The motorcycle driving test is one of the most difficult driving tests to take. Intensive training and an exhaustive test of the rider’s ability to control a motorcycle all go towards making British motorcyclists some of the most highly trained riders in Europe. But with increasing numbers of two wheeled motorists on our roads and a much higher rate of serious injury among motorcycle accident victims, is this level of basic training enough?

The current motorcycle driving course and test is split into two levels – 125cc and Direct Access (500cc). Riders under the age of 21 are restricted to taking their test on a 125cc machine and are then limited to riding motorcycles that are under 33bhp for a period of two years. For older learner-riders, the Direct Access course allows them to take their test on the more powerful 500cc machine and once completed successfully, they can then go on to ride any motorcycle.

Cutting the chances of having an accident

But the difference between a 500cc motorcycle and a 600cc bike is considerable, and as the power increases so do the demands made on the rider’s skills. Most motorcyclists will have some type of accident in their first year of riding after passing their test, and while for new car drivers this is usually a simple ‘fender bender’, for motorcyclists the consequences can be much more serious. However, more advanced rider training has been proven to reduce the likelihood of having a serious accident. RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) have calculated that by taking advanced riding lessons your chances of having a serious accident are reduced by 20%. As the majority of accidents are caused by driver or rider error, this could make a big difference to your safety.

Advanced riding instruction is different from the normal test training that all motorcyclists receive. It focuses primarily on ‘roadcraft’ – how to ‘read’ the road and anticipate potential hazards. By training the rider how to look further ahead and to use visual cues within a riding environment, advanced riding techniques teach a rider how to take evasive action and avoid hazards without increasing the risk to themselves or other road users.

Advanced riding also teaches you how to cope with poor weather conditions, motorway and night riding and how to maintain your machine safely. For riders at any level of experience, advanced riding can make an enormous difference to your confidence when it comes to handling a more powerful machine, and many ‘born again’ riders who have not ridden for 20 years find it a good way to refresh their riding skills.

Improving safety

Advanced motorcycle training is all about improving your safety on the road. It isn’t about going fast – in fact some of the most important techniques you’ll learn are focused around what are known as ‘slow control’ manoeuvres. It is about learning to control the power of the motorcycle and improving your riding technique. It teaches you how to anticipate the actions of other road users and how to look out for hazards in all conditions. Advanced rider training can significantly improve your riding skills and is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy their motorcycling in a safe and controlled way. It can also significantly reduce your chances of having a serious accident and suffering from a lifetime of debilitating injuries.

Author Bio: Serious injury lawyers with unrivalled expertise. Specialist services in accident claims for spinal injury, brain injury, head injury and motorcycle accidents from the UK’s leading specialised injury law practice. Contact: Neil Glover at ng@seriouslaw.co.uk Tel: 0800 61 66 81

Category: Legal
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