Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning has this week confirmed the review.

Introduced in April 2009 following an EC test requirement directive, the new-style tests include a swerve manoeuvre. This led to problems because the former Government failed to negotiate a UK interpretation allowing it to happen at 30mph on roads, rather than at hastily built test centres.

This meant the manoeuvre is technically illegal in 30mph limits, forcing the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to introduce so-called 'super centres' for motorcycle tests.

The swerve test, which involves riding up to 31.1 mph, swerving, and then coming to a controlled stop, has been the cause of most bike test accidents. Bikers who brake while swerving are in danger of locking a wheel and losing control, and bad weather makes this even more hazardous.

A report from the Commons Transport Committee ruled in March that the then government's roll out of motorcycle super test centres was 'bungled' and 'unjustified'.

It agreed that it was unacceptable that the DSA failed to get all 66 planned centres operational, and the committee condemned minsters' failure to negotiate an exemption from EU rules, stating that parts of the motorcycle test should be performed at 50kph, which is 31.07 mph.

Mike Penning said he is concerned about the safety of the off road Module 1 part of the test, and access to a limited number of off road test centres, which has led to the review.

The motorcycle industry has led a campaign calling for a review since April 2009, as the number of tests taken fell by around 60%.

Associate and motorcycle personal injury team leader Simon Richards said: "The bike test has been a controversial since April 2009 change, with numerous accidents following the implementation the swerve test. The sooner this is reviewed and remedied, the better."

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