The Motorcycle Test is conducted by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) at a DSA Driving Test Centre and takes about 45 minutes. An examiner will, in most cases, use a radio to give the candidate directions. The test will start with production of the relevant paperwork and an eye sight check. The candidate will then be asked some brief questions relating to the controls and maintenance of the motorcycle. This is then followed by the ridden part of the test, which will include in no particular order a U-turn, emergency stop, angled start, hill start and pushing the motorcycle and placing it on the stand. At the end of the test there are a couple of questions about balance and passengers. The result is then given.
Currently, the DSA has a family friendly policy which means that test times vary from one centre and examiner to the next. Generally they do not do tests much earlier than 8:00am and not later than 3:30pm. They do occasionally do evening and weekend tests, but these are more expensive and infrequent.
FAQ
1/. Is the test the different for a Restricted licence compared to a Direct Access Scheme licence?
No, in all cases the duration and content of the test are the same, and the examiner will be looking for the same standard.
2/. What happens if I fail my test?
By law you must wait ten working days before you can re-take the test. Bank Holidays are not counted as working days but Saturdays are.
3/. What happens if I disagree with the outcome of the test?
In our experience most examiners do not make decisions that are unfounded. The may be a little harsh occasionally, but there will nearly always be an adequate explanation. However, in the event that you are unhappy then they will never change the outcome. The only circumstances that would allow you to a have a free re-test would be if the test was not conducted fairly. This does occasionally happen, and is normally dealt with by the DSA's Customer Services.
4/. What happens if I go the wrong way on test?
You have passed your test right up until the moment you do something that is not safe. If you go the wrong way or misunderstand the directions then you cannot fail provided whatever you do is done safely.
5/. What is a voided test?
There are two types of voided test; one where you do something wrong and one where the DSA do something wrong. If you do not produce the right paperwork, you motorcycle breaks down or you get lost through no fault of the examiner then your test will be voided. This means you will have to pay for a new test but you do not need to wait for 10 working days. If the examiner is ill, or the examiners radio or motorcycle breaks down, or if they are on strike, or the weather is too bad then the test will be voided. If it is due to weather you will get a free re-test. If it is through the fault of the DSA then you will be given a free re-test and will be entitled to compensation.