The Module 1 will be introduced on the 27th April 2009. Candidates will have to have passed both their Motorcycle Theory Test and CBT before they can take this test. The test takes about 15 minutes and will be conducted on one of the DSA's specially laid out Manoeuvering Areas, and will involve several set exercises at slow and higher speeds. The cost for the Module 1 is set at £15.50. If you fail the test you will have to wait for 3 working days before you can retake the test. You have to pass the Module 1 before they can take the Module 2.
FAQ
1/. Where will the test be conducted?
The test will take place either at a DSA MPTC (Multi Purpose Test Centre), a VOSA site or what the DSA calls a Casual site. Casual site are where only motorcycle tests take place; some will do Module 1 and Module 2 and some will just do Module 1.
2/. How hard are the manoeuvres?
Ah the million dollar question. Well not as hard as you would think. We found the slow manoeuvres very straight forward, particularly the U-turn which is quite generous (particularly if you ever saw the stupidity that was the U-turn at Leighton Buzzard). 125cc machine can comfortably get up to speed for the high speed manoeuvres (emergency stop and swerve), but they must be ragged in 2nd gear which sounds horrible. For the smaller bikes the swerve was easy; for the bigger bikes more effort was required and it was to easy to go much too fast (we recorded 73kph which was 50% more than we needed!). However, overall we did not think it was particularly difficult and that it would be easy for us to prepare our students for the test.
3/. Having to take time off work for two tests is a bit of a pain in the neck; will the DSA not do tests at the weekend?
Weekend tests are always a local issue as it depends almost entirely on whether or not the local examiner can be bothered or needs the over-time. However, if they do run them then they will charge more.
4/. What happens if I fail Module 1?
You will have to pay £15.50 to the DSA for a retest and whatever we decide to charge for extra practice and motorcycle hire (this is still to be decided). You will have to wait 3 working days before you can retake the test.
5/. How long does a Module 1 pass certificate last?
Our understanding from the DSA is that the Module 1 pass certificate will last for 2 years or until your Theory Test pass certificate expires. This sounds complicated and we feel that this needs clarification.