Motorcycle Training

Testing and training offers scope for establishing and improving the skills of all road users – the test to ensure they achieve a standard deemed appropriate to allow access to the roads; and training, both to provide the skills required for the driving test and for building further expertise with experience.

The driving test has been improved in recent years. The practical test now provides greater opportunities to assess how test candidates react when they encounter vulnerable road users during the driving test. The theory test is benefiting from the addition of the new Hazard Perception element.

Motorcycle riders, because of the vulnerability of the machines they ride, need to attain a level of skill that will enable them to ride defensively, avoiding putting themselves at unnecessary risk. All new riders must successfully complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), which teaches motorcycling theory, basic skills, and the right attitude to motorcycling, in a safe environment.

The government feels that riders need to acquire better skills after their CBT, but before they take their test. This would give them a higher level of skill and experience so that they are safer on the road after they have gained their licence. There are a number of ways this training could be delivered, for instance by satisfying a number of competences or by undergoing a minimum number of hours of tuition. The government encourages training after the CBT but has the power to make it compulsory.

European changes to the motorcycling test which are due for implementation by March 2009 will add new, more challenging, special manoeuvres to the practical riding test taken by learner motorcyclists. you can see details of the new test and the East Lothian multi purpose test centre at Musselburgh(currently the closest one to the Borders) on the Driving Standards Agency website.

There are four ‘local’ providers of Bike Training in the Borders. These are:

Adventure on Wheels Ltd (Active Sports)
Chain Bridge Cottage
Annay Road
Melrose
TD6 9LP

Tel 01896 822452

e-mail: info@activitiesinscotland.com

web: http://www.activitiesinscotland.com/bikers_focus.htm

Coldstream Bike Training
Coldstream TD12 0NS

Tel 07766 585058

e-mail: info@coldstream-bike-training.co.uk

Complete Bike Training
c/o Not Just Bikes
77 Albert Place
Galashiels
TD1 3DL

Tel: 07730 074006

Eyemouth Bike Training
Industrial Estate
Coldingham Road
Eyemouth
Berwickshire
TD14 5AN

018907 51546