Learner training

NSW has a compulsory rider training scheme that requires people to attend and pass a pre-learner training course before a learner licence will be issued. The program is compulsory where it is available which is in most areas of the State.

Each year approximately 22,000 learners undertake the training program, with less than half (9,000) subsequently going on to a provisional licence.

The sheer number of motorcycle casualties decreased by 27% in the 10 years following the introduction of compulsory training in 1990. The greatest benefit was amongst young riders under the age of 26 for whom casualties dropped 57%, reduced from 1664 in 1990 to 719 in 2000.

Despite the significant reduction in casualities, the picture of what is actually happening to crash rates is not all that clear. It is apparent that the actual number of casualties is down, but the number of young rider casualties (under 26) per 1000 licences has actually increased. The reduction may simply be a reflection of the reduced numbers of young people participating in motorcycling.

It may be that the current rider licensing system is more effective at discouraging participation than in actually decreasing crash risk for those young people who do ride. If this is the case, the Rider Training Scheme may not be achieving its objective of making novice riders safer. Whether this indicates problems with the course content or with the delivery of training courses or with the rider skill assessment process should be urgently investigated.

Mature age riders

Anyone over age 30 who holds a gold drivers licence may proceed directly from a learner riders licence to an unrestricted riders licence. Mature riders must still attend both stages of the compulsory rider training if it is available in their area. However they do not have to wait for the normal three months on the learner licence before undertaking the pre-provisional level of training and/ or the rider test.

The mature age exemption does not apply to carrying pillion passengers. All riders must have held their full licence for 12 months before they are permitted to carry a pillion passenger.

Post licensing training

Once a rider has completed their learner training or pre-provisional training, any further development of their skills or attitudes towards riding is at their own initiative and expense. Many riders do undertake further training, but there is no independent source of support or advice on appropriate post license training courses.

Many road safety experts have serious reservations about the value of advanced rider training based on findings relating to advanced car driver training programs. Research suggests that safe car driving is more about attitude than operational skill, and advanced driver skills development may create unrealistic optimism and actually encourage risk taking behaviour.

It is evident that safe riding requires a much higher component of skill and judgment (for example in cornering or handling a loss of traction) than does safe driving. However there has been little comparable research into the benefits of advanced rider training. Haworth et al (1997) did find some evidence that a significant decrease in the odds of crashing was associated with having completed an advanced rider training course. They also found that ineffective braking, or a failure to respond to a threat, occurred in 20% and 17% respectively, of the motorcycle crashes that they examined in Victoria.

There are essentially three means by which licensed riders can improve their riding skills. These are formal advanced rider training programs and less formal day rides and track days.

Advanced rider training

Advanced rider training courses are offered by a number of rider training providers. They provide assistance in refining critical skills once the rider has achieved sufficient experience to understand and apply the new learning. They generally focus on roadcraft, cornering, braking skills etc, all of which are immediately transferable to riding on public roads.

Day rides

Day rides are organized trips by groups of motorcyclists. They are primarily social but may also be designed to provide advice and support, or just company, for inexperienced riders on longer trips. Experienced riders are often paired with novices on day rides.

Track days

Track days are conducted at off road tracks but they are not races. They may be regarded as an opportunity to ride at speed or/ and to develop and refine crucial riding skills. They can be an opportunity to learn to handle a motorcycle at touring speeds with skill and precision in a safe environment.

Motorcycling is a far more physical experience than driving a car and correct sequence and timing of body movements can make the difference between control and a crash, particularly over slippery surfaces. It is far safer to learn and practice these movements upon a track where run-off zones and an absence of roadside furniture minimize the risks arising from an error of judgment.

Professional track day operators provide instructors to assist riders in developing the skills and in diagnosing and correcting specific skill deficiencies. Activities may include refining the skills of placing a motorcycle correctly for cornering, so as to avoid leaning across the centre line, or to learn how to make mid-corner corrections of speed and path of travel. Other useful skills include learning to become comfortable with the movement of a motorcycle over a broken or slippery surface and learning how to recognise situations in which a mis-judgement is likely to be made.