Three of the UK’s leading bodies representing motorcycling have called on the Government to reform the current ‘overly complex’ rules around bike licences and simplify pathways to training.
They want to see a new system brought in that would encourage more people on to motorbikes, scooters or mopeds. Such a move would help improve rider standards and improve safety, and as more people take to motorcycling, have the positive knock-on effect of removing cars from the road, improving urban congestion and cutting pollution.
But the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), and the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) said any reforms must not create new barriers to motorcycling.
Their comments came in a joint response to the Government’s consultation on moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing.
The current licensing system no longer supports rider progression, accessibility or modern mobility needs, they said. It is overly complex and needs radical changes.
But any reforms must also look at improving training, progression from mopeds, scooters and small bikes to larger machines, and safety outcomes, while at the same time leaving routes into motorcycling affordable.
The trio warn that if the system were to be become more complex, tomorrow’s riders are likely to shun legitimate paths into motorcycling in favour of illegal and unregulated alternatives, such high-powered electric bikes.
The consultation has said it wants to improve the system around instructor qualifications, progressive access training, inclusion of theory and hazard perception as part of CBT, and create a digitalised CBT platform.
But the motorcycling lobby has said it also wants to see:
- An incentivised progression pathway from CBT through to full licence acquisition. This would create a visible, rewarding route that encourages learners to move on from temporary status (CBT and L-plates), builds rider confidence and skills, and signals that motorcycling is a legitimate, progressive mode of transport, not simply a leisure pursuit.
- A review of the current two-part motorcycle testing structure, with a return to a single-event full test. This would remove needless friction, restore public faith in the licensing process and help more riders complete their training and ride safely on the road.
- Consideration of electric L‑Category vehicles within licensing regulations proportionate to their performance, to encourage development of high-tech electric-powered motorcycles.
- Regulated access pathways for low-speed electric mobility vehicles. This would tackle the urgent problem of illegal and unsafe riding among young people by providing legal and attractive entry routes for younger and new riders, steering them into compliant options, reducing the uptake of unsafe illegal alternatives, and help shape safer, more sustainable travel habits from the start.
Tony Campbell, MCIA CEO, said:
“This consultation represents a significant opportunity to modernise the current licensing system that, over the years, has become increasingly complex, expensive and has failed to improve road safety.
“While improving road safety must remain central to any reform, changes to the licensing system must also encourage and support accessibility and affordability. Currently, gaining a licence under existing rules is financially out of reach for many.
“Reform must not create additional barriers as this will only push riders towards illegal and unregulated alternatives which is already evident in towns and cities across the country.
“Government’s objective must be to develop a licensing, training and testing framework that produces better-trained riders leading to improved safety, encourage progression through the various licence categories whilst positively supporting how people can move and travel in today’s society.”
Craig Carey-Clinch, NMC executive director, said:
“After decades of positive progress on motorcycle safety, the current regime, introduced between 2009 and 2013, has been implicated in an increase in rider fatalities and the stalling of safety progress in other areas since then. The proposed reforms are very welcome, but the scope of the review needs to be much broader if we are to see the restart of meaningful improvements in motorcycle safety.
“Recognition of the role of the testing, training and licensing regime plays in broader mobility choice will also assist efforts of the motorcycle and road safety sectors to reduce illegal riding and lead towards the creation of a Safe System for motorcycle use. We call on the Government to not waste this opportunity.”