Book Theory Test Today investigates how changes made to motorcycle licensing laws in January 2013 have discouraged riders from taking a motorcycle theory test and practical exam causing a huge plummet in motorcycle tests.
Recently, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the price of a motorcycle theory test would be reduced. Riders would be forgiven for thinking that this was to cut the cost of learning to ride. But, Book Theory Test Today can reveal that the DfT has ulterior motives for the price drop.
With the number of people taking a motorcycle theory test and practical exam plummeting, it appears that the price drop is also an effort to boost the number of people taking the theory exam and practical test.
The changes implemented back in January 2013 involved a number of restrictions that hit a number of riders aged 24 and under. Following the rule changes, riders below the age of 24 are no longer permitted to ride ‘full-powered’ bikes, while riders under the age of 19 are prohibited from riding anything over a 125cc.
As expected, the number of young riders taking a theory test and practical exam decreased significantly. During the 2012-2013 period, 66,050 candidates took the module one practical exam and a further 65,128 took the module two assessment.
The equivalent period in 2013-2014 yielded 46,263 candidates taking the module one exam and 43,475 taking the module two assessment.
In the year prior to the law changes coming into effect (2012-2013), 3,924 17 year olds took the module one exam. In the aftermath of the rule changes just 353 16-17 year-olds took the exam.
The trend continues as you move up the age scale. In 2012-2013, 2,787 18 year-olds completed a theory test and took the module one exam. During 2013-2014, this figure had plummeted to just 151.
Although the drop is marginally less for 19 year-olds, it’s still a noticeable drop. In 2012-2013, 2,532 candidates completed a theory test and took a module one exam in this age bracket. After the enforcement of new laws, this dropped to 1,377.
Statistics for riders over the age of 24 also show a decrease, but it’s significantly less when compared with all the other age groups.
For the module two element of the exam, the figures tell a similar story. As riders scrambled to beat the law changes there was a spike in the number of theory tests taken and candidates doing the practical exam.
In the period 2010-2011, the total number of module one practical exams taken was 57,711, an increase compared to 2009-2010 when 50,823 candidates completed a theory test and took the module one exam.
In 2011-2012, numbers increase again rising to 59,594. Then, in 2012-2013, numbers spiked reaching 66,050. Then the new laws came into force and numbers plunged to just 46,263, even lower than 2009-2010 figures.
Module two rates show a more significant peak in the years prior to the law changes, starting at 37,914 in 2009/10, going to 49,645 in 2010/11, 57,911 in 2011/12 and 65,128 in 2012/13.
In a statement from the DfT, they said: “Hopefully the decrease in the cost of the theory test will encourage more people back to biking.â€
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK motorcycle theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your motorcycle theory test online today…
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Tags: Driving Laws, Driving Legislation, Driving Theory Test
