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A new rule has come in meaning all motorbike riders have to take a theory and hazard perception test before they can take to the roads.
Unlike learner car drivers who can have lessons on the road before taking their theory test, motorcyclists will have to pass the computer based exam before riding on public land.
This change will come in from 1 May.
Before then the current rules remain in place, meaning anyone booked on their CBT course during March and April will continue to do that, before being allowed on the roads. They will then take a theory test and their practical test to obtain their full motorcycle licence.
From 1 May, new riders will have to take the theory test first.
Guernsey Police, Traffic and Highway Services, and the Guernsey Motorcycle Training Scheme (GMTS) are all said to agreed that making learner riders take the theory test before the CBT will improve road safety across the island.
Previous States Members also agreed as this change was agreed politically in 2014 as part of the debate on the Integrated Transport Strategy.
This new requirement for a theory test before a learner can drive/ride on the roads could be extended to other vehicles in the future, however, motorcycles were "seen as a necessary first step" according to the States public statement released yesterday.
Pictured: Services related to driver licensing and vehicles are based at Edward T Wheadon House. Theory tests are undertake here in a private room on the ground floor.
The motorbike Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course is a two day assessment process, which a bike rider described to Express as one day classroom/theory based and one day practical.
Learner riders can not ride their motorbike on any public road until they have passed their CBT.
The change will not apply to anyone who can provide evidence of passing the full CBT course within the last five years, or a motorcycle theory test here or elsewhere.
Letters are being sent out to those who hold a provisional motorcycle licence, but do not have a valid CBT certificate so they know about the changed requirements.
Letters are also being sent to those who hold a provisional motorcycle licence and may have taken a full CBT or a motorcycle theory test for a previous motorcycle licence in the last five years. They will need to take a Direct Access course before they can ride their motorcycle on the roads.
New riders will be able to apply for a provisional licence one month before the minimum age category for their bike, and they can book their theory test once they have their driving licence number. Riders can only take the theory test once they are the correct age for the category of their bike.
Once they have passed the theory test, learners riders can then book onto a CBT course.
The GMTS has recently held off on opening future CBT spaces, however it's understood that more spaces will now be available.
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