The zeitgeist of the times seems to be motorcycling. During 2021 and 2022 a record number of motorcycle tests were taken in the UK, according to figures released from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Despite hikes in fuel prices, which no one can have missed of late and the increased cost of living in pretty much every area, 67,511 motorcycle riders took their Module 2 (on road) test between April 2021 and March 2022 and 72% of them passed! This is well over the record set in 2012 - 2013, 2000 more up on it in fact as reported by the BMF (British Motorcycling Federation). Compared to car drivers too this is a great result as only 50% of those taking car tests actually passed.

Playing Catch Up
One factor which may be influencing these high figures though is the fact that test centres are working overtime to clear up the backlog of tests which had to be put on hold during the pandemic. During that long period, test centres were only opened for essential workers to take their tests, so many folks who wanted to do their test then were unable to and are all playing catch up now. In an attempt to catch up, the DVSA has employed more examiners and brought in tests at times when they were originally closed i.e weekends and bank holidays.

Ready, Steady, Go!
In fact the test centres are under so much pressure to get through the queue of people waiting to do their tests, that the Government wants learners to wait until they are really ready, rather than try before they are good enough and fail multiple times. Apparently at the moment in around 20% of car tests the examiner has to literally physically intervene to prevent an accident! Blimey that's a bit scary!
In an attempt to counteract the time wasting which test failure involves, the government is introducing a new scheme, mainly aimed at car drivers, called 'Ready to Pass'.
They think you're ready when:
*       You don’t need prompts from your driving instructor
*       You don’t make silly mistakes behind the wheel
*       You consistently pass mock driving tests
*       You can control your nerves
*       Your driving instructor says you’re ready to take your test
The Government Ready to Pass website contains tips and information to help learners pass - although going by the figures - motorcyclists are ahead of the game with the 72% pass rate already, so it may be of limited use for them.

Sadly though, despite the rise in numbers of people taking their motorcycle tests, women are still under-represented, with only 8.2% taking the Module 2 test. However it does seem that more women are moving into motorcycling and more already take the Module 1 so hopefully this should filter through to the Module 2 eventually.

The chairman of the BMF, Jim Freeman said:
"Great news, the increase in female riders particularly, it may not sound like much, but compared to a couple of decades ago, that looks like real progress. Anything which breaks down barriers is a good thing,"

Have you taken a motorcycle or car test recently? If so how did you find it and did you have to wait aeons to get to the top of the queue? We love a test story so tell us yours if you feel like it at: [email protected] or drop us a message on Facebook.