Taiwan is planning to strengthen training for motorcyclists in an effort to improve road safety. Beginning next year, people learning to ride motorcycles will be offered an additional five hours of instruction at private driving schools. The extra training will include both closed-course practice and on-road riding experience. While authorities are encouraging more people to take the courses, the program will remain voluntary and will not be required to obtain a motorcycle license. Motorcycles are a common form of transportation in Taiwan and are involved in more than half of the country's traffic-related deaths.