A significant increase in the number of motorcycle licences being issued in the Northern Territory over the last decade has prompted changes to the delivery of a key licensing course to maximise rider safety and provide a new business opportunity for suitably qualified Territorians.
There is growing demand for the Motorcyclist Education Training and Licensing (METAL) program after the number of R class (motorcycle) licences in the NT rose by 23 percent over the past 10 years from 21,146 to 26,673.
The program was previously delivered across the Territory by the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR), but as of October this year there are now four accredited providers in Darwin.
Making the METAL course available through third party providers supports Government’s road safety strategies, increases the accessibility of rider education and training in the Territory, and provides business opportunities to local non-Government entities.
Through this training, motorcyclists become more aware of the risks associated with motorcycle riding and their interaction with other road users. They gain knowledge about road craft skills necessary to mitigate the risks that they may encounter on the road.
MVR Director Glenda Thornton said while the cost of delivery has increased and is now more in line with other jurisdictions, access to the program will improve significantly.
“Under the MVR, instructors were able to provide courses for only 29 per cent of new riders. It is anticipated that each external providers will be able to deliver the same number of classes previously provided by government thereby reaching a greater percentage of new riders. This is great news for rider safety and training.”
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics has since received expressions of interest from a further five parties looking to establish themselves in early 2017 as third party providers for the program. The department’s METAL operations currently continue in Alice Springs through the MVR.
Ms Thornton said third party providers must meet stringent eligibility criteria before receiving approval to deliver the current METAL curriculum.
“MVR’s Licencing Compliance section regularly monitors and audits the delivery of the program to ensure the METAL curriculum is delivered to the required high standard,” she said.
“A benefit of third party delivery is the ability to offer smaller class sizes providing a more personalised training experience. Providers have advised that the participant’s feedback has been very positive.”
Rider training operators currently offering the program in Darwin include;
Industry Services (IS) Australia
Phone: (08) 8942 9300
Defensive Driving Academy Darwin
Phone: 0417 727 345
Darwin Motorcycle Riding School
Phone: 0411 609 658
darwinmotorcycleridingschool@gmail.com
Top End Motorcycle Skills Trainer
Phone: 0429 200 184
Media enquiries: Simone Phasey 8924 7028