Guidance

DVSA enhanced rider scheme syllabus

Updated 2 April 2019

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Overview

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) enhanced rider scheme lets motorcyclists have their riding skills checked by a DVSA approved trainer to help them:

• become a safer rider
• get more from their motorcycling

The syllabus sets out what should be covered during:

• the initial assessment
• any training needed to develop the rider’s skills and knowledge

1. Initial assessment

Find out what your trainee wants from the DVSA enhanced rider scheme, and discuss:

• motorcycle theory
• clothing and rider protection
• how the course will work, and what their expectations or concerns are
• riding habits and systems of riding – observation, signal, manoeuvre - position, speed, look (OSM-PSL) and information, position, speed, gear, acceleration (IPSGA)
• how long they’ve been riding since passing their DVSA test
• if they’re a member of any other organisation, for example the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), Driving Instructors Association (DIA) or The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

You’ll then take the trainee for a straightforward section of riding to allow them to settle and to allow you to make an early assessment of their riding ability level. This should include slow riding techniques.

The assessment route should include a variety of road and traffic conditions (urban, rural, motorway) where possible.

You should be in radio contact with the trainee at all times during the assessment.

After the ride, carry out a debrief and give feedback using client-centred learning (CCL) techniques.

After the initial assessment

Some or all of the compulsory modules may be at the required standard. Any that require further development should be agreed between you and the trainee.

If the trainee has specific requirements outside of the core modules, discuss the list of extra modules. The list is not exhaustive – it’s a list of suggested topics.

It’s vital that any training plans agreed between you and the trainee make sure they achieve their desired goals.

The trainee may also wish to cover an area of their riding which is currently a barrier to their individual learning but is not on the list.

You should be in radio contact with the trainee at all times during any training you give.

2. Core modules

There are 7 core modules:

2.1 Structured planned approach to riding

To keep us safe on the road we all need to use a system to help plan and deal with hazards.

When you took your motorcycle test, you may remember using either:

• observation, signal, manoeuvre - position, speed, look (OSM-PSL)
• information, position, speed, gear, acceleration (IPSGA)

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• correct and effective use of OSM-PSL and IPSGA for all road and traffic situations
• riding with confidence and assertiveness, not aggression
• hazard perception

2.2 Defensive riding and hazard awareness

As roads get ever busier, it’s essential that you look and plan well ahead. Avoid putting yourself in a situation where you’re trying to do too many things at once. Get yourself ahead of the game by:

• staying in control, enhancing your awareness and planning skills
• learning how to be more aware of other road users, including cyclists, drivers, animals and pedestrians
• understanding how the weather conditions affect you as a rider
• developing an early awareness of emergency vehicles and knowing how to deal with them
• developing an early awareness of aggressive road users and knowing how to deal with them

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• OSM-PSL and IPSGA
• scanning and prioritising – what if?
• times and places of high risk
• control of speed
• reaction time to hazards
• weather and road conditions
• avoiding distractions like mobile phones
• visual and audible warnings including sat nav and Bluetooth

2.3 Progress and use of speed

You should be particularly aware of your speed and always ride at a speed appropriate to what is happening around you. This module covers:

• riding safely and within your limits
• how to make progress when it’s safe to do so
• avoiding being hesitant – enhance your planning skills at junctions and roundabouts

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• national speed limits
• restricted speed limits
• planning and awareness
• road and weather conditions
• traffic conditions
• other road users’ limitations (speed)
• pedestrian activity
• stopping distances

2.4 Overtaking - filtering

The big advantage of riding a motorcycle is that overtaking slower vehicles can be completed quickly and safely. However, there are some simple rules you need to follow:

• do not overtake unless it’s necessary – for example, do not rush to get past someone only to turn off shortly afterwards
• do not overtake near a hazard

Many riders regularly filter. It can be great way to save time when faced with stationary traffic. Again, there are some rules you need to follow.

Filtering requires great care and can expose you to additional hazards. Ask yourself: is it necessary? Is it safe? Is it legal?

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• OSM-PSL and IPSGA
• safe and appropriately timed overtaking
• oncoming vehicles – junctions and laybys
• limited space, stationary vehicles, queueing traffic
• legal – white lines – road markings – speed – rider attitude

2.5 Bends and corners

Anyone who rides a motorcycle will tell you that getting a series of bends right is the most enjoyable part of their riding. Unfortunately, getting a bend wrong can have serious consequences. You need to ensure you:

• look and plan well ahead for any warning signs
• learn how to use a safe system to negotiate bends
• understand how countersteering affects your machine

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• correct position
• OSM-PSL and IPSGA
• limit point and vanishing point
• countersteering
• planning and anticipation
• judgement
• hazards
• braking on bends
• observational links
• road markings
• use of controls – brakes, throttle, steering

2.6 Slow control

Slow-speed riding techniques are invaluable when riding in slow moving traffic, filtering or negotiating junctions. As a motorcyclist, you would want to be able to ride at low speed with total confidence in your ability.

You will learn expert slow control and coordination skills.

Skills and knowledge

• slow control techniques – coordinated use of controls
• steering and counterbalance
• observation

2.7 Developing the correct rider attitude

A key theme that runs through everything we do as a rider is having the right attitude. It’s important to understand and consider:

• accepting responsibility for yourself and showing due care and consideration for other road users
• being patient – avoid confrontation with other road users
• allowing for the mistakes of others and even your own

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• dealing with other road users
• overreaction, showing good manners
• fatigue, weather, health, alcohol and drugs, distraction
• safe habits, responsible attitude, own actions

3. Extra modules

When you complete your initial DVSA enhanced rider scheme training, consider signing up to one or more of the extra modules. Some of these are designed to be taken together.

There are 12 extra modules:

3.1 Effective braking techniques

Enhancing your braking skills and learning how to brake effectively and confidently is an essential part of motorcycling. This module will cover all aspects of advanced braking techniques, including:

• braking at higher speeds – be confident using your front brake at higher speeds
• balanced use of both brakes and how braking affects your bike’s handling
• skid control – learn how to recognise the early signs of skid control and how to avoid it

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• coordination of controls
• ABS and linked brakes
• engine braking
• front and rear wheel skid control
• braking on a bend
• road and weather conditions

3.2 Filtering (advanced level)

Many riders regularly filter. It can be great way to save time when faced with stationary traffic. However, to do it safely, there are some rules you need to follow:

• filtering safely and legally – developing your judgement when dealing with differing filtering scenarios from motorways to city centres, as they all have their own unique hazards to be aware of
• risk factors and how to avoid putting yourself at risk
• improving your planning skills when filtering

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• safe speed for filtering
• is it safe and is it legal – understanding white lines and road markings
• building your confidence up

3.3 Motorways and dual carriageways

Motorways and fast moving dual carriageways place extra demands on the both the rider and the machine. Situations can develop rapidly on motorways and dual carriageways. This module will cover:

• entering and exiting – safe use of slip lanes and central reservations
• smart motorways – what they are and how they work
• motorway and dual carriageways signs and signals – better understanding of the gantry signs and what they mean
• lane discipline and overtaking – learn enhanced planning skills to avoid constant lane changes and make overtaking easier
• weather – how the weather conditions affect motorway riding
• roadworks, breakdowns and using the hard shoulder – how to safely deal with a breakdown and safety issues around using the hard shoulder

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• using OSM-PSL and IPSGA on high-speed roads
• lane changing on multi-lane motorways
• overtaking and filtering procedures
• awareness of speed after leaving a motorway or dual carriageway
• using smart motorways – hard shoulder and motorway signage

3.4 Carrying a passenger or load

If you’re going touring with your mates or taking someone out on the back of your bike, you may have to make some essential adjustments to your machine. These may include:

• making adjustments to your tyres and suspension
• understanding how to distribute loads safely on your machine
• learning how to carry pillion passengers safely

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• machine adjustments
• passenger safety, ability and comfort
• balance and machine handling
• load and luggage stowage and weight distribution
• insurance and other legal implications

3.5 Riding for work: delivery or courier

Riding your bike for work is a big responsibility. This module covers what you need to know to keep you safe, including:

• legal requirements, from having the correct licence and business insurance to working hours
• loading your machine and having the right equipment, including panniers and sat navs
• completing the advanced filtering module would be a benefit if you’re riding for work
• educational courses available, including basic machine maintenance

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• the importance of having the correct insurance
• carrying loads safely
• riding environment (road and weather)
• work-related road safety
• appropriate clothing
• basic motorcycle maintenance

3.6 Riding abroad

Taking your motorcycle abroad can be a fun and enjoyable way to see a new country. If you’re going to ride abroad, remember to check the rules of the road. It will not just be the side of the road on which you ride that’ll be different – some countries also require additional kit to be carried. You should consider linking this module with carrying a passenger or load:

• motorcycle documents and personal documents – understand what to take on your trip, and do not fall foul of different regulations
• ferries and Eurotunnel – what you need to know

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• route planning – sat nav – speed limits
• medical and travel insurance - documents
• emergency and correct equipment for minor repairs
• nationality plate

3.7 Blood bikers

Blood bikers are part of a dedicated team of volunteer motorcyclists delivering small urgent medical items. Blood bikers are expected to hold an IAM or RoSPA Advanced Rider Certificate or DVSA’s enhanced rider scheme. This bespoke module covers the following areas:

• country road work, including planning and observation skills, hazard awareness and cornering skills
• overtaking and filtering
• urban riding, including planning and observation skills, hazard awareness, junctions and roundabouts
• weather and clothing

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• enhanced rider skills
• OSM-PSL and IPSGA
• scanning and prioritising
• planning and awareness
• road and weather conditions
• organisation information/process
• rider qualification

3.8 Group riding

Gong on a ride out with your mates can be good fun. This module covers some simple tips on how you can make sure everyone is kept safe, including:

• advantages of riding in a group formation, learning how to keep everyone together on different types of roads
• who should ride where, setting the group depending on skill levels, and agreeing a meeting point in case you get separated

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• staggered formation – ideally no more than 5 riders
• level of ability (experience)
• separation distances
• group dynamics and communication
• when not to ride in formation
• route and itinerary planning

3.9 Biker Down and accident scene management

If you’re the first to arrive at the scene of an accident, it’s vital that you know what to do. Biker Down is designed by the fire and rescue service to make sure you know what you should and should not do when you respond to a collision, and that you can do it confidently.

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• scene management
• managing your adrenaline
• dynamic risk assessment
• where to park
• who to call
• information needed by emergency services
• managing other traffic
• generic hazards
• identifying resources
• legal obligations
• casualty care
• approaching the casualty
• helmet removal
• major bleeds
• CPR
• the science of being seen
• danger of motion camouflage
• looming phenomenon
• how the eye and brain do not always work well
• advice on conspicuity

3.10 Motorcycle maintenance and machine awareness

As a biker it’s important to understand how everything works. Ideally you should make sure that your machine is serviced and maintained regularly. This module covers:

• how regular servicing prevents costly breakdown and helps you stay safe
• learning how to do simple work yourself, saving time and money

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• daily and weekly machine checks you should make
• basic maintenance
• service intervals
• correct machine setup

3.11 Mobile phones, GPS, sat nav and Bluetooth

Modern machines come fitted with sat nav and helmets come with Bluetooth. Learn how to use modern technology safely while staying within the law.

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• how the law applies to you – penalties you can face
• using a sat nav – positioning and safety

3.12 Training in alternative environments

There’s loads of alternative and fun ways to develop your riding skills away from the road, such as a road-based track day or honing your off-road skills by trail riding. This module covers:

• road, track, off-road, trail – learn advanced control skills in a safe environment
• instructor-led track days can be fun and informative – practise cornering and braking skills off-road

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• experience of different types of surface and braking techniques and learn how these assist with on-road riding
• confidence – gain confidence if your bike loses grip on-road
• discover your own limitations in a safe environment