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How will this test work?
Independent riding is not being introduced as a replacement for
the current method of
testing; it is designed as a component part
of the
practical test.
The aim is not to make the
harder, or test the candidate’s orientation skills, but to assess their ability
to demonstrate their riding skills whilst concentrating on identifying and following a series of traffic signs / verbal
directions.
There is no change to the
Module 1 motorcycle test – the independent riding section
will form part of the Module 2 riding ability test.
Removing regular direction
given by the examiner for a period of approximately ten
minutes will give candidates the opportunity to ride as if
they were on their own.
During this period, the
rider will have to make decisions in a timely and
independent manner, managing both road and traffic
conditions.
Candidates will either be asked to ride:
•
following traffic signs or
•
following a series of
verbal Directions or
•
following a combination of
both.
The examiner will give
directions as normal for the remainder of the route.
Trialling the changes
We have undertaken
successful car test trials in a number of locations.
Overall, candidates and
driving instructors were positive about Independent Driving,
experiencing no difficulty in adapting to the new approach.
We are preparing to
introduce independent driving / riding into all categories
of the practical test.
Assessing independent
driving / riding
There will be no change to
the assessment of the test.
As with the current test,
going off route is not a fault, unless riding errors are
made, in which case the candidate will be assessed
accordingly. At the test pre-brief the examiner will tell
candidate that if they forget where they were asked to go,
to simply pull up on the left at a safe place and the
examiner will join them (the same as if there is a problem). |
