Riders get safer start with new scheme

VICTORIAN motorcyclists will have a safer start on the road with phase two of the new Motorcycle Graduated Licence Scheme (GLS) recently coming into effect.
From Saturday March 19, riders applying for their learners licence in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong have been required to undertake more extensive training and testing as part of the learner licence phase.
The scheme will come into effect in the rest of Victoria on April 2.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said the higher rate of motorcycle crashes in Victoria this year was alarming.
“Many of these recent crashes involved speed and inexperience,” Mr Donnellan said.
“We know that better preparation before getting out on the road can lead to increased safety and less crashes and that’s why phase two of the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System is so important.
“The Motorcycle Graduated Licensing System is designed to help riders harness the right blend of knowledge and practical skills to become safe and experienced riders.”
Phase two of the Motorcycle GLS will help to ensure that new riders have both the knowledge and the real experience to become safer riders on Victoria’s roads.
The training – which includes theory and practical assessments – has a greater emphasis not only on basic skills but also higher order skills such as awareness, judgement and decision making.
This will help riders to develop a better understanding of safe riding practices. The practical training will include off-road exercises in a controlled environment and on-road training with applicants assessed after two days.
Motorcycle L platers will also need to take part in Check Ride – a one-day activity session providing advice on safe riding skills and strategies during the high-risk learner phase.
Phase two of the system serves as an important reminder to riders about the importance of safe riding practices on Victoria’s roads.