You want to be safe on the road, right? Choosing the right motorbike course will help you build your safety skills and get greater enjoyment from riding. Motorbike courses help with all kinds of skills development. Which you choose depends on your experience and what you want to gain.

Some motorbike courses can lower insurance premiums. Others focus on improving competence in specific situations, like motorway riding or carrying a pillion passenger. Before we get into the different courses, let’s explore why safety training is so important.

Why motorcycle safety training matters

Taking additional motorcycle training has many more benefits than simply reducing your insurance. It teaches riders how to handle a variety of situations and scenarios that they may encounter while on the road. They also help with rider attitude and improve basic bike control and manoeuvring techniques. 

Depending on the motorbike course you choose, you can expect to cover topics such as proper gear selection, riding in traffic and inclement weather, and smoother riding. By attending a course like this, you can learn what it takes to safely ride a motorcycle in any environment.

Having a basic understanding of these concepts is especially useful for riders with less experience. A good motorcycle safety course provides much-needed insight into the world of motorcycling. It also helps ensure riders understand what it takes to stay safe while enjoying the freedom of the road.

A motorcycle safety course lets you practice skills in a controlled environment or on public roads with an experienced instructor providing feedback. Courses with hands-on instruction and real-world experience prepare riders for tricky situations and give them the know-how needed to stay safe. This type of real-world experience is invaluable.

Choosing a motorbike course

The first motorcycle training you’ll take before riding on UK roads is compulsory basic training. The CBT motorbike course equips riders with the skills and knowledge needed to continue learning in real-life situations. The CBT motorbike course has a strong safety focus.

After obtaining your CBT certification (DL196), you’re free to practice on your own for two years. Smart riders often back up their compulsory basic training with additional motorbike courses. Along with the advantage of improving safety, you’ll increase your enjoyment and chances of passing your full motorcycle licence test with flying colours!

Additional motorbike safety courses include:

Rider Plus motorbike course

For CBT certificate holders and full-licence holders alike, this course will sharpen your skills and awareness on the road. Observation, planning, machine control and hazard perception skills will become further developed with this motorbike course.

Using motorways and carrying pillion passenger

It’s not possible to practice riding on motorways or carrying passengers with a CBT certificate – you’re not allowed to do either. So when it comes to gaining your full motorcycle licence, you’ll want to make sure you’re capable of doing both before you give your friend a lift!

This motorcycle training course teaches you the legal ins and outs of taking passengers as well as the practical aspects. Training for motorway riding ensures you’re confident and competent in joining, filtering through traffic and leaving motorways safely.

BikeSafe

Some insurance providers will reduce your insurance premium when you complete this police-led training. Bikesafe training highlights the importance of continued learning. You’ll discover your strengths and weaknesses and develop your skill to become safer while getting even more enjoyment from two wheels.

Biker Down motorbike course

Learning how to respond to a motorcycle accident could save a fellow rider’s life. Biker Down motorcycle safety courses are free and cover everything you need to manage a motorcycle accident. You’ll also learn some crucial strategies for avoiding accidents. Contact your local fire and rescue service to find a motorbike course near you.

Advanced motorcycle training

A number of advanced motorcycle courses help riders improve skill, fuel efficiency and, of course, safety. They’re designed to be taken after you’ve gained your full licence. Whether or not you’ll benefit from reduced insurance premiums when passing advanced motorcycle training depends on who your insurance is with. Check out our list of advanced motorcycle training courses to choose one that’s right for you.

Of course, whether or not you take a motorbike course to improve your skill is up to you. Even if you decide not to, there are a number of things you can do to stay safe on the road.

5 safety tips for motorcycle riders

Of course, you should be riding your motorbike with standard safety gear. That means a helmet and jacket are essential. Other riding kit, like a high visibility vest or harness, will improve your chances of being seen by other riders and drivers. These basic tips for motorbike riders will dial up the safety notch a bit further.

#1 Look twice It’s easy to miss a motorcyclist at intersections, roundabouts and side roads. Always be on the lookout for other riders, not only with your eyes but your ears too. Look twice before changing lanes, pulling into intersections, entering roundabouts or merging on and off motorways.

#2 Educate your pillion passenger Sure, you may know how to carry a passenger, but does your passenger know how to ride with you? Let them know how to behave on the back of the bike. Explain the need to move with you through manoeuvres and avoid distracting you while you ride. It’ll be safer for both of you.

#3 Protect your hands and feet Only helmets are needed by law to ride your motorcycle. But a motorcycle jacket, gloves and sturdy footwear are a must. Your hands and toes will bear the brunt of the weather—and the road if you come off. Use a proper biking jacket, boots and gloves. Leave the flip-flops for the beach.

#4 Check your position Riding too close to the car in front of you could have you riding with them if they stop short. Motorcycles need less distance to stop quickly, but you’ll need to account for reaction time and braking distance. Be generous with the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. It’s good to keep a side escape route too, in case you can’t stop quickly enough.

#5 Ride within your skills It takes time to get good at things – motorcycling included. Don’t push yourself past your limits or make reckless choices because other riders are. You’ll get better at riding as you stack up hours on the road. If you want to develop faster, take an advanced rider course.

Whether you already have some experience with motorcycles or are just starting out, investing in a motorcycle safety training course is essential for getting better at avoiding mishaps. Motorcycle safety courses provide valuable insight into safe riding practices. You’ll also benefit from hands-on instruction and gain real-world experience before venturing out onto public roads. If you’re ready to learn more and improve your skill, get in touch with us today!