At 1st Class Rider Training we use only Police Class 1 Riders as our Instructors, but in addition to this professional qualification, and the valuable experience that goes with it, at ‘1st Class’ we have among our staff 2 RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test Examiners and a RoSPA Diploma Holder.
We run Advanced Courses which allow the participants to undergo the RoSPA test at the end of the course, and their test fee also includes the membership to RoSPA.
But What is the RoSPA Grading. My earlier post gives information on the different Police Grades (Class 1 being the highest available) but not everyone needs to join ‘the job’ and wear a funny hat before they can have their riding achievements recognised.
RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has it’s origins in the early fifties and was set up to halt the rise in Road Casualties. It has grown since those early days and now gives advice, guidance and training to prevent accidents of all kinds. Household, Workplace and of course the Road.
The motorcycle test has 3 grades. (Three ‘Pass’ Grades that is- The Test Can also be ‘Failed’)
Gold
Silver
and Bronze.
So what does each one mean. I will look at how the test is run and what is expected of the candidate in a later post but will concentrate here on the Grades and how they are achieved.
What follows is taken from the RoSPA ‘Guidance for Candidates & Training Officers’.
BRONZE
This Grade will be awarded to riders whose performance is significantly above the standard required to pass the ‘L’ Riding Test.
These Riders will also show a knowledge of Motorcycle Roadcraft ……….. The Ride should be entirely safe, observing traffic signs, responding correctly to hazards and should display advanced riding techniques.
SILVER
This Grade will be awarded to riders who are well above the average. These riders will produce consistently safe and systematic rides but perhaps without the final polish, flair and smoothness of the Gold Riders. They will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the ‘System of Motorcycle Control’. Candidates must be able to ride up to the permitted speed limit where it is safe to do so but vary speed according to circumstances and conditions. It must be emphasised that SILVER is an extremely high grade and is a commendable achievement.
GOLD
This Grade is recognised as the highest riding award available to the Public.
It will be awarded only to the polished systematic rider, who displays a complete understanding and appropriate application of the principles outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft’. The candidate will display a confidence and ability throughout the whole test which leads the examiner to consider that, if afforded the opportunity, the candidate could achieve a Police Grade without further tuition. The candidate’s performance must be consistent throughout the whole of the test and so any lapses may result in a lower grade.
Awards of this grade will therefore be reserved for the very best riders.
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Of Course there are other tests and schemes in the market but you can see that nothing else comes close to helping you raise your riding ability to the highest level like the RoSPA Scheme. I agree that any form of further training has value but the RoSPA scheme is way ahead of the game.
The DSA are striving to implement a Register of Post Test Trainers, open to anyone who ‘thinks they can ride a bit’ so you may find yourself being taught by a Butcher, a Baker or a Candlestick Maker. Now nothing against any of these fine professions but they may not be ‘professional riders’ with the depth of experience and training background to warrant you spending your hard earned.
One thing for sure; ‘Thinking you’re good is one thing….but knowing your good is even better.