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Staying out of trouble

Motorcycle riders represent less than one per cent of all road traffic but suffer 18 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Riders are 45 times more likely to be killed on the road than car drivers, and these figures are rising.

The best riders have developed a higher level of concentration than the average rider and are continually scanning around them for signs of possible danger. They don't wait for something to develop. Everything is planned, they travel at a safe speed with the bike in the right gear and in the safest position on the road. Most of these riders have taken defensive riding courses and are constantly developing these skills.

What can you do?

If you think training is boring, try to look at it as a way to develop your riding skills.

Talk to a professional trainer about taking advanced riding courses. These trainers are enthusiastic motorcycle riders who are happy to pass on their knowledge.

Register of Post-test Motorcycle Trainers

The Register of Post-test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT) is a voluntary register of approved post-test motorcycle trainers who deliver assessment and developmental training to any rider who has passed their motorcycle test. The scheme is intended to improve riding skills for those who:

• have passed their test 
• are returning to riding
• are upgrading to a bigger bike
• feel their skills are a bit rusty

The register is growing and trainers are appearing across the country, providing approved assessments and training for riders that is tailored to the individual’s needs.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has accredited Fast-Trak to provide training for instructors who wish to join the register.  As the first appointed training body, the RPMT will now be able to train their own trainers to the DSA register standard, others are expected to be accredited shortly.

• Register of Post-test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT) contact list

Enhanced Rider Scheme

Under the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS), all trainees will get training and development that is delivered from the RPMT syllabus and is tailored to the individual rider’s needs. It means that the rider receives as little or as much development as is needed rather than a full off the shelf package.

All trainees who achieve the standard on an assessment and training course given by a DSA approved RPMT trainer will receive an Enhanced Rider Insurance Certificate. This certificate will entitle them to insurance discounts with many of the leading motorcycling insurance brokers. Coupled to this, DSA has also negotiated for trade policy discounts through the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).

• Download the Enhanced Rider Scheme leaflet (PDF, 1049K)