Learner/Newbie Sticky **All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!****

HellsAngel

Often the forum has the same similiar queries about thinking of taking up biking. Here is a good article from Motorcycle Action Group Ireland on starting. Obviously there will be the odd question on what type of bike they should start on etc, but most information regarding the law, license, basic training etc are in this -

So you want to ride a motorcycle, and you are not sure where to start?
The basic steps are 1) Do the driver theory test, 2) Get your Learner Permit, 3) Do your Initial Basic Training with an approved instructor, 4) Sit the practical test.
Minimum Age:
There are legal restrictions on what types of vehicle you can drive at what age.
• 16 to ride a moped – Category M license.
• 16 to ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 c.c’s and with a power rating not exceeding 11 kilowatts.
• 18 or over to ride a motorcycle over 125c.c. but with a max power output of 25kw / 33b.h.p. or a power to weight ratio of 0.16kw/kg.
Step 1: The Driver Theory Test
Before applying for a learner permit, you must pass a test of general road safety knowledge and motoring legislation – the driver theory test. It applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. To quote the RSA;

The test is designed to check knowledge of topics such as:
• Rules of the Road
• Risk perception
• Eco-driving
• Hazard awareness
• Good driving behaviour

Computer-based and easy to use, the theory test is designed for those who have little or no experience of using computers as well as those who do. You can do a practice session on the day before starting on the actual test.
Apply by Phone;
Driver Theory Service:
1890 606 106 (English language)
1890 606 806 (Irish language)
1890 616 216 (text phone – for the hearing-impaired)
Or by post;
PO Box 788
Togher
Cork
Cost is: €35.60.
Step 2: Getting your Learner Permit.
If you are applying for your first learner permit you must include a theory test certificate along with your learner-permit application.
Note that these certs have a ‘lifespan’ of two years from date of issue, so you must apply for the Learner Permit within two years of date of issue of the theory test certificate.
What is a “Learner Permit”?
A learner permit is a licence issued to learner drivers. It enables them to learn to drive and to apply for a driving test at the same time.
The learner permit replaces the old provisional licence, which is no longer issued.
N.B: a Learner Permit is issued for each class of licence – so you need a Class ‘A’ permit for a Class ‘A vehicle. Class ‘A1’ permit for a Class ‘A1’ vehicle etc.

Don’t forget The “L” Plate. To quote the RSA:

Drivers of vehicles in categories A(Motorcyle,no greater than 125cc), A1(Motorcyles) and M(Mopeds) must also display L plates at all times. The plates must be displayed on a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over the person’s outside clothing. The letter L should be at least 15cm high and appear as red on a white background and in clearly visible vertical positions to the front and rear of the person’s body.

Step 3: Initial Basic Training (I.B.T.)
From Dec. 6th 2010:
All new first time learner permit holders for motorcycles are required to undertake Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
The course is 16 hours spread over 4 modules. Once this course of lessons is complete the learner permit holder will be issued with a certificate which must be kept with their learner permit.

• Motorcycle riders must complete the programme before driving unsupervised on the road while a learner.
• Evidence of completing the lessons will be signed off in a learner’s logbook by the Approved Driving Instructor.
• Evidence of having taken the lessons will have to be presented before taking a driving test.

I.B.T. is done in four modules. The specific detail of these modules is as set out below. (Taken from the RSA information booklet)
The IBT motorcycle training modules
Module 1 has six objectives. You will need at least three hours to achieve them. They cover:
1. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
2. Introduction to motorcycle controls
3. Technical checks
4. Placing motorcycle on and off the stand
5. Walking alongside the motorcycle
6. How to start and stop the engine
Module 2 has 10 objectives. You will need at least five hours to achieve them. They cover:
1. Moving off and stopping
2. Use of brakes
3. Use of gears
4. Slow riding
5. Figure of eight
6. U-turn
7. Slalom
8. Rear observation and mirrors
9. Turning left and right
10. Emergency adjustment of speed
Module 3 has nine objectives. You will need at least two hours to achieve them. They cover:
1. Legal requirements
2. Rules of the road
3. Being seen
4. Road surfaces
5. Road and lane position
6. Rear observations and mirrors
7. Speed
8. Anticipation and reaction
9. Weather conditions
Module 4 has eight objectives. You will need at least six hours to achieve them. They cover:
1. Gradients
2. Junctions
3. Traffic lights
4. Roundabouts
5. Safe distance
6. Anticipation and reaction
7. Pedestrian crossings
8. Bends
During this module your trainer will be in radio link with you from his/her own motorcycle on a public road. They will supply the radios. Please note: You may have to supply your own PPE for any or all of the training – please check with your trainer.”
Restrictions:
“A motorcyclist applying for a first-time learner permit is restricted to riding motorcycles with an engine power output not more than 25kW or with a power/weight ratio not more than 0.16 kW/kg. Such restriction applies for the duration of all learner permits and for the first two years after taking out a full driving licence in category A.”
(For a full explanation of the 25Kw restriction, see the MAG Ireland Information Sheet 25Kw License Facts)
A person who holds a learner permit in:

• Vehicle categories A1/A and M (motorcycles/mopeds) is not permitted to carry a passenger.
• Any vehicle category is not allowed to carry any passenger for reward. (So, you cannot work as a courier or pizza delivery for example.)

Vehicles in categories A, A1 and M (motorcyles and mopeds) must also display L plates at all times. The plates must be displayed on a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over the person’s outside clothing. The letter L should be at least 15cm high and appear as red on a white background and in clearly visible vertical positions to the front and rear of the person’s body.
Note:
A number of penal offenses have been introduced for learner drivers. These include not displaying ‘L’ plates when driving, and the carrying of a passenger by a learner motorcyclist. These offenses are punishable by a minimum €1,000 fine for a first offense.
The 6 month wait for a test:
if you are granted a learner permit for vehicles in category A, A1, or M, and have not held a learner permit in the five-year period prior to the granting of a permit in any of these categories you cannot sit a driving test within six months of your permit coming into force, although you may apply for a test within this period. The code 991 will be printed on your license opposite the vehicle category in the column headed ‘restrictions/information.’
The Practical Test
The RSA has a written a very good article on their own website about the test – it’s here;
http://rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Motorcyclists/The-Motorcycle-Test/
The test fee is now €75!!!
So it only makes sense that if at all possible – you only have to do this once!


http://www.magireland.org/information-sheets/getting-on-the-road/

Sids Not

Oh...and trust no-one..not even other bikers
Everyone is out to cripple you...
Wood pigeons hurt..a lot...
Wet gear leaks...
Grass banks are'nt soft...
Pedestrians will never see you..
Your headllight just annoys car drivers...

Dry manhole covers are still slippy..
Wave/nod to other bikers...dont be ignorant..
Bus lanes ARE'NT that safe...
Expect the un-expected..
Not all Harley/Ducati riders are twats.......:p






please add yours...;)

CJhaughey

Motorcycling is not, of itself, inherently dangerous. It is, however, extremely unforgiving of inattention, ignorance, incompetence, or stupidity

cantdecide

Ride the way you feel comfortable. Don't push on because the mob is pushing on.

unclebill98

cantdecide wrote: »

Ride the way you feel comfortable. Don't push on because the mob is pushing on.

After you get going and do the normal stuff always remember this....

Know your limits and stay in them.

Flyin Irishman

Worthy of a sticky

HellsAngel

Flyin Irishman wrote: »

Worthy of a sticky

My very own thoughts when I seen the article as the same questions about getting started appear over and over again ( I think there's two running at the moment ).

cantdecide

It would be great if someone had some knowledge of the freakier questions like;

-'I had a prov license that expired 1/3/5/7 years ago' and
-'I did a theory test for a car 1/3/5/7 years - do I do another theory test now'.

amacca

Sids Not wrote: »

Not all Harley/Ducati riders are twats.

Hey....I beg your pardon , I'm a complete twat.

Its Dew.kaaati btw.

maameeo

lol some funny comment there!

very good thread, +1 on it being stickied!

may i just add one... girls can ride bikes too, so if you are a girl and want to learn...go for it!

areu4real?

cantdecide wrote: »

It would be great if someone had some knowledge of the freakier questions like;

-'I had a prov license that expired 1/3/5/7 years ago' and
-'I did a theory test for a car 1/3/5/7 years - do I do another theory test now'.

This doesn't answer the question in full, but this part worked out fine for me. Did theory test in '04/'05 so didn't need to do theory

A Theory Test cert issued prior to 21st October 2006 in respect of the category B (car) entitles applicants to apply for first Learner permit in respect of the categories A, A1, M and W also, provided that the theory cert was presented to the Motor Tax Office within two years of the date of issue and you have kept your car licence in date.

corkimp

good thread lads - helpful tips and yes drive like others are out to get you! lol (i'll find out soon enough!)

maameeo wrote: »

may i just add one... girls can ride bikes too, so if you are a girl and want to learn...go for it!

yup us girls can if we wish - lol and some of the guys don't mind either

sentient_6

Is it possible to/would it make sense to do the I.B.T before actually buying a bike?

If one bought a bike before doing it you won't actually be legally allow ride it? So how are you even going to get the bike home or get the bike to wherever going to do the I.B.T?

Sorry for the confusion but it feels similar to people coming out of college looking to get a job. Can't get a job cos one has no experience, & can't get experience cos no job.

Morgoth

sentient_6 wrote: »

Is it possible to/would it make sense to do the I.B.T before actually buying a bike?

If one bought a bike before doing it you won't actually be legally allow ride it? So how are you even going to get the bike home or get the bike to wherever going to do the I.B.T?

Was also thinking this, having recently decided to get into biking and been reading up on how to get the license etc...

One local motorbike school charges €500 for the IBT on your own bike, while it's €600 on a school-provided bike. Would prefer the cheaper option but how would I get my own bike there? Hoist it into the boot of the car and ferry it over??

CJhaughey

Morgoth wrote: »

Would prefer the cheaper option but how would I get my own bike there? Hoist it into the boot of the car and ferry it over??

Van, Bike trailer?
As a bonus you will also learn the dark art of tying a motorcycle down.:D

sentient_6

Morgoth wrote: »

One local motorbike school charges €500 for the IBT on your own bike, while it's €600 on a school-provided bike. Would prefer the cheaper option but how would I get my own bike there? Hoist it into the boot of the car and ferry it over??

Surely if "Motorcycle riders must complete the programme before driving unsupervised on the road while a learner" the I.B.T shouldn't even be offered to be done on your own bike. I dunno! Or is it an another irish case of ara sure you'll be grand!

unclebill98

My bro done the ibt and two lads used there own bike. Nothing was said to them, sure he also said they drove off with not learner vest on either.

Sure what can the instructor say....!

Actually, can you get insurance without the ibt?

HTB

Sids Not wrote: »

Oh...and trust no-one..not even other bikers
Everyone is out to cripple you...
Wood pigeons hurt..a lot...
Wet gear leaks...
Grass banks are'nt soft...
Pedestrians will never see you..
Your headllight just annoys car drivers...

Dry manhole covers are still slippy..
Wave/nod to other bikers...dont be ignorant..
Bus lanes ARE'NT that safe...
Expect the un-expected..
Not all Harley/Ducati riders are twats.......:p






please add yours...;)

The Father Jack response

Oh...and trust no-one..not even other bikers..............YES
Everyone is out to cripple you..................................YES
Wood pigeons hurt..a lot.........................................YES
Wet gear leaks......................................................YES
Grass banks are'nt soft...........................................YES
Pedestrians will never see you..................................YES
Your headllight just annoys car drivers.......................YES

Dry manhole covers are still slippy.............................YES
Wave/nod to other bikers...dont be ignorant...............YES
Bus lanes ARE'NT that safe......................................YES
Expect the un-expected..........................................YES
Not all Harley/Ducati riders are twats.......:p ............That would be an Ecumenical Matter !!

Zascar

Guys I've made this a sticky as requested. I agree with so many learner/start questions popping up time and time again, keeping them all to one thread should help a lot. Please report any new posts that should be moved to here.

Also please let us know any other threads with useful information that we can copy here. Hopefully this can grow to be a great thread full of useful information for anyone with Questions about getting into biking or taking the test etc etc

Any other comments or suggestions welcome

Neonjack

I found a guy that's doing the IBT for 400 quid, or 470 if you use one of his bikes. I've nothing to do with his business, but I'll be using him myself. Not sure if I can post details here or not. Mod decision?

Midnight_EG

Hey guys, I want to go and do my theory for a bike license. My question is, I've already got a full car license, will the A-category be stamped onto that or will I get a whole new Learner Permit?

Zascar

This is one of the most asked questions. No, having a car licence means nothing if you want to ride a motorbike, you still have to go through the whole process. Have a read of some of the threads for further details

Midnight_EG

Zascar wrote: »

This is one of the most asked questions. No, having a car licence means nothing if you want to ride a motorbike, you still have to go through the whole process. Have a read of some of the threads for further details

I think you misread my question


I know my license means nothing...I mean will I be getting a whole new Learner Permit, or will the A-Category get stamped with a Learner code on my Pink license?

Zascar

Oh sorry! I think you get a separate provisional for the bike but when you get your full licence the two go on the one licence.

Flyin Irishman

Yeah Zascar is right, I have a full car license and a seperate bike provisional

Midnight_EG

Thanks

Ride Safe

sentient_6 wrote: »

Surely if "Motorcycle riders must complete the programme before driving unsupervised on the road while a learner" the I.B.T shouldn't even be offered to be done on your own bike. I dunno! Or is it an another irish case of ara sure you'll be grand!

Why should IBT not be offered to people who want to use their own bike?
It's cheaper to use your own bike.
They must get the bike delivered to the compound and must have valid insurance and road tax.

Ride Safe

unclebill98 wrote: »

My bro done the ibt and two lads used there own bike. Nothing was said to them, sure he also said they drove off with not learner vest on either.

Sure what can the instructor say....!

Actually, can you get insurance without the ibt?

Yes you can get your bike insured before you do your IBT as you have to have it if you wanted to use your own bike for the course.

sentient_6

Ride Safe wrote: »

Why should IBT not be offered to people who want to use their own bike?

For the exact reason i mentioned in the bit you quote me?

EDIT: ah i get ya. Who in reality though is going to go through the hassle of trying to transport a bike to & from wherever your doing it I.B.T? It would probably work out cheaper to do it on a provided bike.

xxtattyberxx

Is there any where online that you can look at the theary test book?

Ride Safe

sentient_6 wrote: »

For the exact reason i mentioned in the bit you quote me?

EDIT: ah i get ya. Who in reality though is going to go through the hassle of trying to transport a bike to & from wherever your doing it I.B.T? It would probably work out cheaper to do it on a provided bike.

I have had a few people use their own bikes for the IBT course. Some have got a mate to ride it to the compound others have used trailers or vans.

They wanted to learn on their own bikes.

Morgoth

Couple of notes.

The theory test is now €40.60 not €35.60 as it says on the front post (it went up by a fiver a few months ago).

I rang the Galway motor tax office today to ask them if I had to do a theory test given that I hold a full car license. I did my theory test 9 years ago in 2002 for the category B (car). She told me that I did not need to re-do the theory test for the category A motorbike. She said all I need to present at the tax office is my full car license, two passport photos and an application form which she is posting out to me!

It's great to save the 40 bucks (enough other bike expenditure to come!) but if this turns out to be true, I have to say, it's pretty stupid. I know next to nothing about motorbikes and there is some motorbike specific stuff on the theory test that surely I should have to know. Not to mention that it got a bit harder since 2002. We shall see. :rolleyes:

Neonjack

I did my bike theory test a couple of weeks ago and there's a whole section of the official theory test book specifically for motorbikes. I don't understand how a car theory test done 9 years ago can qualify. Not saying she's wrong, but i agree that it doesn't seem to make much sense. Around 25% of the questions I was asked in the test itself were bike specific.

gipi

According to the RSA website....

By law, before applying for a learner permit, candidates must complete and pass a test of their general road safety knowledge and motoring legislation. It applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category.

If you are applying for your first learner permit you must:

Include a theory test certificate for the relevant category along with your learner-permit application, unless the certificate has already been submitted
Present the certificate within two years of the date of issue (date of passing the test)
Note: you will be regarded as an applicant for a first learner permit in respect of a particular vehicle category if you have not held such a licence in the preceding five years.

This appears to contradict what you've been told, Morgoth - it will be interesting to see if you actually get your learner permit!

As an aside, the same RSA page hasn't updated the theory test charge yet, it's still showing as €35.60!

maameeo

Morgoth wrote: »

Couple of notes.

The theory test is now €40.60 not €35.60 as it says on the front post (it went up by a fiver a few months ago).

I rang the Galway motor tax office today to ask them if I had to do a theory test given that I hold a full car license. I did my theory test 9 years ago in 2002 for the category B (car). She told me that I did not need to re-do the theory test for the category A motorbike. She said all I need to present at the tax office is my full car license, two passport photos and an application form which she is posting out to me!

It's great to save the 40 bucks (enough other bike expenditure to come!) but if this turns out to be true, I have to say, it's pretty stupid. I know next to nothing about motorbikes and there is some motorbike specific stuff on the theory test that surely I should have to know. Not to mention that it got a bit harder since 2002. We shall see. :rolleyes:

perhaps she checked your history and you had an A on your original provisional license?
i did my theory test in nov and got my prov license and it says ive held it 5 years and its my second!! i didn not know i had an A on my first one could have saved money i guess!

brianblaze

Okay, so I'm thinking of getting a bike...

Cruiser, 125cc, possibly a Virago... Something around the e800 - e1000 mark? Will I get one, in decent nick for that? It's not for alot of use, just as an alternative to buses!

cantdecide

brianblaze wrote: »

Okay, so I'm thinking of getting a bike...

Cruiser, 125cc, possibly a Virago... Something around the e800 - e1000 mark? Will I get one, in decent nick for that? It's not for alot of use, just as an alternative to buses!

One of the main sentiments that you'll encounter in the biking world to a question like this is that you'll save damn all money. Biking is probably as expensive as running a car. If saving money on transport is the sole reason, you're probably better off on buses...

Incorporating Haj

Morgoth wrote: »

Couple of notes.

The theory test is now €40.60 not €35.60 as it says on the front post (it went up by a fiver a few months ago).

I rang the Galway motor tax office today to ask them if I had to do a theory test given that I hold a full car license. I did my theory test 9 years ago in 2002 for the category B (car). She told me that I did not need to re-do the theory test for the category A motorbike. She said all I need to present at the tax office is my full car license, two passport photos and an application form which she is posting out to me!

It's great to save the 40 bucks (enough other bike expenditure to come!) but if this turns out to be true, I have to say, it's pretty stupid. I know next to nothing about motorbikes and there is some motorbike specific stuff on the theory test that surely I should have to know. Not to mention that it got a bit harder since 2002. We shall see. :rolleyes:

Any update on this Morgoth?

Morgoth

Sorry, haven't found the time to sort it, will call in to the tax office this week and post an update.

Shelli2

This is a great thread, thanks guys.

We are looking at buying a bike to save time commuting from Glasnevin to Cherrywood everyday. We'd both hopefully like to ride the bike, (me and my boyfriend), as we work different shifts different days.

Neither of us had a clue where to start, this thread has given some great advice about the learning and licence process.
Now we need to start looking at bikes....and again, have no clue where to start. Makes/Models are all double dutch to me. Can anyone recommend a couple of bikes that would be good for a beginner?

Morgoth

Got my learner permit application done this morning in the Galway tax office, without having to sit a recent theory test. However, this was because my provisional license from 2002 (obtained after I did my first and only theory test) apparently included the A / A1 category. My full car license which I've had for the last 9 years doesn't include A / A1, but because my original provisional did, I was able to apply for a learner's permit today.

For what it's worth, I vividly remember *not* answering any motorbike questions on my original theory test, so I don't know how it snuck onto my first provisional license, or perhaps there was a glitch in the system and in fact I really should have had to sit a motorbike theory again. Also don't know if that means this is technically my second provisional for category A / A1... the lady in the office didn't mention anything about that. Don't care either way!

gipi

There probably weren't as many bike questions in the theory test in 2002 so none may have come up in the 40 selected for your test. The theory test was the same for cars/bikes at that stage. You must have ticked the A/A1 box when applying for the provisional licence itself.

Still, it saves you having to do the IBT!!

Does your learner permit have the code number 991 or 992 in the column to the right of the A from & to dates?

If it's 991 then you're on a first permit and you can't take your test for 6 months.
If it's 992 then you're on your second, and you'll have to either apply for or take the test before getting another learner permit.
If it's 993 then you're on a third or subsequent permit.

Morgoth

Yep you're probably right, or maybe I did get asked a motorbike Q and just aced it anyway.

gipi wrote: »

Still, it saves you having to do the IBT!!

Really?! So IBT is only required for those who sat the theory test after last December? Jeez I was about to ring up and book, must look into this a bit more... Edit: okay, it's for someone who has taken out their first learner permit after 6th Dec 2010, simple as that. The more I read though, seems like you might as well do it anyway if you're a total bike newbie, since how much less would 16 hours of regular lessons cost and it looks like a really good intro.

Does your learner permit have the code number 991 or 992 in the column to the right of the A from & to dates?

It's being processed / in the post, will investigate when it arrives.

arleitiss

Hey, I got question:
I am starting college now, and I was thinking of applying for motorbike license. I am 18. Can I get stright away license that would allow me to drive typical sports bikes such as: Yamaha, Suzuki, Bmw etc.. ?

Also if I am 18. I have absolutely perfecty eye sight and hearing (proven and written so after tests I had). And have absolutely no health problems like deseases etc.. What would be AVERAGE insurance per year for a motorbike?

RosieJoe

arleitiss wrote: »

Hey, I got question:
I am starting college now, and I was thinking of applying for motorbike license. I am 18. Can I get stright away license that would allow me to drive typical sports bikes such as: Yamaha, Suzuki, Bmw etc.. ?

Also if I am 18. I have absolutely perfecty eye sight and hearing (proven and written so after tests I had). And have absolutely no health problems like deseases etc.. What would be AVERAGE insurance per year for a motorbike?

Have you even read this thread? Seriously, the first post relates specifically to how to get your permit, what steps you need to do and all about the IBT yet you post this muck! :eek:

dceire

Which companies provide bike insurance?

The only ones I know of are:

Quinn Direct
Aon Bikecare (are they AXA?)
Carole Nash
Adelaide

RosieJoe

dceire wrote: »

Which companies provide bike insurance?

The only ones I know of are:

Quinn Direct
Aon Bikecare (are they AXA?)
Carole Nash
Adelaide

Yep, that's about it!

Mind you, Eaglestar years ago used to do insurance for BMW owners. No idea why though?

CorkMan

Hey, I did my Theory Test back in late 2007 and I passed it, would I need to re-do it if I was to get a Motorbike? I got a provisional license for a standard car, I did some lessons until Feb 2008 but I did not end up getting a car.

Also, how does a Motorbike test go? Does a person drive in a car behind you and evaluate your ride?

eurofoxy

CorkMan wrote: »

Hey, I did my Theory Test back in late 2007 and I passed it, would I need to re-do it if I was to get a Motorbike? I got a provisional license for a standard car, I did some lessons until Feb 2008 but I did not end up getting a car.

Also, how does a Motorbike test go? Does a person drive in a car behind you and evaluate your ride?

yeah you would its a completely different category so its a new test, but then you have to do the cbt etc...

As for the test its varies some testers will ride a bike behind you and some do it in a car there is no difference between the 2 methods...

CorkMan

It is annoying with all of this stringent testing and 16 hour courses. According to my Dad years ago you would just apply for a license, you'd get one and you could drive then.

It would be common sense that you'd find out how to look after your motorbike, because you drive it. WTH. My Dad could teach me how to drive a motorbike anyway, he never did many tests yet he can still drive away.

Flyin Irishman

CorkMan wrote: »

It is annoying with all of this stringent testing and 16 hour courses. According to my Dad years ago you would just apply for a license, you'd get one and you could drive then.

It would be common sense that you'd find out how to look after your motorbike, because you drive it. WTH. My Dad could teach me how to drive a motorbike anyway, he never did many tests yet he can still drive away.

It can definitely be annoying, and yes, as you said, most people could find someone that could teach them how to ride a bike. But the purpose of the current licensing/training procedure is to ensure the standard of the training that people receive. Otherwise theres nothing to stop someone learning bad habits from the start from a friend, then adding their own bad habits to that before teaching all of them to another new rider a few years later, and so on

It's definitely a huge hurdle for new riders to overcome, and will probably put alot of prospective new riders off motorbikes altogether, but unfortunately regulatory bodies will always be looking to be seen to be doing something to improve the standard of road users, and increase road safety