Race is on to beat new test

3:55pm Tuesday 24th April 2007

WITH the motorcycling test requirement changing from October next year, BMW Motorrad believes that the need for fledgling riders to take their test now is greater than ever before.

The new Driving Licence Directive, being introduced in 2008, will mean that the motorcycle test will include new manoeuvres. These will not only make the test more difficult, but will lead to motorcycle examinations only being carried out at a relatively small number of test centres - our esteemed powers-that-be were quite happy with the 50kph emergency stop, apparently oblivious to the fact that 31mph makes the manoeuvre illegal in our built-up areas, hence requiring new purpose-built test centres.

This is why BMW Motorrad is encouraging novice riders to take their test in 2007 at the manufacturer's own impressive Rider Training Centre in South Wales.

BMW Motorrad is the only motorcycle manufacturer in the UK to have its own on and off-road skills school. BMW Rider Train-ing is based in the stunning Brecon Beacons, providing the perfect backdrop to take your motorcycle test, with an abundance of quiet roads to practice on.

The BMW Rider Training team offers a variety of tuition to all levels of motorcyclist. Whether you are a complete novice, or have limited riding experience, you'll be able to learn to become a safe and proficient rider before taking your bike test on a BMW motorcycle.

There are various lengths of Direct Access Course available, so participants get exactly the level of tuition they need.

For those who have never ridden before, the extended seven-day Direct Access Course (DAS) starts with a day of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), before moving on to five intensive riding training days, culminating with the full motorcycle test on day seven.

The Standard six-day course caters for novices with little or no experience, while the five-day course is for riders that already have a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate, or previous motorcycle experience. The Acceler-ated Direct Access course, which takes place over four days, is an additional option for bikers who have a CBT and ride on a regular basis.

Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad marketing manager, said: "With the motorcycle test changing so significantly in October 2008, we're expecting a rush from novice riders hoping to pass before the deadline. With only a limited number of test places still available, those looking to get on two wheels need to act now. "There could be a long wait for places. Our BMW Rider Training courses have been extremely successful over the past two years with a pass rate of 89 per cent. This compares to a national average of only 67 per cent which is why our BMW Rider Training School is held in such high regard. The statistics show that it's better to learn to ride with BMW, on BMWs."

Direct Access courses are available to anyone aged 21 or above, who hold a full UK car licence or provisional motorcycle licence. Direct Access training runs from March to November, with courses from £629 for a four-day Accelerated DAS course To book a place on one of these premium courses, or for further information about other World of BMW motorcycling activities, such as Off-Road Skills courses, visit www.worldof bmw.com or call 08000 131 282.

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