GDE - Goals For Driver/ Rider Education
GDE - Goals For Driver/ Rider Education
The European framework Goals for Driver Education (known as the 'GDE matrix) sets out the four levels and three competences that driver or rider training should focus on to produce the safest possible driver/ rider.
The GDE matrix shows four levels. Level 1 and level 2 are controlling your machine and the traffic situation including road and weather conditions. These levels are used to self assessment or for an instructor to assess their trainees of their ability to control their motorbike, how they adapt to changing situations/ conditions and to evaluate what level of tuition is required for further development.
The 3rd level, the purpose of the journey. Each journey is different, with a different purpose and a set of circumstances. This level looks at the need for the journey, what you need to plan for and what human factors might be involved. Is the journey urgent? Are you under pressure? The decisions taken by drivers regarding this level can have a serious impact on rider risk.
Level 4, human factors. Riders must have an awareness of their personality characteristics at this level and the effect they may have on risk.
Concentrating on your mindset before you get on your bike and while out riding will impact all the other 3 levels on how you will react and how well you can manage changing situations.
The Four Levels
Level 1: Controlling Your Machine
This level focuses on basic vehicle control skills:
- Vehicle maintenance
- Using the controls
- Starting and stopping on flat roads and slopes
- Changing gears and clutch control
- Handling junctions, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossings
- Positioning the bike
- Steering
- Observing surroundings
- Performing manoeuvres
- Understanding vehicle limitations
Level 2: The Traffic Situation, Including Road & Weather Conditions
This level helps you to identify how to interact with other road users and handle various traffic situations:
- Observation
- Reading the road
- Anticipating danger
- Hazard perception
- Safety margins
- Speed control
- Judgement and decision-making in traffic (Human factors)
- Making safe progress
Level 3: The Purpose Of The Journey
This level focuses on journey-specific factors:
Each journey is different, with a different set of circumstances.
- Travelling on familiar or unfamiliar roads
- Purpose of the journey
- Time of day of the journey
- Route planning
- Distractions
Level 4: Goals for Life and Human Factors
This level focuses on the rider’s personality and how their thoughts and beliefs affect their behaviour, especially while riding:
- Crash statistics
- Different personality types
- Attitudes toward risk
- Peer pressure
- Personal belief systems
- Life goals
- Personal skills and goals in life
The 3 Competencies of the GDE
Each level has three key competencies. At each level, the student must:
- Learn the relevant knowledge and skills.
- Understand the risk factors associated with that level.
- Identify and self-evaluate their strengths and areas for improvement.
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