The new practical motorcycle test was due to be introduced in October 2008 to comply with new regulations from Europe. The launch date subsequently moved to March 2009. The reason behind the legislation is that motorbike and moped riders are one of the most at risk groups of road users in terms of death or injury.

The new motorcycle test involvesmore demanding special manoeuvres. These are

• two manoeuvres at slow speed including slalom
• two manoeuvres at higher speed, one of which in 2nd or 3rd gear at 30km/h or more and one at 50km/h avoiding an obsatacle
• two braking exercises including emergency stop at 50km/h or more.

The high speed and other exercises will be tested off road and will take about eight minutes. This will be followed by the on-road part of the test, but those who have been dangerously incompetent in the off-road section will not be allowed to continue.

To deliver this test, there are a number of new motorcycle test centres. Some of these will be at multi-purpose test centres for cars and motorcycles