Transport CEO, Chester Williams: “$300 is a Cap,” Not a Fixed Charge

The Ministry of Transport is responding to what it calls widespread misinformation about the new mandatory motorcycle training, stressing that the much‑criticised $300 fee is only a cap, not a fixed cost.

“The $300 is a cap on the amount that any person who would be approved as a trainer to be able to charge,” CEO Chester Williams explained. “Training can cost anywhere from nothing to $300, but no trainer will not be allowed to charge more than 300.”

The programme aims to improve road safety by ensuring riders are properly trained in manoeuvring and traffic laws.

The ministry plans to certify experienced motorcyclists, including members of motorcycle clubs and riders with clean safety records, to conduct the training. “There are certain people who have unblemished motorcycle riding records for a number of years. They can be looked at,” Williams said.

Williams acknowledged concerns about possible corruption, noting that some may try to “hustle”. He warned that if a trainer certifies someone without proper training, their licence will be revoked.

He also addressed fears that the programme would hurt municipal revenue or require long institutional courses. “This does not require any individual to go to a training institution for two weeks,” he clarified. Instead, trainees must complete 30 to 35 hours, which can be arranged flexibly with their trainer.

Responding to claims that drugs, alcohol, and weak enforcement are the main problems, Williams said the issues are linked. “When you add the drugs and weed to the inexperience and the lack of knowledge, it makes it 10 times worse,” he said. Enforcement is important, he added, but rider responsibility is equally crucial.

On Sunday, he also met with motorcyclists to discuss the possibility of them becoming certified trainers. “If the clubs apply to become trainers, the club can train their people; you could charge whatever rate you want,” he told them.

During the meeting, bikers raised challenges they face on the road, as well as potential obstacles to becoming certified trainers, including the cost of motorcycles for training and the need for a business licence to operate.

Chester Williams responded to the concerns, saying, “Almost every country you go in the world, they have a driving school that teaches people to drive, because driving is a great responsibility. I listened to someone on the news the other day, and the person compared driving a vehicle to having a loaded firearm, and that is true. When you jump into a vehicle or a motorcycle, you weaponise yourself.”

He added, “When you have so many people dying on the highways, it’s a crisis…we have to address it. This is just one step in doing so.”