New license requirements will see Tasmanian motorcyclists undertake a two-day pre-learner course, a check ride and a pre-provisional test.  Under the previous process motorcyclists only had to complete two half-days of training. 

Tasmanian Motorcycle Council vice president Simon Hrycyszyn said the old model was “back to front”. He said riders clearly needed more experience before hitting the road.

“[the new program is] very important, very proactive and it’s great to see it happen,” Mr Hrycyszyn said. “It’s probably one of the most important changes I’ve seen in motor training in 20 years.” 

A purpose- built training facility at Burnie will be the headquarters for training, while a new Devonport facility will be built, and sites at Launceston, Hobart and Rokeby will also be used. 

Tasmanian company AJL Training pty ltd have invested $3 million in developing the facilities, and training up new teachers.  Victorian-based trainer Duncan McRae has worked with new trainers ahead of the curriculum being rolled out from next month. 

“The curriculum has been built around educating riders about those five common crash types that we see most often,” Mr McRae said. “People also need to better understand which bike best suits their needs, and how different models make a difference to safety.” 

About 40 new motorbikes will be supplied for use by learning riders. Infrastructure minister Rene Hidding said the rate of motorcycle accidents in Tasmania had become too high.

“This has been an initiative of mine since day one as I have been aware of personal tragedies where novice drivers lost their lives,” Mr Hidding said. 

”It became obvious that people in the industry knew [the process] was wrong.”

Department of State Growth figures show that in 2016, 10 Tasmanian motorbike riders lost their lives as a result of a road crash.  Recently, a 55-year-old Victorian motorcyclists was killed in a crash on the Bass Highway near Launceston.