Motorcycle training in Victoria: Evaluation of rider training curriculum in Victoria

Monash University Accident Research Centre - Report #165 - 2000

Authors N. Haworth, R. Smith & N. Kowadlo

Abstract:

This report presents an evaluation of the rider training courses (both the learner and probationary courses) from the different rider training providers. The evaluation determined the balance between attitudinal and vehicle skill based components and provided recommendations.

Most of the evaluations of training courses identified in the literature review did not set out to compare the effects of the attitudinal and vehicle control components of training. Some evaluation studies suggested that riders who scored higher on vehicle control skills in some tests had more crashes later. The newer tests requiring higher levels of vehicle control skills did not reduce crash rates. Conversely, there was some suggestion that training in cognitive skills can improve these skills and reduce crash involvement. However, to ensure that cognitive skills components receive sufficient focus in training, there is a need to ensure that they are emphasised in the learner permit and licence tests.

The review of the delivery of the course components in Victoria found that vehicle control skills receive about two to three times as much course time as attitudinal skills in both the learner permit and licence courses. Yet all the providers felt that the students, particularly at learner level, had insufficient skill and inadequate attitudinal training to ensure their safety while learning on the road. Commercial considerations severely constrained the time available to teach both attitudinal and vehicle control skills.

Some possible solutions appeared to be increasing the efficiency of delivery of courses by improved time management and improving the effectiveness and consistency of presentation of the attitudinal components. Even if these improvements are implemented, it is still likely that trainees may continue to have insufficient skill and inadequate attitudinal training to ensure their safety while learning on the road. The review also identified a need to develop a hazard perception program and test that can be introduced by all training providers.

Executive Summary

The Motorcycle Training in Victoria project was commissioned by VicRoads to address two recommendations of the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee Inquiry into the Review of Motorcycle Safety in Victoria. This report presents an evaluation of the rider training courses (both learner and licence courses) from the different rider training providers. The evaluation determined the balance between attitudinal and vehicle skill based components and provided recommendations.

The second report, entitled Single training course and test for the motorcycle licence (Haworth and Smith, 1999), describes the development and trial of a single training course and skills test for an applicant to progress to a motorcycle licence without holding a learner permit. It outlines the background to the new training course and its aims, describes the course and the trial and subsequent improvements to the course. It also discusses short- and long-term implementation issues. This report is available from VicRoads.

Literature review

Most of the evaluations of training courses set out to determine whether the courses had any effect on licensing rates, crash involvement, infringements and/or the extent and nature of riding. Methodological deficiencies prevented these aims being achieved in most studies. Given that these evaluations did not set out to compare the effects of the attitudinal and vehicle control components of training, it is not surprising that they contribute little to addressing this issue. Generally, the courses focused on vehicle control skills to train riders to pass tests which emphasised vehicle control skills.

Some evaluation studies suggested that riders who scored higher on vehicle control skills in some tests had more crashes later. The newer tests requiring higher levels of vehicle control skills (such as the Motorcycle Operator Skill Test) did not reduce crash rates. Conversely, there was some suggestion that training in cognitive skills can improve these skills and reduce crash involvement. However, to ensure that cognitive skills components receive sufficient focus in training, there is a need to ensure that they are emphasised in the learner permit and licence tests.

Review of current motorcycle training courses

The review of the delivery of the course components found that vehicle control skills receive about two to three times as much course time as attitudinal skills in both the learner permit and licence courses. Yet all the providers felt that the students, particularly at learner level, had insufficient skill and inadequate attitudinal training to ensure their safety while learning on the road. Commercial considerations severely constrained the time available to teach both attitudinal and vehicle control skills.

Some possible solutions appeared to be increasing the efficiency of delivery of courses by improved time management (reducing waiting times and delays between components) and improving the effectiveness and consistency of presentation of the attitudinal components (including using overhead transparencies). Even if these improvements are implemented, it is still likely that trainees may continue to have insufficient skill and inadequate attitudinal training to ensure their safety while learning on the road.

The review also identified a need to develop a hazard perception program and test that can be introduced by all training providers.

Sponsoring Organisation: Roads Corporation (VicRoads)