The Motorcycle Manoeuvres Test is to be introduced by DVA on 29 September 2008. This is a result of European Directive (56/2000/EC) which introduces new manoeuvres to be assessed as part of the practical motorcycle driving test. The Directive’s aim is to improve road safety through a reduction in the level of motorcycle collisions.
The following links contain information regarding the test:-
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- Background information on the test (PDF 53KB)
- Before, during and after the manoeuvres test (PDF 67KB)
- Additional Information (PDF 39KB)
- Test layout (PDF 17KB)
- Promotional Poster (PDF 402KB)
- Promotional Flyer (PDF 137KB)
If you require further information not contained on the website please contact:
Amanda Herron
DVA Headquarters
Balmoral Road
Belfast
BT12 6QL
Email: amanda.herron@doeni.gov.uk
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There are a number of documents which you need to produce at the start of the driving test. These are to ensure that the test is conducted legally. These documents must contain the relevant information and be valid for the day of the test. You will also be asked to sign an insurance declaration stating that the test vehicle is insured for the purposes of the test. The documents are listed below:
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If you are unable to produce your driving licence there are a number of possible alternative documents which can be used. You can view this additional information by selecting the "Evidence for the test" Link.
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Prior to carrying out this procedure it is important to ensure, if you use corrective lens, that you have these with you. If you require corrective lens to read the number plate the examiner will insist that you use these during the test.
The examiner will ask you to read a clean number plate on a stationary vehicle, which contains letters and figures 79 mm high and 57mm wide, at a distance which is more than 20.5 metres or 20 metres if the letters and figures are 50mm wide. If you are unable to read the number the examiner will ask you to read another number plate (still at the same distance) and, if necessary, allow you to walk forward until it is just over the appropriate distance.
If you are still unable to read the second number plate the examiner will ask you to take a seat in the waiting room while s/he measures out the precise distance from a third plate. The measuring tape will be left so that you can see the exact distance.
If you fail to read the third plate and the examiner is satisfied beyond doubt of your inability to comply with the eyesight requirement then you will be told that you have not reached the required eyesight standard, this will mean immediate failure to pass the test so the remainder of the test will not be carried out.
The examiner will ask you to sign a form to acknowledging that you were unable to comply with the eyesight requirement and s/he will give you a copy of the driving test report form (DL9).
We recommend that you test yourself prior to coming for test to ensure your test goes ahead. If you are unsure your sight will comply with these requirements please make arrangements to have your eyesight checked.
More detailed information can be found in motorcycle show me tell me questions (pdf, 185Kb) [top]
At the start of the test the examiner will give you a short introduction explaining what the test entails. S/he will advise you on how long the test will take (approximately 40mins) and what it will include. S/he will inform you that you will have a number of manoeuvres to carryout during the test;
- Emergency Stop
- Place the motorcycle on & off its stand
- A "U" turn both wheeling & riding the motorcycle
The examiner can also ask you to perform a slow ride in a striaght line if s/he did not get an opportunity to assess this naturally during the test.
You will also be asked to carry out an Emergency Stop, an Angle Start (move off from behind a parked car) and several Normal Stops (moving off from the side of the road).
The examiner will advise you to follow the road ahead unless directed otherwise. S/he will explain that if you do not understand the instructions you should let her / him know and s/he will clarify what they have asked you to do.
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At the end of all tests (pass or fail) the examiner will offer you a brief explanation of the faults marked on your driving test report (DL9). The debrief will aim to give you a 'word picture' of your performance during the test. It will include all the serious and dangerous faults recorded if you have failed and a selection of the repeated driving faults if you have passed. If you fail as a consequence of accumulating more than 15 driving faults, all the faults will be explained.
The examiners will ask you at this point if you would like to have your instructor or accompanying driver present during the de-brief. It is important therefore to have this individual near by at the conclusion of the test. The examiner will not have the time for you to going looking for them.
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Any vehicle or vehicle/trailer combination presented for use at test must meet minimum test vehicle standards. These standards are part of European Community Legislation on Driver Licensing. Northern Ireland as a member of the European Union is obliged to comply with these requirements.
Minimum Test Vehicle (MTV) requirement Table:
| Category | Specification |
|---|
| A | A motor bicycle without a sidecar having an engine with a cylinder capacity of over 120 cubic centimetres but not more than 125 cubic centimetres and capable of a speed of 100 kilometres per hour on the level. |
| A1 | A motor bicycle without a sidecar having an engine with a cylinder capacity of 75 cubic centimetres but not more than 120 cubic centimetres. |
| P | Any vehicle in category P. |
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Relating to Categories A1, A & P
(For A1 (see note 1) & A (see note 2))
- A light motorcycle licence (category A1) will give you full licence entitlement to ride machines up to 125 cc with a power output of up to 11 kw.
- A standard motorcycle licence (category A) will restrict you for a period of two years to riding machines with a power output not exceeding 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After the two-year period you may ride any motorcycle.
Additional Notes
Requirements for Motorcycles and Mopeds
Moped (Cat P)
A moped must have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, and a maximum speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). If first used before 1 August, 1977, it must be equipped with pedals by which it can be propelled.
Motorcycles (Cat A & A1)
If your motorcycle is less than 75 cc it is not acceptable for the practical motorcycle test. If you pass your practical test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission, this will be recorded on your licence. Your full licence entitlement will be restricted to motorcycles in this category.
Only candidates with certain disabilities can use a motorcycle and sidecar combination for the test. The licence obtained as a result of this test will be restricted to such combinations.
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Test Categories: Motorcycle