bike before they had a car. That doesn't seem to be the case any more. Mind you seeing some of the insurance quotes 17/18 year olds are getting for small cars perhaps bikes still are cheaper!
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Hooli
21,213 posts
69 months
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bob1179 said: It annoys me greatly. We all know why motorcyclists are being targetted. However why are learner car drivers not being looked at too? Teach them proper observation and roadcraft? I'm sure this would also reduce accidents. What make car drivers capable of driving a car? that'll never catch on, it's their 'ooomun reeghts' innit?
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bogie
8,949 posts
141 months
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under 25s are still the most risk statistically for accidents on bikes or cars...still no reason just to single out bikers
I still think there should be a double test for cars, by power to weight, to keep novices away from more pokey cars....one test and you can drive a Veyron if you have the cash, which is clearly not right
but I guess the argument on bikes is they are still cheap - sub £20k you can get on something with crazy performance compared to a £20k car
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macdeb
3,817 posts
124 months
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bob1179 said: It annoys me greatly. We all know why motorcyclists are being targetted. However why are learner car drivers not being looked at too? Teach them proper observation and roadcraft? I'm sure this would also reduce accidents. To go one step further, why not push for car drivers to have a mandatory two years on two wheels before being allowed to take a driving test? I'm sure it would greatly improve our roads.   My thoughts exactly, I reckon car drivers should be re-assessed every 5 years. It seems nowadays that people are taught how to pass a car test and not actually how to drive a car properly. They should be called 'how to pass a test' instructor and not 'driving' instructor.
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Nigel Worc's
5,285 posts
57 months
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macdeb said: My thoughts exactly, I reckon car drivers should be re-assessed every 5 years. It seems nowadays that people are taught how to pass a car test and not actually how to drive a car properly. They should be called 'how to pass a test' instructor and not 'driving' instructor. PMSL, no matter how much you'd think this would help, it has too many problems regarding what you do with someone who doesn't meet the standard on that day at that time, but drives for a living etc. But.......the major factor here ..... 32,000,000 licence holders, tested every five years ..... really ? Imagine the infrastructure needed for that !
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BonzoG
1,313 posts
83 months
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Glad I got my DAS out of the way last year. I'm 24 in October so strictly this wouldn't affect me in the slightest had I waited, but I reckon it'll be a big nail in the coffin of a lot of schools locally, making it even more difficult for people who meet the requirements to find training. The Mod 1 test is pointless, and the car test needs to be longer/harder. Personally, I'd still be willing to pay something similar to the Mod 1 fee, if it was invested in the car test. With this and EU anti-tampering, is biking just about f  ked?
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GTIR
19,078 posts
135 months
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Dare2Fail
2,460 posts
77 months
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Andy XRV said: According to figures quoted on the bike show the other night when the current bike test was introduced the number of new riders dropped by just under 100,000 to 50,000 a year.
I'm pretty sure the proposed changes will put another nail in the coffin. While I don't doubt that the change in rules is discouraging, I doubt the validity of one figures. I suspect that they have compared the 12 months leading up to the change in law to the 12 months after. This will give a misleading stat as you will see a large number of people trying to get their licence before the rules change (much as you will probably see if you compare2012 with 2013).
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jhoneyball
843 posts
145 months
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BonzoG said: The Mod 1 test is pointless, I did mine 6 weeks ago. I'm not sure I would agree it is pointless. Basic handling of the bike, swerve test etc are useful. as is the control to do u turn and the slalom. BonzoG said: and the car test needs to be longer/harder. Total agreement there, for sure
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BonzoG
1,313 posts
83 months
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Perhaps not totally pointless, but basic handling is already part of the CBT and it can't be that hard to find somewhere to do a U-turn on the Mod 2?
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Hooli
21,213 posts
69 months
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Nigel Worc's said: macdeb said: My thoughts exactly, I reckon car drivers should be re-assessed every 5 years. It seems nowadays that people are taught how to pass a car test and not actually how to drive a car properly. They should be called 'how to pass a test' instructor and not 'driving' instructor. PMSL, no matter how much you'd think this would help, it has too many problems regarding what you do with someone who doesn't meet the standard on that day at that time, but drives for a living etc. Three months grace to resit & pass the test, sorted.
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Mario149
3,250 posts
47 months
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jhoneyball said: swerve test etc are useful Careful there, can of worms in the opening  although I do happen to agree with you
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