Motorcycle sector need to respond to the DSA consultation

Both the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and the RMI Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA) have joined together to push motorcycle manufacturers, retailers and trainers to respond to the consultation on proposals for the new motorcycle test outlined by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

The DSA is putting forward a modular test whereby the off-road and on-road elements of the test will be taken separately, but the consultation also includes proposed test fee increases!

Full details of the DSA proposals can be found at http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=594. Responses can be submitted on-line or in writing to The Driving Standards Agency, The Axis Building, 112 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 6LP. Comments on the proposals must be submitted by January 9, 2009.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Have your say on the proposed modular motorcycling test

The Driving Standards Agency have put out proposals to enhance the way motorcyclists are tested.

They are proposing a two stage modular test, to split the current single-event motorcycling test into two parts:-

Module 1 would contain the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider's ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises carried out at a minimum speed of 50 kph.

Module 2 would include an eyesight test and up to 35 minutes of in-traffic riding assessing the rider's ability to safely interact with other road users.

The overall price for the test will apparently remain unchanged, the price will be split across both modules - so candidates only have to pay for each section of the test as they take it.

You can have your say online and read the consultation paper which is at http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=594, or write to The Driving Standards Agency, The Axis Building, 112 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 6LP.

Or for more information you can call 0115 936 6092.

So if you want your voice to be heard on this critical motorcycling issue get your comments in to the DSA!!

Oh, anyone wishing to comment on the proposals must do so by 9 January 2009.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Common sense prevails, new practical motorcycle test delayed!

Finally common sense has prevailed, the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) has announced a six month delay to the introduction of the new practical motorcycle test due to be introduced on the 29th September.

Pressure from leading motorcycle representative groups working together including the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) has finally brought about this last minute U turn!

Deferring the introduction of the new motorcycle test until 2009 was a tough choice, but also the only logical one for Government to make, and the RMI Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) applauds the decision, according to Kevin Bryan, MRTA Chairman.

Lets hope six months is long enough to get an adequate number of new test centres operational?

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Motorcycle insurance discounts available!

Its official motorcycle insurance discounts are available.

The DSA and the Motorcycle Industry Assocation, working with leading motorcycle insurance companies have put together the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) which will offer significant motorcycle insurance discounts to all qualified bikers who successfully complete the scheme.

The motorcycle insurance brokers and direct motorcycle insurers currently sponsoring the scheme are: AA Insurance, Bennett's, Bikesure, Carole Nash, Chandler Direct, CIA, Devitt, Direct Choice, E Bike, Hastings Direct, MCE, Lexham, Motorcycle Direct, Norwich Union Direct, Express, Rampdale, Premium choice, Swinton. The scheme is supported by the following insurers: AXA, Chaucer, Equity Red Star, Groupama, Highway, KGM, Link, Zenith, NIG, Norwich Union and Royal & Sun Alliance.

Bikers wishing to take part in the scheme can find their local DSA RPMT at: http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Bikes.asp and follow the relevant links.

So what have you got to lose, enhance your riding skills and save money, its a no brainer!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth

Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/

Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

New motorcycle test shambles continues!

The RMI's Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) is asking that the new motorcycle test now be delayed until 2009.

The DSA's target was to have 66 new motorcyce test centres ready by the 29 September but only 38 are operational plus 14 temporary sites.

Commenting on this situation, MRTA Chairman Kevin Bryan said; ‘This is making it impossible for rider training companies to plan ahead and is already affecting business. With many trainees choosing ‘intensive’ courses with a test at the conclusion, the fact is that we can’t sell such courses as we have no way of knowing what tests will be available or where after 29 September. There are seemingly no test slots available anywhere in the country before 29 September excepting cancellations and no ability to plan business beyond that point. The situation naturally affects current trainees and every member of the public looking to take their motorcycle test.'

Bryan adds: ‘The whole motorcycle sector could be damaged by the current test situation. The DSA must act to protect the industry, and the interests of its customers, who will also suffer.’

The MRTA has again written to the Transport Minister to ask for the test to be deferred and will be meeting senior Department for Transport officials shortly to address the issue.

So lets hope common sense prevails and the new motorcycle test is delayed, otherwise it will be another major blow to motorcycling in the UK!!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth

Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/