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 motorcyclist 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 are a member of any other organisation, for example, IAM, DIA or 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 de-brief 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 is vital that any training plans agreed between you and the trainee make sure they achieve their desired goals.

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

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 enhance 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 / IPSGA
• scanning and prioritising – what if?
• times and places of high risk
• control of speed
• reaction time to hazards
• weather and road conditions
• avoid distractions - mobile phones and so on
• visual and audible warnings - sat nav, Bluetooth and so on

2.3 Progress and use of speed

When riding you should be particularly aware of your speed and always ride at a speed appropriate to what is happening around you.

• Ride safely and within your limits
• Learn how to make progress when it’s safe to do so.
• Avoid 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 quicker and safer however there are some simple rules you need to follow:

• don’t overtake unless it’s necessary - for example don’t rush to get past someone only to turn off shortly afterwards.
• don’t 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 legal.

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• OSM-PSL/IPSGA
• Safe and appropriately timed overtaking
• Oncoming vehicles – Junctions layby’s
• 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 counter-steering effects your machine.

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• Correct position
• OSM-PSL / IPSGA
• Limit Point / vanishing point
• Counter steering
• 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 to name a few. 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 co-ordination skills

Skills and knowledge

• Slow control techniques – Co-ordinated use of controls.
• Steering and counter balance
• 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 is 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
• over reaction, showing good manners
• fatigue, weather, health, alcohol/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

Enhance your braking skills, 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, how braking effects your bikes 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:

• co-ordination 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, to carry it out 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 they all have their own unique hazards to be aware of.
• Risk factors, how to avoid putting yourself at risk
• Planning, improve your planning skills when filtering.

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• safe speed for filtering
• is it safe is it legal, understanding white lines and road markings
• build 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. On motorways and dual carriageways, situations can develop rapidly this module will cover:

• Entering/Exiting safe use of slip lanes and central reservations
• Smart motorways, what are they and how do they work
• Motorway/Dual carriageways signs and signals, better understanding of the gantry signs, what do they mean
• Lane discipline / Overtaking, learn enhanced planning skills to avoid constant lane changes, and make overtaking easier
• Weather, how will the weather conditions effect motorway riding.
• Roadworks / breakdowns and using the hard shoulder, understand how to safely deal with a breakdown and the 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 - 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.
• Understand how to distribute loads safely on your machine.
• Learn how to safely carry pillion passengers.

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

It’s a big responsibility if you are riding your bike for work, this module covers what you need to know to keep you safe,

• 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 riding for work.
• Educational courses available, including basic machine maintenance.

Skills and knowledge

This module will develop the following skills and knowledge:

• importance of having the correct insurance
• safe carriage of loads
• riding environment (road – 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 won’t 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/Personal documents, understand what to take on your trip, don’t fall foul of different regulations.
• Ferry’s and Euro tunnel, 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, to be a blood biker they 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, 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.

• Advantages of riding in a group formation, learn how to keep everyone together on different types of roads
• Who should ride where, set the group depending on skill levels agree a meeting point should 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 don’t 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.

• Regular servicing prevents costly breakdown, and helps you stay safe
• Learn how to do simple work yourself, save 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, be it a road based track day or honing your off road skills by trail riding.

• Road, track, off road, trail, learn advanced control skills in a safe environment
• Instructor led track days can be fun and informative, practice 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