Issue 25 - 11 May 2011

Welcome

Welcome to the first of the new-look motorcycle news update from DSA. We hope this format will be easier for you to view and print.

The module one motorcycle test is changing from 16 May 2011

The government is working with motorcycle groups, training organisations and others to review the motorcycle test. They’re considering various options around content and delivery.

As part of this review and DSA’s ongoing monitoring and review process of all tests a number of minor changes have been identified. They can be introduced before the main review is finalised. These changes will take effect from Monday 16 May 2011.

There's been one development since the ATB open day events - it's been confirmed that as the candidate finishes the avoidance exercise, they're required to finish between the two cones.

This working group (which includes DSA, DfT, the motorcycle training industry and motorcycle user groups) supports these changes which take into consideration feedback from yourselves and the wider motorcycle audience. To find out more, visit the motorcycle news area of DSA’s corporate website.

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Improvements to motorcycle incident reporting

DSA has been working to improve the reporting and recording of motorcycle related incidents to provide the right level of support and establish any lessons learned.

This mainly affects DSA staff processes but also amends existing ATBs’ responsibilities.

From Monday 16 May, if you’re an ATB, you’ll need to complete the enhanced report form called ‘Motorcycle Instructor Incident Report’ for all incidents which occur during CBT, DAS (on and off road) and training at multi-purpose test centres (MPTCs).

As now, ATBs must complete the form and send it to DSA within 48 hours.

For serious incidents only, the instructor or ATB will need to tell DSA immediately by phone.

During office hours (Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm) a DSA duty officer will be available to take your call. If outside office hours the instructor or ATB should leave a voice mail message or calls back first thing the next working day.

The ATB manual will be updated to include the process maps and the new incident report form. You can also download the process map from DSA’s corporate website.

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Learning to ride update

Trainers and motorcycle industry representatives have been working with DSA on the subject of learning to ride. Their initial meetings finished in March. DSA couldn’t have generated and explored as many ideas without the help of the working group members and is grateful for their time.

DSA will now define proposals thoroughly and consider their pros and cons and whether they work financially and deliver road safety benefits. The working groups will meet again in July to review progress.

Some clear principles have helped shape proposals:

• the need for clear, transparent standards for riders and trainers
• keeping things streamlined and simple
• recognising that we cannot increase overall burden
• moving towards user paying facilities for the different services provided, rather than only charging for the sale of compulsory basic training (CBT) certificates

Developing proposals for an updated CBT syllabus

A lot of progress has been made developing proposals for an updated CBT syllabus. A few changes and additions are likely. However, most work is about defining what learners need to know and how competence should be evidenced. This is in addition to what learners need to be able to do, which is already defined in legislation.

The groups also considered whether the five CBT elements could be restructured into three units.

Delivering the theory in the first unit may give approved training bodies (ATB) more flexibility in delivering instruction; particularly where learner riders already have a reasonable level of knowledge.

It also addresses the need to ensure new riders have a better knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory of safe riding.

Some other areas considered have been: learning materials, training ratios and duration, and possible restrictions on automatic machines.

Registration options

DSA could make improvements to existing arrangements - particularly to the delivery of CBT and direct access scheme (DAS). Or, DSA could develop arrangements similar to the approved driving instructor (ADI) industry, like a single register regardless of the type of paid instruction delivered.

While exploring these options, the working groups have reviewed:

• how and where trainers qualify
• how their standards checks (check tests) will operate
• improvement to arrangements for site inspections
• the role of the ATB
• potential registration arrangements
• how transition would take place to ensure new arrangements are introduced fairly

Look out for more details in future issues.

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Maestro card update

DSA no longer accepts Maestro cards for test bookings and other payments.

This is because of the cost of implementing Maestro's authentication process for online transactions - around £1.5 million, and the time it would take to do so - around 12 months.

If you’re registered with DSA as a business or trainer booker and your nominated payment card is a Maestro, you’ll need to change it to another card in writing (post or fax) to DSA Business ID section, PO Box 280, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1FP or fax 0300 200 1155.

Theory test trainer bookers must log onto the online booking service and either delete or amend their nominated payment card details saved within the 'Favourite form of payment' field.

DSA accepts:

• MasterCard
• Visa
• Delta
• Visa Electron

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Crash card goes national

A free medical alert scheme is going national.

‘Crash card’ is a card that riders can carry inside their helmet. It gives ambulance crews vital information in the event of a road traffic collision. The card saves valuable time and gives help in treatment of the injured, especially if the rider is unconscious or unable to communicate.

 

These cards are due to be available to you and your customers within the next two weeks at the following MPTCs:

Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Kirkcaldy, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Blackburn, Bredbury, Rotherham, Wakefield, Scunthorpe, Lincoln, Burton, Chester, Wolverhampton, Kettering, Swansea, Norwich, Cambridge, Peterborough, Gloucester, Swindon, Enfield, Uxbridge, Erith, Herne Bay, Burgess Hill, Lee on Solent, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth.

You can also get them from your CBT and deputy managers.

The scheme has been around for nearly two years in some parts of England. It was created by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club, a group of experienced paramedics and ambulance staff passionate about motorcycling.

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