NYRF launches phase two of Try Ride initiative
The National Young Rider Forum has teamed up with Phoenix Motorcycle Training to launch phase two of a project to explore whether a package of pre-CBT training can lead to more competent young riders.
The Try Ride scheme is aimed at first-time riders, aged 16-24 years, who are yet to take their CBT test. It comprises two online modules, which participants must take before getting into the saddle for a practical riding experience.
The two online modules being used as part of the scheme are both evidence-led and have been developed by leading industry experts.
The first, Ridefree, is an online training course for moped and motorcycle riders developed by the DVSA and National Highways.
The second is a brand-new resource developed by the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) with Esitu Solutions.
View from the Saddle comprises 18 short hazard perception/hazard prediction films, depicting 20 new hazards for would-be motorcyclists to spot.
These are real hazards, filmed from the perspective of a young motorcyclist, that can cause riders to be involved in serious crashes, if not spotted out on the road.
The Try Ride experience, delivered by Phoenix Motorcycle Training, would typically cost £40, but those who complete both the online and practical sessions will be refunded £20 of that price. 300 discounted places are available under the initiative, over a third of which were taken up during phase one of the project in the summer of 2025.
The aim of the scheme is to explore whether those who complete the course are more competent riders when it comes to taking their CBT, and ultimately safer riders.
The first phase of the project, which ran between August and October 2025, saw 111 young people complete the Try Ride experience at different centres across the UK.
Of those surveyed, most reported the great benefit of taking a hazard perception test pre CBT. They also delivered positive feedback on learning about topics such as the Highway Code and wearing PPE.
These results mirror those found in the NYRF’s Young Riders Matter report, published earlier this year, in which more than 50% of young riders surveyed said it would be good to do a hazard perception test as part of the CBT.
The project links with the National Road Safety Strategy, which is consulting on including a theory test (which will include a hazard perception element) in the new CBT syllabus.
Phase two of the Try Ride will coincide with the better weather and more motorcyclists wanting to use their bike to travel to work, training, education, and sport.
Of the 111 who took part in phase one of Try Ride, 27 went on to take their CBT straight away, with more saying the scheme had encouraged them to attend further motorcycle training events in the future.
