A new practical motorcycle test will come into force in 2008, and in addition to the existing accompanied on-road element there will be an eight minute off-road test around cones. This will allow the examiner to be sure that the candidate has a very high level of machine control before being allowed on the on-road element.

This new part of the test is designed to be difficult and you will need to be able to demonstrate that you can ride the bike with a great deal of confidence. Hence it will drive up the cost of training significantly with most people needing an extra 8-10 hours training.

Another issue is that there will NO test facilities in Bury St Edmunds because of the amount of land required and the cost of contructing the off-road facilites.

All this means that we expect a huge demand for the current test in the run up to the new one being introduced, and we expect to be very busy indeed, so if you've been meaning or planning to take to your test, now is the time make that booking!

More details of the new 2008 motorcycle test are available from the DSA.