DSA meets the motorcycle industry

DSA has been working with trainers and motorcycle industry representatives to explore how the process of learning to ride could be improved.

Meetings between DSA and motorcycle industry representatives have identified some clear principles for improving the learning to ride process:

• the need for clear, transparent standards for riders and trainers
• keeping things streamlined and simple
• recognising that we cannot increase overall burden
• moving towards user paying facilities for the different services provided, rather than only charging for the sale of compulsory basic training (CBT) certificates.

DSA is now working to define clear proposals from the discussions and consider how these can best be implemented.

CBT syllabus

One of the areas being looked at is the CBT syllabus - mainly in terms of defining what learners need to know and how competence should be evidenced.

The groups also considered whether the five CBT elements could be restructured into three units. Delivering more theory in the first unit may provide approved training bodies (ATBs) with greater fl exibility in the delivery of instruction, particularly where learner riders already have a reasonable level of knowledge. It also addresses the need to ensure new riders have a better knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory of safe riding. Other areas considered have been: learning materials, training ratios and duration and restrictions on automatic machines.

Registration options

DSA is also exploring how it can make improvements to the registration process for bike trainers. The working groups have reviewed the following themes:

• how and where trainers qualify
• how their standards checks (check tests) will operate
• improvement to arrangements for site inspections the role of the ATB
• potential registration arrangements
• how transition would take place to ensure new arrangements are introduced fairly

The working groups are due to meet again in July to review progress. For updates and more information, visit the motorcycle news area on the DSA website.