DVSA ERS - Enhanced Rider Scheme 

Compass Motorcycle Excellence is accredited by the DVSA to operate Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) training and assessments to help develop motorcyclists' riding skills to achieve their highest level of safety, smoothness, style, efficiency and progress.

Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) is an official post-test rider assessment and development training course run for the UK Government by the DVSA - the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

There is no 'test', but instead a 1 to 2 hour observed check-ride assessment of your 'normal' ride is undertaken. If your assessment is passed then you will be awarded a DVSA ERS certificate of competence without the need for further training. If your check-ride assessment indicates that further training to improve your riding skills would be beneficial then this can be undertaken too for as little or as much time and instructional input as you need, after which you’ll be reassessed at a point in which you feel ready.

If you have already passed your test and hold a full UK motorcycle license then the DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme - ERS - is an ideal start to your learning journey to becoming an Advanced Rider with the skills to #RideForLife.

ERS is ideal if you:

• have recently passed your full motorcycle licence

• wish to have your current riding standard assessed

• wish to polish your riding or specific skills as a regular / experienced rider

• wish to ride your motorcycle to or for work i.e. commuting, courier or blood biking 

• wish to start your learing journey to become an Advanced Rider

• are returning to riding motorbikes after a break - Back-to-Biking

• have upgraded to a more powerful or different style of motorcycle

• wish to develop or rebuild rider confidence - possibly following a crash

• wish to improve or calm your riding style after receiving a penalty, fine or prosecution

• keep scaring yourself silly every time you see a corner or try an overtake

• are fed up with your friends leaving you trailing behind and then moaning that you're slow

ERS training process:

• book an assessment with Compass Motorcycle Excellence - link below

• meet your instructor - introductions and briefing

• undertake a 1 - 2 hour observed check-ride assessment

• debrief the assessed ride

• if a 'pass' is acheived  - congratulations - you will receive your certificate by email shortly after

• if further training is required - the training course begins. Many riders benefit from 1 or 2 days training to 'polish' their skills to assessment level

• the 7 core modules listed below will be covered plus effective braking and dual carriageways from the optional modules list

• after training and practice riders are then re-assessed. If assessment is successfully achieved then a DVSA ERS certificate od competence will be awarded

• after re-assessment has been successfully achieved then further optional training modules can be undertaken if desired

ERS courses include 7 core modules to achieve success:

• structured planned approach to riding

• defensive riding and hazard awareness

• progress and use of speed

• overtaking - filtering

• bends and corners

• slow control

• developing the correct rider attitude

There are 12 extra optional modules for further skills:

• effective braking techniques *

• filtering (advanced level)

• motorways and dual carriageways *

• carrying a passenger and / or load

• riding for work: delivery or courier

• riding abroad

• blood bikers

• group riding

• Biker Down and accident scene management

• motorcycle maintenance and machine awareness

• mobile phones, GPS, sat nav and Bluetooth

• training in alternative environments

* Compass Motorcycle Excellence includes these modules in our core module training where appropriate.

Recommended pre-course reading:

Highway Code

Motorcycle Roadcraft 

VisionZero_Summary05-22.pdf9.19 MB

Added Benefit:

Once you have acheived your DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme certificate of competence, you may be eligible to receive an insurance premium discount from a range of motorcycle insurance companies.

ERS Course Options:

• Book RideForLife ERS riding assessment: 3 hour session - resulting in feedback and either ERS Certificate of Competence or personal Learning Journey Plan

• Book ERS Training Day 1 including riding assessment: 8 hour session - theory and on-road practical training. Assessment or further training may follow.

If you undertake a #RideForLife assessment you will be eligble for a discount upon booking ERS Training Day 1.

Other Advanced Rider training options from Compass Motorcycle Excellence:

• RoSPA Advanced Rider - training with Compass and then an external test with a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents approved examiner

• IAM Advanced Rider - training with Compass and then an external test with an Institute of Advanced Motorists approved examiner

RoSPA / IAM Advanced Rider training is likely to be approx 30 hours for most riders but can include and build on the training undertaken during an ERS course.