A MOTORCYCLE instructor from Oxfordshire has joined mounting criticism of a new test for learner riders.

The Motorcycle Action Group said the new ‘swerve test’, where bikers weave away from a cone at 31mph (50kmph), was unsafe.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) test was brought in at the end of April.

A Freedom of Information request made by Barry Kenward, deputy chairman of the Driving Instructors’ Democratic Union (DIDU), showed the swerve test had led to 15 ‘incidents’ — with at least one rider left with broken bones.

It is not known if any of the incidents occurred in Oxfordshire, but instructor John Wheeler, from Kidlington, said: “I’m surprised the number of incidents is so few. In my mind it’s not safe. I’ve been teaching for more than 40 years and I would never have implemented such a feature to a test.”

Mr Wheeler, who runs training courses in the car park at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium, added: “It is far too advanced — it’s not suitable for learner riders with their experience. It’s not an exercise one would do normally while riding at 30mph.

“I have only done it for 500cc tests, for people who have previous riding experience.

“A number of riders have raised objections. One of them was a former motocross rider and he didn’t think it was a very safe exercise in the wet, and just about acceptable in the dry.

“A sudden swerve in the wet can lead to a skid.

“Any application of the brakes can also lead to instant loss of control. It is tempting to apply the brakes just before the manoeuvre.”

A number of instructors have complained they thought the exercise was also unsafe because the size of test centres made accelerating to the required speed dangerous.

Mr Wheeler said: “I’m reluctant to put any 125cc rider through this new test because achieving the required speed, which is 50kmph, is very difficult on a 125cc bike.”

A DSA spokesman said: “The new motorcycle test is designed to save lives by increasing rider and road safety and, although the new test is designed to be more challenging, this does not mean it is more dangerous.

“When we consulted with the motorcycle industry it was agreed that it was important that riders should be able to demonstrate that they could keep the bike under control while doing the avoidance exercise.

“We will continue to hold meetings with the motorcycle industry, as we have done throughout the consultation process on the new test.”

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk