The normal working day starts at 8.30 am and ends at 4.30 pm, but there is some degree of flexibility. Tests are also conducted on Saturdays and weekday evenings during the summer months.

You must first have been trained as a car test examiner. You must spend a period of time conducting car tests to a satisfactory standard before being trained to be a motorcycle examiner. Motorcycle examiners conduct two different types of motorcycle test.

---

Module one test

Module one tests can be conducted at:

• multi purpose test centres
• casual customer sites

An example of a casual site is a Vehicle and Operating Services Agency (VOSA) vehicle testing station.

Each module one test will last up to 15 minutes. The candidate will perform a series of exercises on an off-road manoeuvring area. The examiner will assess the candidate’s ability to control the bike at both higher and lower speeds as they negotiate the off-road circuit.

---

Module two test

Module two tests take place on public roads. You will follow the candidate as they ride around a predetermined test route. Each module two test lasts up to 45 minutes so you could be riding a motorcycle for more than five hours each day.

During each test, you’ll be assessing whether the candidate should be given a full motorcycle licence – effectively, whether this person is safe to go out on the roads. You’ll assess the test to DSA criteria and standards, which will determine your decision.

---

End of the test

At the end of the test, you’ll tell the candidate your decision and feedback is given.
You’ll then go back to the centre and write a short report on the test, a copy of which can be requested by DSA customers. It’s important that you have effective written communication skills, and neat and legible handwriting. Then it’s nearly time for the next candidate.

---

A typical day

Each day can throw up different problems to deal with and examiners must be flexible and capable of displaying excellent customer service skills in all situations.

A typical day can involve conducting up to seven on-road module two tests or 13 off-road module one tests.

More usually, examiners conduct five module one tests and four module two tests.

---

Career prospects

When you become more experienced, there are opportunities for career progression to:

• become a test centre manager
• become a sector manager
• move into a specialist role such as compulsory basic training (CBT) manager
• become a staff instructor