Bike test numbers bomb

As expected by many members of the industry the number of riders taking their tests in England, Scotland and Wales has dropped significantly following test rule changes introduced in January 2013.

The rule changes made it impossible for riders under 24 to gain direct access to unlimited power bikes, and for riders under 19 to mount machines over 125cc.

As a result riders taking Module 1 practical tests has fallen by 30 per cent in the last 12 months (to end of June), and the number of riders taking Model 2 practical has fallen by 33 per cent.

The number of young riders taking tests has been hit especially hard. For example, the number of 16-17-year-olds taking Module 1 practical fell from 3294 to 353, a drop of 89 per cent.

Recent figures peaked in 2012-13 as riders rushed to take their tests before the new rules were implemented.

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THE STATISTICS (Source: Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency)

Module 1 practical test

2009-10: 50,823

2010-11: 57,711

2011-12: 59,594

2012-13: 66,050

2013-14: 46,263

Module 2 practical test

2012-13: 65,128

2013-14: 43,475

Module 1 tests taken by riders up to 17

2012-13: 3294

2013-14: 353

Module 1 tests taken by riders aged 18

2012-13: 2787

2013-14: 151

Module 1 tests taken by riders aged 19

2012-13: 2532

2013-14: 1377

Module 1 tests taken by riders over 24

2012-13: 2563

2013-14: 2396

Module 2 test

2009-10: 37,914

2010-11: 49,645

2011-12; 57,911

2012-13: 65,128

2013-14: 43,475