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Record numbers of people are expected to take scooter and motorcycle tests this year ahead of changes in test procedures that will make it more complex to pass the test from October this year.

Launching its Now's the Time campaign to raise awareness of the test changes, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is predicting a surge in people applying for theory, compulsory basic tests (CBT), full tests and direct access tests before the changes come into force in just five months.

In a typical year, there are around 80,000 powered two wheeler (PTW) test applications with more than 50,000 passes. Last year saw an increase in the number of motorcycle tests taken and passed and the MCIA says that we are likely to see a further big increase in 2008.

In compliance with an EU directive, PTW licence legislation takes a new turn in October. Applicants will face longer waiting times and testing will be more expensive and demanding. There will also be fewer test centres where tests can be taken - down from about 200 to just 60, although the MCIA says that fewer than that will be ready by October.

Those who already have a motorcycle CBT certificate and people looking to get into biking for the first time, are being urged not to delay and to go for their full licence tests as soon a possible. The MCIA has set up a special web site to provide guidance at www.takeyourtestnow.com.

The MCIA's Craig Carey-Clinch said: "PTW riders are probably already our best-trained road users, and the new test elements will help riders understand more about the capabilities of their machines, but there is concern about the additional expense of training and taking tests, and that the number of test centres around the country is being slashed.

"The last time major changes to test procedures were brought in back in 1997, we saw a huge rise in test applications as people tried to beat the deadline. We expect history to repeat itself. For these and many other reasons, now's the time to take your bike test."

National Motorcycle Week from July 14 - 20 this year, with Ride to Work Day on July 16 will be focal points for the campaign, highlighting the benefits of PTWs.

Bikes increasingly make good sense...

It's not just changes in test legislation that's making people think about switching to PTWs. Rising costs of living, expensive and inefficient public transport and record fuel and motoring costs are making people reassess their transport needs.

"Interest in mopeds, scooters and motorcycles as viable means of transport is increasing," says Craig Carey-Clinch. "Higher taxation, household bills and economic uncertainty are making people think. Add to that the expense and poor experience of public transport and of course, road congestion, punitive taxes and costs of motoring, and it's no surprise that people are looking at alternative ways of commuting and getting around.

"PTWs are part of the solution to road congestion. They take up minimal space and journey times can easily be up to 60 per cent quicker than in a car. They are not hit with congestion charges and are easy or cheap to park. Running costs are low and so are CO2 emissions. Above all, they are fun to ride and instil a sense of freedom that a car and public transport can never offer. There's never been a better time to get on a bike."

8:49am Monday 12th May 2008

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