Improving rider safety through the Motorcycling Strategy

Although motorcycling is a rewarding and efficient way of getting around unfortunately it is still the case that a disproportionate number of motorcyclists are killed or injured on UK roads each year.

Motorcyclists make up only around 1% of road traffic but suffer around 20% of deaths and serious injuries. This means 1 in 5 road deaths involve a motorcyclist - an alarming figure.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recognise that more can be done to educate motorcycle riders and are currently developing a number of key initiatives as part of the Government’s Motorcycling Strategy , all of which are designed to help reduce the number of casualties each year.

Some of the initiatives being taken forward by DSA include:

Research into standards for both riders and instructors enabling the training industry to gain a better understanding and establish best practice.

A review of current pre-test training and the Direct Access scheme (DAS). Once this is complete the exercise will be extended to improving the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

The production of a comprehensive motorcycling DVD ‘Better Biking’ which is aimed at riders of all kinds of bikes at key stages in a rider’s motorcycling career; whether they are just getting started, returning to motorcycling after a break, upgrading to a larger machine or just wanting to improve their skills. This DVD is interactive and also designed for use by the Motorcycle Training Industry as a teaching aid.

A voluntary Register of Post-test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT) has been launched, which riders can look to with confidence when trying to find an approved trainer in their local area to help them continue developing their skills once they’ve passed the initial motorcycle test. This is supported by insurance discounts provided through the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).

This mix of research and activity has engaged with the motorcycling community; supporting and addressing the needs of motorcyclists as part of its aim to improve their safety. The Government is now reviewing the strategy with a view to developing further research and activity.

DSA Special Test for Motorcycle Instructors

The DSA Special Motorcycle Test is for fully qualified CBT1C and Direct Access Scheme Motorcycle Instructors (DAS) who are on the register. This test is not open to Motorcycle Instructors who are undergoing training or are Down-Trained CBT Instructors. Candidates will be requested to produce their original CBT1C or DAS certificate and driving licence at the time of the test. The test will include an eyesight test. Candidates will be required to read a number plate at least 90 feet away.

A certificate is awarded to all candidates who achieve a grade A pass.

The cost of the Special Test is £160.00 inclusive of VAT

The Special Test for Motorcycle Instructors is conducted using the instructor’s own motorcycle, which must have manual transmission and an output of at least 35kW (47bhp). The test is carried out from the DSA Training and Development Centre, Cardington by one of the specialist DSA Training Staff and will include machine safety questions before the road ride. The assessor will follow on a motorcycle and directions will be given via a radio link. The test involves about 60 to 90 minutes of riding via a 40 to 45 mile route, which includes all types of road and in a variety of traffic situations. Special off road exercises will be included.

Approved Motorcycle Instructors have to demonstrate a positive, courteous attitude and the ability to control the position and the speed of their motorcycle safely, sympathetically and smoothly. A high consistent standard of riding competence based on concentration, effective observation, anticipation and planning is expected. In particular, they must demonstrate

• expert handling of the controls

• use of correct road procedure

• anticipation of the action of other road users and taking appropriate action

• sound judgement of distance, speed and timing

• consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.

Instructors will also be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform all or any of the following:

• answer machine safety questions

• move away smoothly from rest, to include wherever possible the ability to move off on reasonably steep uphill and downhill gradients

• moving away at an angle, having pulled up behind a stationery vehicle

• overtake, meet and cross the path of other vehicles taking an appropriate course

• turning right-hand and left-hand corners

• stopping the vehicle as in an emergency

• wheeling the machine backwards and whilst so doing enter a limited opening.

• turn the motorcycle round whilst riding a u-turn.

Commentary riding is not expected and there is no element of theory testing. At the end of the test the assessor will give the instructor the result and debrief any faults recorded. Written confirmation of the result (pass or fail) along with a report for the test will be sent to the instructor by post within ten working days. All successful instructors who achieve a grade A pass mark will also be sent a certificate, which can be shown to their customers or put on display.

Dates and times can be mutually agreed but are dictated by the availability of DSA Training Staff.

If you wish to take the test then please contact Cardington Training Centre for details and an application form. Enquiries should be made to

Driving Standards Agency
off Harrowden Lane
Cardington
Bedford

MK44 3EQ

Phone: 01234 744000

Fax: 01234 744010

Page last updated: 28/07/2008