A consultation has been launched by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on proposals to improve motorcycle training. Motorcyclists account for around 1% of British traffic but 21% of deaths or serious injuries; the changes look to make sure that new motorcyclists gain the skills and knowledge they need to ride safely on our roads. These also look to make it fairer and treat new drivers and riders alike.
These changes were announced by Transport Minister Andrew Jones as part of the government’s plans to improve driver and rider training. “We have some of the safest roads in the world and we want to make them even safer,” said Jones. “These changes will equip learners with a wide range of experience and greater skill set which will improve safety levels on our roads.”
The proposed changes include introducing a training course for existing licence holders to upgrade their licence to ride larger motorcycles, without having to take more tests.
The agency is also considering updating the qualification arrangements for motorcycle instructors, and broadening the range of training that is quality assured.
Another proposed change is to update the content of CBT, such as its aims and the importance of equipment, training, motorcycling theory, and on-road practical riding. Whether a theory test should be taken before or as part of the CBT will also be looked at.
In addition, it has been proposed that the CBT certificate should be revoked if a provisional licence holder gets six penalty points. Learner riders would be restricted to riding automatic motorcycles if they take their CBT on one, and an option to move the administration of CBT to a digital platform will be explored.
Karen Cole, director of safety and training for the Motorcycle Industry Association, said: “We’re delighted to see that the agency has launched this consultation. We believe that the introduction of a new training course is positive and will encourage more riders to use the progressive licence route. We’re also supportive of the proposals to update the qualification arrangements for motorcycle instructors as these will help the training industry.”
The consultation has been published on GOV.UK and is open until February 17, 2017 – view it and have your say at www.bit.ly/cbtconsultLabels: News Info
