generally speaking I think you folks "across the pond" are better trained initially, as beginning riders. Here in USA, 50 states means 50 different ways of doing things, some require motorcycle safety course, some don't. I know when i first got my MC endorsement all I had to do was show up with something that had 2 wheels and an engine, the fact that i rode it there was good enough for the DMV! I believe that serious riders are always learning.
cheers