Motorcyclists will have to be properly trained and certified in order to operate on the nation’s roadways.

The measure is a provision under the new Road Traffic Act, for which the regulations are being drafted.

Executive Director of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Paula Fletcher said previously, only a learner’s permit was required for persons to legally operate a motorcycle.

She noted that this allowed for them to continue driving on a learner’s permit and not to move it from that stage to certification, as is the case with a driver of a motor vehicle.

She said that loophole has now been blocked, as motor cyclists they will have to be certified.

As part of the certification process, persons will have to pass a written road code test.

Mrs. Fletcher said that this requirement is essential, as it will ensure that motorcycle operators understand the language of the road.

In order to get a permit persons now have to satisfy not just the age requirement, but also have to pass the road code test to ensure that they can read before operating a bike.

Meantime, Mrs. Fletcher has appealed to motorcyclists to exercise caution on the roads in order to reduce fatalities.

She told JIS News there has been a 100 % increase in motorcycle road fatalities since the start of the year.

30 of the 101 persons who have died in road accidents up to March 27 were motorcyclists.