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Learner drivers might soon have to take their theory test before taking to the roads following a change to the rules for motorcyclists, as part of wider efforts to "improve road safety".
It was announced last week that from 1 May, anyone wanting to complete a motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course will have to take the theory and hazard perception test first.
The change, which is supported by Guernsey Police, Traffic and Highway Services, and the people who run the Guernsey Motorcycle Training Scheme (GMTS), was agreed by deputies in 2014 - when the-then States debated the Integrated Transport Strategy.
That means that, despite being described as a move made to improve road safety, it has taken nearly ten years for the new rule to be introduced.
In announcing the change last week, the States said that concerns had been raised by those delivering motorcycle training on island.
It was also stated that "young drivers are more likely to show poorer visual awareness, hazard recognition and avoidance, and are less able to judge appropriate speed for circumstances".
This is echoed by the road safety charity Brake which has a campaign running to ensure safe and healthy mobility across the UK. One of the messages shared on its website is around the dangers faced by, and caused by, young drivers.
Brake states that "young drivers are at a much higher risk of crashing than older drivers and the combination of youth and inexperience can prove a fatal combination on the roads".
In announcing the change to motorbike learner rules, as part of efforts to improve road safety locally, Colin Le Page - the island's Lead Officer for Traffic and Highway Services - said this is one of their key priorities.
“Improving road safety for all road users, particularly those who are vulnerable, is one of Traffic and Highway Services’ key priorities," he said.
"This change is about equipping people with the right knowledge and information before they take to the road to make sure that we can keep one another safe on our roads. If you’re coming up to the age where you’ll soon be learning to ride, or if you know someone who is, please make sure you understand what steps you need to take and in what order to avoid disappointment.”
Andy Smith, Roads Policing Sergeant, echoed what Mr Le Page had said.
“Guernsey Police is always supportive of any initiative that seeks to improve road safety and best practice for road users," he said.
"It is important that islanders using public highways are properly informed about the rules of the road to ensure that everyone is as safe as can be."
To enable more people to prepare for riding on the roads, the GMTS has been holding off on opening up more CBT slots but they will now be doing so.
“GMTS are fully supportive of the new initiative requiring new CBT candidates to take and pass the theory test and hazard perception test," said Martin Proudlove.
“The theory test is just one part of the process of learning to ride. You need to learn the facts, but it is important to understand how they relate to real riding. The combination of knowing rider theory and having good practical riding skills will not only help you pass your test it will also make you a safer rider for life."
When the change was announced for learner motorcyclists, it was also stated that: "This could be extended to other vehicles in the future, however, motorcycles were seen as a necessary first step."
Pictured: The 2022 Bailiwick Law Enforcement annual report gives details about the number of road accidents in total, but there is no breakdown or who or what vehicles were involved.
Express asked for evidence of how changing the law to make learner motorcyclists take their theory test before their CBT would make the roads safer.
We asked for a breakdown of how many motorcyclists are involved in road accidents each year, and how many of those are learner riders.
The States Communications team asked us to lodge the questions under the Freedom of Information law instead, which we have done, meaning an answer should be with us within a month.
Theory test before CBT for all new riders
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