Newslink March

News
DVSA tightens up rules for bike
trainers’ standards checks
New requirement for DBS
checks to bring them in line
with ADIs, and trainers will
have to teach more than one
rider on their standards check
The DVSA has announced two changes
to motorcycle trainer assessment and
authorisation as part of its strategy
continually raising the standards of
motorcycle instruction.
The changes, which come into force
from April 3, are:
• Introducing basic Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS) checks for new
and existing motorcycle trainers
• Requiring trainers to teach a
minimum of two pupils during their CBT
(compulsory basic training) standards
checks.
DBS checks
From April 3 all motorcycle instructors
must get a basic DBS check when they
renew their existing licence. Anyone
applying to become a motorcycle
instructor for the first time will need to
get a basic DBS check when they apply.
Basic DBS checks are available from
GOV.UK.
Chief Driving Examiner and Head of
Rider Policy, Mark Winn, said: “The
requirement for a basic DBS check brings
motorcycle instructors more closely in
line with approved driving instructors for
cars, who are already required to have a
DBS check as part of their registration
process.
“It will provide greater assurance that
people working in motorcycle training
and those who are approved or
authorised by DVSA are suitable to work
with the public, teach pupils of all ages
and uphold the integrity of the register.”
A basic DBS disclosure currently costs
£18 in England and Wales and £25 in
Scotland.
DVSA will contact instructors when
their certificate is due for renewal. The
instructor will then need to obtain a
basic DBS disclosure certificate and send
it to DVSA electronically along with their
renewal application.
Those applying for registration must
tell DVSA about any previous offences or
convictions as part of their application.
Previous minor offences do not
automatically stop someone from
becoming an instructor,
Even a more serious offence
committed as a young person or young
adult many years ago might not prevent
someone automatically from becoming
an instructor. The Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act must be considered,
and each case will be considered
individually.
You can read more about
DBS checks in England and
Wales HERE; and for
Scotland HERE.
Mark Winn
Standards checks
The other change sees all CBT
standards checks being required to
include at least two pupils.
The DVSA says it is making this
change to reflect real-life training, as
most motorbike training courses involve
small groups of 2-4 pupils rather than
one-to-one training.
Exceptions may be made in
circumstances where one-to-one training
is required (for example, where
candidates have additional needs).
Mark commented: “Most courses are
structured around a 4:1 and 2:1 ratio;
yet our analysis of planned standards
checks show these are typically
conducted at a 1:1 ratio and with
a repeat trainee on an
automatic machine.
“It is only right that the
instructor’s ability to train
more than one trainee at
the same time forms part of
the standards check.
“That’s why, from April 3,
18 NEWSLINK n MARCH 2023