Motorcycle insurance costs drop thanks to ERS

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Motorcycle Industry Association have teamed up with leading motorcycle insurance companies to offer significant insurance discounts to all qualified bikers who successfully take part in the new 'Enhanced Rider Scheme' (ERS).

The ERS scheme is a new training package designed to meet with the Government Motorcycling Strategy, which aims to see significant reductions in the number of fatal and serious injury road accidents on our roads each year involving motorcyclists.

The scheme aims to encourage and help qualified riders become safer on the roads and so reduce accidents.

A national network of DSA Registered Post test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT) has been developed to deliver rider skills assessments and training to those people who want to take part in the Enhanced Rider Scheme. Riders assessed as having no significant weaknesses receive a 'DSA Certificate of Competence - Enhanced Rider Bonus', which entitles them to insurance discounts. Riders who have significant weaknesses receive structured training and will receive the certificate upon successful improvement.

Many of the leading motorcycle insurers have signed up to the scheme and are prepared to offer substantial discounts to riders who can show they can ride to the ERS standard. The insurance brokers and direct insurers currently sponsoring the scheme are: AA Insurance, Bennett's, Bikesure, Carole Nash, Chandler Direct, CIA, Devitt, Direct Choice, E Bike, Hastings Direct, MCE, Lexham, Motorcycle Direct, Norwich Union Direct, Express, Rampdale, Premium choice, Swinton. The scheme is supported by the following insurers: AXA, Chaucer, Equity Red Star, Groupama, Highway, KGM, Link, Zenith, NIG, Norwich Union and Royal & Sun Alliance.

Bikers wishing to take part in the scheme can find their local DSA RPMT at: dsa.gov.uk/Bikes.asp and follow the relevant links.

The launch of the voluntary Register of Post Test Motorcycle Trainers has been welcomed by the motorcycling community and already over 239 post-test trainers are on the register nationwide.

DSA has set minimum entry criteria, agreed with the Motorcycle Training Industry for joining the register and is quality assuring the scheme to ensure standards are maintained. Information from: transportoffice.gov.uk

There are two ways of becoming a DSA Registered Post-test motorcycle trainer: One of the ways of qualifying is by passing a DSA Theory, a riding-ability test and instructional-ability test. The other way is by completing a DSA Accredited Instructor Training Course & a DSA theory test.

The Agency is inviting applications to join the register from those involved in motorcycle instructor training and who would like to offer such Instructor Training Courses. Those interested can apply to DSA for a starter pack which includes guidance notes and an initial application form. Request a starter pack by calling our information line 0191 201 8089.