Road Safety Authority Looks To Motorbike Tests

Under the proposed scheme, all learner motorcyclists will have to undergo initial basic training before being issued with a licence.

"The objective of the consultation process is to engage those involved in motorcycle instruction and other interested parties in discussion as to how Compulsory Basic Training for learner motorcycle riders might be shaped in Ireland," said Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority.

"Unfortunately motorcyclists are over represented when it comes to death and injury on Irish roads.

"Motorcycles represent less than 2% of the vehicle population however motorcycle riders account for 12% of road deaths.

"That means they are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than any other road user," he added.

"One way we can ensure motorcyclists are prepared for a life on two wheels is to make sure they are properly trained before they become road users.

"At the moment roughly 7 out of 10 bikers  have never received any formal rider training."

As part of the consultation process the Road Safety Authority has produced a document which sets out the proposals for the new training regine, taking account of experience and best practice in other countries.

The Authority did note that feedback based on the knowledge and experience of the many interested parties in Ireland itself can make a major contribution to a final scheme of CBT.

As a result, it has begun an eight-week consultative process at the end of which they will provide their recommendations as to the nature of the new scheme.