It doesn’t matter whether you had a Mod 2 or CBT booked. A cancelled test can be frustrating in more ways that one. Planned to start a job that required transport? Gotta wait. Need to care for a family member outside of walking distance? Gotta wait.
Last year my own Direct Access was postponed due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Luckily I managed to squeeze it in just before Christmas. Unfortunately some have had to wait much longer. Others have simply lost their income due to expired CBTs.
Why has motorcycle testing been affecting by covid?
It’s impossible to say in a nutshell. There will be arguments for and against the cancelling of motorbike training and testing due to Covid. Let’s take a look at some of these points:
For cancelling training and testing:
- Motorcycle training and testing is not essential to survival
- Completely eliminates risk of contamination and transfer during sessions and tests
- Motorcycle accidents can put unnecessary strain on the NHS
Against cancelling training and testing:
- Motorcycle training and testing is socially distant in nature
- Transmission and contamination of the virus is highly unlikely
- Much of the country’s delivery network relies on riders including NHS staff
- Spread reduction measures are far greater during motorcycle training and testing than most other activities. I.e wearing of helmet, snood, balaclava, gloves and use of individual vehicle (not shared)
When can I continue my motorcycle training and take a test?
The government have updated their website with a comprehensive guide on where and when you can participate in all forms of road vehicle testing. We recommend clicking here to stay entirely up to date.
Below however we go into motorcycle specific detail about when you can take your motorcycle theory, CBT, train for a practical, Mod 1 and Mod 2 examinations.
Please note that each of the points below are outlined in the order of which the government will allow to take place depending on Covid restrictions. These are not necessarily the order for which you can complete the training required to ride a motorcycle.
CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) up to 125cc
As of 29th March 2021 you will be able to take you CBT in England. For those who have an expired CBT, this is the earliest you will be able to retake the required training to continue riding your moped or small motorcycle.
Providing of-course Stage 2 of the government’s easing of lockdown goes ahead. For a detailed guide on the Staged Easing of Lockdown and what it means for motorcyclists, click here.
Motorcycle lessons & training for Mod 1 and Mod 2
As with CBTs, riders will be able to take part in motorcycle lessons and training for their Mod 1 and Mod 2 bike tests from the 29th March. Social distancing will still apply and testing cannot yet take place.
Motorcycle theory test
On the 5th April 2021 the government will announce another stage of their roadmap. The planned date is the 12th April 2021. Should everything go as planned you will be able to take you motorcycle theory test from this date onward.
That’s right! Theory tests across the country will open for both motorcycle theory tests and driving theory tests. Start preparing for the first stage of taking your big motorbike test and you’ll pass with ease when the time comes.
Motorcycle Mod 1 & Mod 2 testing
On the same date (12th April 2021) motorcycle test centres across the whole of England will open their doors for the first time this year. Of course keeping in mind the government must approve this stage of their lockdown easing roadmap.
Get booking, get planning and be prepared. But also keep in mind if you haven’t booked already there is likely to be a huge backlog of tests to take place. Be patient, it will all be worth it in the end.
Summary
- Monday 29th March 2021 – CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and Lessons for Mod 1 & 2
- Monday 12th April 2021 – Theory Test and Mod 1 & 2 Practical Tests
As we all know this may not be the last of lockdowns within the near or distant future. At Shocked Sockets we believe that testing should still go ahead during lockdown providing additional measures are taking to ensure the safety of those involved.
We recently put together a government petition that you are welcome to sign should you agree.