Learn to Survive motorcycle training gains traction as European standard at international conference

During the recent international conference "The Future of Driver Education," held in Sosnová, key figures from twelve countries gathered to discuss advancements in motorcycle training and road safety. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Transport, the Driving Schools Association of the Czech Republic, EFA, and the Road Safety Team, showcasing the commitment to improving driver and rider education across Europe.

Manuel Picardi, Secretary General of the European Federation of Driving Schools, expressed strong support for the "Learn to Survive" programme, stating, "I am convinced that the Learn to Survive program is the right European standard for motorcycle rider training, one on which there should be agreement." He highlighted the importance of potentially certifying the programme through the European Driving Schools Association, which would ensure high-quality training standards.

At the conference, participants observed the practical motorcycle training methods demonstrated by the Road Safety Team. These included the use of electric motorcycles specifically designed for beginner training, showcasing a pivot towards integrating new technologies into traditional training methods. An educational component of the project consists of videos aimed at enhancing risk perception among riders, which are accessible via an online platform.

These videos are structured to help motorcyclists identify and understand hazardous situations, ultimately testing their responses to various traffic scenarios. Participants in Sosnová had the opportunity to experience these situations from the perspectives of motorcyclists, car drivers, and cyclists. Jiří Novotný, lead instructor of Learn to Survive, noted the addition of methodologies focusing on common errors motorcyclists make while riding. He described issues such as improper hand placement on the throttle, which can lead to instability during riding. "Such shortcomings should be immediately identified by the instructor and then worked on with the student," he explained.

The Learn to Survive initiative is a response to ongoing technological developments and legislative changes surrounding driver education. According to Picardi, the methodology employed in the Czech Republic is regarded as functionally comprehensive, containing practical guidance on what should be taught, how, and why. He remarked, "It addresses both teachers and motorcyclists in practice, what they should check, what they should focus on, whether they are doing it well or badly."

Established fifteen years ago as a regional endeavour within the Liberec Region, the programme has expanded significantly, garnering interest both throughout Europe and from countries in Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Novotný remarked on the growing appeal of the European standard, noting, "We have offered a very high standard, and for these countries, Europe still represents a guarantee of quality education." This encourages a wider perspective on safety training and education, reflecting a global interest in adopting European methodologies.