The present situation with motorcycle licensing

The Motorcycle Riders Association represents all motorcyclists interested in road safety and the protection of their rights. It is a national association with branches and members in all states of Australia, formed in 1978. The aims of the mra are: 1. To work for road safety, mainly through road user education, driver awareness and fair and sensible legislation. 2. To act as a responsible representation of motorcyclists and to liaise between motorcyclists, the public and the authorities. 3. To improve the image of motorcyclists by means of community activities and services. 4. To protect the rights of the motorcycling community. This paper assesses the present situation of motorcycle licensing. It is not of a technical nature. It has been prepared and written as a user contribution in an area of vital concern to the mra. Motorcycle licensing is evaluated from the opinions and experiences of those who have been through the system. Deficiencies of the system are acknowledged and solutions presented. Other issues discussed include the form of licensing presently used, the existing status of motorcycle rider training in a number of areas and the role of the community awareness to the problems associated with riding a motorcycle (a).