I am a good and skillful rider. Why should I consider further training?
Not all crashes are down to rider error, but we can all pick up bad habits. The accident statistics amongst motorcyclists would indicate that everyone should at least take a health check of their riding ability from time to time.
The enjoyment gained from riding a motorcycle skilfully and safely is second to none but it takes confidence, excellent riding skills, physical coordination and balance. Keeping our skills up to date and checking that we have not become over confident, complacent, or have picked up some bad or dangerous habits is something that few of us do.
Accident rates high
Worryingly, figures show that motorcyclists are by far the most vulnerable of all road users. In Britain alone, the death and serious injury rate is sixteen times higher if you ride a bike than if you drive a car. As a biker you are one and a half times more likely to be involved in a serious accident on a rural road, and this greater risk is reflected in high insurance premiums.
Accidents are not necessarily down to poor riding standards alone; inexperience or poor judgment are also factors in many crashes. But how many riders have taken any form of training or instruction since undergoing basic training to pass the motorcycle test? Perhaps you have just returned to riding after a number of years or are upgrading to a bigger bike or are feeling a bit rusty. Where do you go to get your skills refreshed?
You owe it to yourself to ensure you are as prepared as possible for life on the roads with not just good kit, but also good skills. The Government are keen to reduce the risks associated with motorbike accidents in Britain, and to improve rider skills. Here at DSA, we place great value on post test training. This can take riders beyond the basic skills they need to take to the road, to a level that will improve their own and others safety, as well as allowing them to make better use of the road and gain more enjoyment from the riding experience.
The Enhanced Rider Scheme
DSA, in conjunction with the motorcycle industry, have devised a new package of training known as the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).
The scheme is intended to benefit all bike riders who have a full motorcycle licence, irrespective to the size of bike, or the experience level of the rider. You will not need to take a test or even any training if your skills are assessed as satisfactory. You will also earn discounts on your insurance as a result.
How does it work?
DSA working closely with training experts have developed a training syllabus for post test riders designed to reduce risk and improve an individual rider’s skills.
• We are establishing a network of approved and accredited trainers across Britain to deliver rider skills assessments and any recommended training.
• Bike riders visit their local accredited trainer for an assessment of their riding skills.
• If no significant areas of weakness are found, the trainer issues a certificate to that effect. Any rider issued with a certificate is then in line for an insurance discount from one of the many insurers who have signed up to support the scheme.
• If there are areas that would benefit from further training, the rider would qualify for their certificate after successfully completing the recommended training.
By undertaking an assessment of your riding ability, DSA accredited trainers can tailor a development programme to suit your individual needs via a combination of practical and theoretical learning. Many of the leading motorcycle insurers have signed up to this scheme and are prepared to offer substantial discounts to riders who can show they can ride to the ERS standard. The insurers sponsoring the scheme are:-
AA Insurance,
Bennett’s Insurance,
Bikesure,
Carole Nash,
Chandler Direct,
CIA insurance,
Devitt,
E Bike,
MCE Insurance,
Motorcycle Direct,
Norwich Union Direct,
Lexham.
The Enhanced Rider Bonus is supported by the following underwriters: -
AIG, AXA, Chaucer Insurance, Equity Red Star, Groupama, Hastings Direct, Highway, KGM, Link/Zenith, NIG, Norwich Union and Royal & Sun Alliance.
original article
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/documents/rpmt/ERS_Leaflet.pdf 
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