The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced compulsory basic training (CBT) for all motorbike users in the UK is to be updated for the first time in almost 25 years.

With the aim of ensuring all riders act as responsibly as possible every time they take to the roads, as well as ensuring these individuals have the necessary skills to travel safely alongside all other road users, the government will now examine the structure and content of CBT to guarantee it remains fit for purpose.

A consultation has now been launched by the DfT, which will run until April 21st and is inviting members of the public and all interested parties to have their say on the present structure of CBT in the UK.

It will focus on the content of CBT courses, as well as the qualification process and standards checks for instructors.

First introduced in 1990, CBT remains the benchmark for all riders that gives them the basic skills required to ride on the open roads. Once passed, riders have up to two years to pass their full motorcycle test, or they have to retake their CBT.

Transport minister Claire Perry said: "Motorcyclists account for one in every five deaths on our roads, despite representing just one per cent of all traffic. This is a shocking statistic – even more so when you consider that 19 per cent of all reported motorcycle casualties involved riders aged 19 and under.

"We must do all we can to improve road safety and I hope our proposals to change the training will do that."

Individuals that have passed CBT are legally allowed to ride bikes up to 125 cc with learner plates. To ride unrestricted, individuals must pass a full motorcycle test.

Having the proper skills to ride in safety is essential for the wellbeing of all travellers, including the drivers these individuals are sharing the roads with.