The Module 1 motorcycle became safer when the test was altered. Since its introduction to comply with new EU rules in April 2009, there have been hundreds of injuries with riders crashing on the Module 1 high speed avoidance manoeuvre.
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The EU directive on licences insisted on a set of low speed handling, and two high speed manoeuvres being added to the existing bike test. Because the emergency stop and avoidance parts had to be taken at 32mph, they could not be done on road as it would be over the 30mph urban speed limit. This meant that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) had to build special test centres with massive off road test areas. There was also no leeway given for wet weather when the proper advice is to slow down.
Although Top Run haven’t had any riders crashing on test, riders had to get to a minimum of 50kph then swerve off line between 2 cones before bringing the bike to a stop with the front wheel in a box only a few inches bigger than the wheel itself. With limited experience and training, new riders were braking as they swerved; they then lost control and crashed.
Since the introduction of the test, pressure from both public and the motorcycle industry has been brought to bear on the DSA to alter the test and reduce the risk to riders. With the change in government Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Transport, called for an enquiry in to the reason injuries were happening and why millions of pounds had been spent on purpose built test centres with off road manoeuvring areas.
The DSA are still considering ways the test could be further changed so all the elements could be done on road and the test delivered from all the old test centres. The changes that come into effect on Monday are intended to address the safety aspect of the test. With the splitting of the avoidance and controlled braking element along with a reduction in the speed it is a big step forward in safety. 
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