Advanced motorcycle training and insurance
Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, October 7, 2017 Under: Motorcycle Training
No matter how confident we are on our motorbikes, we could all benefit from additional post-test insight and advice from professional riders.
As well as helping to reduce fuel consumption and wear and tear to our motorcycles, advanced riding courses can prepare us for adverse road conditions and help riders to identify a potential danger on the road with enough time to avoid it.
Perhaps most importantly, advanced training can help motorcyclists maintain a strong visible presence on the road.
As revealed by the AA in their 2014 Think Bikes campaign - an initiative to raise drivers' awareness of both motor and pedal cycles - 85% of drivers say that motorcyclists are often hard to see and 40% believe riders are inconsiderate.
Through courses such as the police-run BikeSafe and the government's Enhanced Rider Scheme, bikers can help to reduce those statistics and ensure everyone on the road is safer.
Advanced motorcycle training
As well as the safety benefits, post-test courses also have the potential to help reduce your motorbike insurance premium.
Bear in mind that potential savings may not outweigh the cost of the course - a reduction in your premium shouldn't really be your primary motivation for taking one, though.
However, in May 2014 insurers claimed that, in certain circumstances, they would offer premium reductions of up to 15% for those who had completed a course, while others said their reductions could be up to 10%.
As with all premium calculations, every policy is rated individually and all insurers have their own underwriting procedures.
"This is because exposure to risk is a lot lower - bikes have a lower frequency of accidents, they cost less than cars and they're not typically driven so frequently.
"They tend to be secondary vehicles and most young riders can't take passengers."
Advanced riding courses
There are many advanced riding courses available in the UK, but not all are recognised by insurers - if a premium reduction is your primary reason for doing a course, contact your insurer beforehand to see whether you'll gain any benefit.
Motorbike
In May 2014 the courses detailed below were all recognised by Bikesure and Bennetts, but remember that each insurer is likely to evaluate each course according to their own criteria.
If you complete a course and want to know if you qualify for a premium reduction, contact your insurer and have the full details of the course to hand.
The scope and targeted ability level of each course varies significantly - some last for a day, others will take months of training.
All should be conducted by highly skilled trainers - often serving or retired police riders - whose goal is to ensure you leave understanding your bike, the road and other road users more than you did before.
DVSA Certificate of Competence (Enhanced Rider Bonus)
A government-led initiative, this certificate can be achieved through the Enhanced Rider Scheme.
It begins with a one-to-two-hour ride to assess your skills - a tailored course will be designed for you based on this initial assessment.
As this is such a personalised course, costs vary hugely.
RoSPA Gold
RoSPA Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are achieved through a comprehensive 90-minute exam held by serving or retired police officers.
As of May 2014, the cost of the exam itself was £47 for riders 25 or younger and £57 for all other riders. Prior training is essential. Find your local RoSPA-approved training group.
British Motorcyclists Federation Blue Riband
The UK's largest motorcycling organisation, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), has built up a nationwide training network to offer this advanced rider course.
As of May 2014, final assessment was conducted after a 150-mile course that could either be done in one concentrated day or held over staggered sessions.
Scooter
The Blue Riband certificate is valid for three years before requiring a reassessment. The course itself costs approximately £250 and the assessment costs £75.
For details on your nearest trainer visit the BMF website.
Motag Advanced Rider
An independent training school with centres based across England, Motag offer a range of post-test riding courses.
As of May 2014, Motag's Advanced Rider Improvement Course was recognised by many insurers, was planned and arranged to fit your requirements and abilities, was conducted over two days and cost £295.
BikeSafe
BikeSafe workshops are held by regional police forces around the country. Each course is run independently and lasts either one or two days.
Through its combination of practical and theory-based training, BikeSafe claims to bridge the gap between basic test knowledge and more advanced courses.
If you carry a regular pillion passenger they are recommended to join you too, often at no cost or for a minimal fee.
In : Motorcycle Training
Tags: advanced motorcycle training