Mark Jaffe, Chief Examiner for Bikes at Diamond Superior Motorists has responded to the Authorities’s session on the way forward for moped and motorbike coaching, testing and licensing, which might introduce essentially the most vital reforms to the sector in additional than 30 years.
The session, launched by the Division for Transport and the Driver and Car Requirements Company, kinds a part of the brand new Street Security Technique and locations a powerful emphasis on enhancing security for motorcyclists, who stay over-represented in severe highway casualties. Central to the evaluation are proposed adjustments to Obligatory Fundamental Coaching (CBT), a system that has remained largely unchanged since 1990.
Help for the technique’s goals
Mark welcomed the general course of the technique, saying it “fairly rightly focuses on lowering deaths and severe accidents on our roads,” an goal he stated he totally helps. He added that Diamond agrees with the broad goals of the technique and lots of the particular person proposals inside it.
He additionally famous that a few of the advised reforms, comparable to requiring motorbike instructors to achieve nationally recognised instructing {qualifications}, already replicate established finest observe. “Among the recommendations are already customary practices,” he stated, though he acknowledged that different coaching suppliers could have to make vital adjustments to fulfill the proposed necessities. Alongside his position at Diamond, Mark can also be proprietor and chief teacher at Phoenix Bike Coaching.
CBT principle, advantages with essential caveats
Probably the most vital proposals is the introduction of a principle factor inside CBT. Mark stated that “the introduction of a principle take a look at to the CBT syllabus is welcomed and can undoubtedly improve highway security,” however harassed that how it’s delivered can be essential.
He warned that counting on the present Idea and Hazard Notion Take a look at might create obstacles for some learners, significantly those that wrestle with language, particular instructional wants or anxiousness in formal take a look at environments. As an alternative, he argued for a DVSA-approved on-line theoretical course delivered by means of coaching organisations, which he stated would result in “higher studying, extra inclusivity and a gentler highway into motorcycling.”
Issues about limiting CBT renewals
Mark additionally expressed concern about proposals to cap the variety of occasions a learner can renew their CBT. Whereas recognising the intention to scale back long-term provisional using, he cautioned that “not all learners are in a position to take the formal principle exams, and due to this, renewing CBT is their solely alternative to maintain using.”
He warned that if these points should not fastidiously thought of, there’s a danger that some riders might be pushed away from authorized coaching and in the direction of unlicensed or uninsured using, undermining the protection advantages the reforms are meant to ship.
A name for cautious supply
In abstract, Mark stated the ambition behind the proposals is welcome, however emphasised the significance of cautious implementation. He stated Diamond helps the primary goals of the technique however is looking for shut consideration to how adjustments to CBT principle and renewals are launched.
Mark confirmed that he’ll proceed to work with the DVSA and the DfT because the session progresses and can have interaction with business our bodies together with the Driving Instructors Affiliation, the Bike Business Affiliation and the Nationwide Motorcyclists Council.
The session is open till 31 March 2026 and applies throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Bike instructors, Authorized Coaching Our bodies and business stakeholders are inspired to reply, as suggestions at this stage will assist form the way forward for motorbike coaching in Nice Britain.
Mark Jaffe is Chief Examiner for Bikes at Diamond Superior Motorists. He’s additionally the proprietor and Chief Examiner for Phoenix Bike Coaching.
