1Effects of training courses to improve manoeuvring skills of motorcyclists – a research project from Norway

As a measure to help prevent motorcycle accidents, a post licence course was introduced in Norway 2001. The main objective of the course is to improve the manoeuvring skills of motorcyclists. The course includes both classroom education and practical training on tracks. The paper presents the results of an evaluation of the effects of this course on driving behaviour and safe driving. In light of past research and according to theories on driving behaviour, skill-based courses may lead to behavioural adaptation, e.g. faster driving, lesser alertness etc. The aim of the evaluation was to see if such behavioural adaptation occurred. In the evaluation a test group (n=13) (course participants) and a control group (n=11) were tested both before and after the course. The tests consisted of on-the-road driving where the speed was measured at several sites and a manoeuvring skill test on the track. In addition the groups filled in a questionnaire before as well as after the course. The questionnaire intended to measure the respondents ’ driving experience, subjective risk assessments related to motorcycle riding, the view on their own skills, etc. The results showed that the course had improved both actual and subjective manoeuvring skills and increased the feeling of safety. The on-the-road driving test showed that both groups drove faster after the course than before. However, this increase was greater (though not statistical significant) in the control group compared to the test group. This indicates that the course did not result in behavioural adaptation that could offset the increased safety margins from the improved manoeuvring skills. For that reason the course may be an effective measure for better safety among motorcycle drivers