I passed the old test so I can not compare, but when I passed my test you were assessed on your riding ability, being able to travel slowly, U-Turn all of the things that you have to do off the road in the new test I did on the road. With regards to reducing casualties I do not think a tougher test will make a difference, sure the rider is trained to a high standard but when they hit the roads as a fully licenced rider they ride how they want to. I think more safety campaigns and police led courses are the answer. Now I am not a seasoned biker by any means, I have been riding nearly 2 years, but I like to make sure I know as much as I can as regards to being safe on the ride but that is my riding attitude I choose to do that, all bikers have a riding style and a riding attitued irrespective of the level of test/training they have had.