In a recent blog, Jody Whitfield, Rider Policy Specialist at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), highlighted the success of the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) in Wales.

The DVSA reports, “Roughly a third of riders who have completed the ERS course across Britain since its relaunch in 2018 have either taken it in Wales or come from Wales.

"This is a huge win for road safety in Wales.”

Aimed at riders with a full motorcycle licence, the scheme is suitable if you have just passed your test, returning to riding after a break, upgrading to a more powerful motorcycle or want to check your riding standard.

The scheme’s impressive growth in Wales is supported by dedicated ERS trainers and local authorities who utilise invaluable road safety revenue grant funding from the Welsh Government, which makes ERS and other motorcycle safety courses free to attend.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, welcomed the uptake across Wales, he said, “We are pleased to sponsor the DVSA’s Enhanced Rider Scheme, a very worthwhile training and education initiative, which shows how partnership working can help improve road safety in Wales.

“The reduction in the national default speed limit on roads with street lighting from 30mph to 20mph, from September 2023 will further improve road safety by limiting the risk of collisions and severity of injuries on most urban roads in Wales.”

Russ Widlake, from the Motorcycle Academy in Swansea, regularly delivers the ERS scheme: “Working with both DVSA and Powys has enabled us to provide some high quality training to motorcyclists, making them more skilled, and safer riders.

“To be able to tailor the training to the type of riding done by our clients is great, it means they get the training they want and need, whether they’re a pro-rider or just enjoy riding the mountain roads of Powys and beyond”.

Powys County Council Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, Cllr Jackie Charlton, added, "Keeping Powys roads safe is paramount. We appreciate that our large, expansive county, with its network of picturesque roads is a mecca for motorcyclists. Which is why we not only offer this free course to all riders living in Powys, but also to all riders who use Powys' roads”.

For details of local authorities in Wales offering free access to the Enhanced Rider Scheme and a list of other Welsh Government funded motorcycling initiatives, please visit our courses page.