Thurrock Motorcycle Training
DSA Register of Post-Test Motorcycle Trainers.
The Enhanced Rider Scheme
The enjoyment from riding a motorcycle skillfully and safely is second to none. However it takes confidence, excellent riding skills, physical co-ordination and balance. Keeping your skills up to date and checking that you have not become overconfident, complacent, or picked up some bad or dangerous habits is something that few of us do.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) places great value on lifelong learning. this can take you beyond the basic skills to a level that will improve your own and others' safety. It will also allow you to make better use of the road and gain more enjoyment from the riding experience.
The DSA along with the motorcycle industry, has put together a new package of training known as the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).
The scheme is beneficial to all bike rider who have a full motorcycle licence, no matter what size bike, or the experience level of the rider. There is no test involved and you may not need to take any training if your skills are assessed as satisfactory. You will also earn discounts on your insurance as a result.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The DSA, in partnership with training experts have developed a training scheme designed to asscess your riding, reduce risk and improve your skills.
There is an ever expanding network of approved trainers across Great Britain ready and waiting to assess riders and conduct any recommended training.
TMT have Trainers waiting to assess your riding skills. If you have no significant areas of weakness, the trainer will give you a DSA Certificate of Competence - Enhanced Rider Bonus. You can then get an insurance discount from one of the many insurers who have signed up to support the scheme. If you do have areas that would benefit from further training, you would qualify for your for your certificate after successfully completing the recommended training. By having your riding ability assessed, trainers can tailor a development programme to suit your needs.
Many of the leading motorcycle insurance companies have signed up yo this scheme and are prepared to offer substantial discounts to riders who have shown they can ride to the ERS standard and have received a certificate. The insurance brokers and direct insurers currently sponsoring the scheme are: AA Insurance, Bennetts Insurance, Bikesure, Carole Nash, Chandleer Direct, CIA Insurance, Devitt Direct Choice Insurance, E Bike, Hastings Direct, MCE Insurance, Lexham, Motorcycle Direct, Norwich Union Direct, Express Insurance, Rampdale, Premium Choice and Swinton Insurance. The scheme is supported by the following insurers : AXA, Chaucer Insurance, Equity Red Star, Groupama, Highway, KGM, Link, Zenith, NIG, Norwich Union and Royal & Sun Alliance. This list is continuing to grow.
I am a good and skilful Rider why should I consider further training?
Not all crashes are down to mistakes by riders, but we can all pick up bad habits. The accident statictics among motorcyclists would suggest that everyone should at least have their riding ability assessed from time to time. Ironing out those bad habits and improving your anticipation skills will not only keep you safer on the roads, but will also help you to get more from your bike.
What is the difference between ERS and the following advanced training courses?
- IAM (Institute of Advanced Motoring)
- RosPa (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
- BSM (British School of Motoring/RAC)
- DIA (Driving Instructors Association)
The above are quality assured by DSA involving training, a test and a recognised qualification. ERS can be used as an important step in progressing towards and Advanced Rider Qualification and is something you may want to consider. You will probably find that your ERS trainer has a least one of these qualifications and may encourage you to go on to an advanced level.
How does the Bikesafe Scheme differ from ERS?
Bikesafe is an initative run by the Police Forces who work with the biking world to help lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties. They use Police motorcyclists to provide assessment rides and advice on safer riding. If you do need training they will advise you to use accredited instructors such as those on DSA's Register of Post-Test Motorcycle Trainers.
ERS: quality-assured training leading to exciting and safe riding for life.
