The minister formally launched a consultation document on the introduction of Compulsory Basic Training and the setting up of a mandatory register of approved motorcycle trainers.
She said, “The Compulsory Basic Training scheme will introduce a mandatory requirement for all learner motorcycle drivers to undertake a basic level of training before being permitted to ride unaccompanied on the public road” and went on to say “ the mandatory register of motorcycle instructors will mean that in future only those instructors who have passed the DVA assessment will be legally entitled to conduct and assess not only compulsory basic training but also carry out on-road tuition.”
The minister said recent changes to the theory test as part of a European Directive will be an integral part of the overall motorcycle driving test and will assess a candidate’s ability to control a motorcycle and carry out certain manoeuvres at specified speeds. She said: “ I am determined to actively promote initiatives that will assist road safety in my goal of achieving safer roads for all road users.”
Notes to Editors:
- Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) and Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) merged on 1 April 2007 to form the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) – an Executive Agency within the Department of the Environment. DVA has two main areas of work – testing and licensing. One of the primary aims of testing is to promote road safety by operating fair and efficient systems of testing for both vehicles and drivers. The agency also undertakes enforcement activities through vehicle roadside checks throughout Northern Ireland.
- Information about DVA and about the CBT and mandatory register of approved motorcycle instructors can be found on www.dvani.gov.uk.
- Comments on the consultation will be accepted up until 31 December 2007.
- For media queries call DOE Press Office tel. 028 9054 0003 or out-of-hours call the Duty Press Officer 07699 715440.
