July 27 2018

Does the new ERS raise motorcycle training standards?

Enhanced Rider Scheme Advanced motorcycle training, ATB, ATB information, Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Enhanced Rider Scheme, ERS

Is the DVSA raising standards with ERS?

DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme (Q&A for ERS Instructors)
Asked by: Julian Nicholls, Biketrain Wales (Cwmbran)
Answered by Chris Parr, Assistant Chief Driving Examiner (DVSA)

Question: Asked by Julian Nicholls, Biketrain Wales (Cwmbran) – “Accident rates are running high in South Wales and we 100% see a place for ERS. We want to embrace it but need reassurance from the DVSA that they will be increasing standards – not decreasing them and that those who go the ‘ERS only route’ – be fully standards checked to ensure they are fully skilled to deliver ERS. Personally, I’m not sure that the ‘ERS only route’ is a good idea. Your comments appreciated Chris.”

Raising motorcycle training standards with the Enhanced Rider Scheme

DVSA response

Answer: The DVSA will be standards checking all instructors on the register. We are aware that others join the register from other walks-of-life. Most of the ERS instructors on the register who are not associated with an ATB do hold a lot of external qualifications and we should not dismiss them, nor the value they bring to the scheme. We have a lot of Approved Driving Instructors (ADi’s) who are car instructors, who also deliver the Enhanced Rider Scheme. We also have good numbers of former police officers who may have been working in other road safety related fields, who are also delivering ERS. That said, I can assure you that everyone will have to pass their ERS standards check, which is set at a higher threshold and that way we will maintain standards and not devalue the scheme.

Video also available here.

Resources for ERS instructors & ATB's

The Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) resources and information on this page are from a DVSA webinar that was run in association with VideoBiker on the 12th July 2018. The content of this ERS webinar (and this page) is aimed at motorcycle training schools (ATB’s) and motorcycle instructors.

It will therefore have limited value for non-instructors, who are advised to contact their local motorcycle training school (ATB) for the latest up-to-date ERS information. The full webinar is available to all instructors via VideoBiker membership (free) – join here.