The British government announced a consultation into reforms to the current motorcycle training, testing and licensing regime. This comes as part of a new Road Safety Strategy for the first time in more than a decade. The consultation is strongly welcomed by the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), a coalition of motorcycling representative organisations, and a partner of FEMA.

With this consultation, the UK government seeks views on a wide-ranging set of proposals aimed at improving motorcycle safety, modernising the training, testing and licensing system, and simplifying access to motorcycling – particularly in light of evolving rider behaviours, technological advancements, and the UK’s regulatory independence post-EU exit.

NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The NMC strongly welcomes news that there is to be a consultation on reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licencing. These are areas which are fundamental to motorcycle safety and there are several options which can be considered as part of a structured new approach to motorcycle licensing that can deliver short, medium and long term safety improvements in line with new road safety targets. We also welcome news that the strategy will have a focus on improving rural motorcycle safety. The Strategy contains a wide range of proposals and consultations on different areas and the NMC looks forward to responding to these. But it is vital that if the strategy is to fully deliver for motorcycle safety, a positive approach needs to be taken to the inclusion of motorcycling in wider strategic safety and transport policy development as part of the Safe System and also as part of the work of the new Road Safety Board. This is why we particularly welcome the announcement stating that the strategy depends on strong partnerships. We look forward to discussing the NMCs proposals in relation to the Strategy with DfT Ministers.”

Jim Freeman, Chair of the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) said in response to the government’s announcement: “The BMF has campaigned long and hard for the government to integrate motorcycling into the mainstream of future UK transport policy, and for the delivery of effective government-led safety strategies for motorcyclists, including the need for long-overdue reforms to the current motorcycle training, testing and licensing regimes, which have failed to reduce motorcycle accidents and casualties. We therefore welcome the announcement which demonstrates that the government has listened to the BMF’s concerns and is committed to take action.”

Jim continues: “There is a real opportunity through the government’s new Road Safety Strategy, and the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy, for organisations such as the BMF and our key partner the National Motorcyclists Council to work closely and collaboratively with ministers and relevant government departments to develop a sustainable and comprehensive road safety strategy that properly addresses the specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by motorcyclists on UK roads. Reform of the current training, testing and licensing regime for motorcyclists, and a separate piece of work to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads, is a good place to start but more needs to be done with specific government action tailored to the particular risks and vulnerabilities motorcyclists currently face on UK roads. This must include the delivery of improved road design and infrastructure and an unwavering focus on reducing the specific factors that contribute to motorcycle collisions and fatalities, underpinned by significant government investment in improving motorcycle safety.”

Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Local Transport), said: “This government wants to prevent riders continually riding on a provisional licence and instead wants to encourage more riders to progress beyond the compulsory basic training (CBT) to achieve a full motorcycle licence, helping riders to increase their riding knowledge, their skills and to ensure they are more confident, safer riders. This is a priority for riders using a motorcycle for work, including those delivering goods.”

In the UK, new riders must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before riding solo. It’s a one-day course, not a test, and allows riding a moped (16+) or a 125cc motorcycle (17+) with L-plates. The CBT certificate is valid for two years; if you don’t pass a full licence by then, you must repeat it. The CBT system is often criticised, as one day of training is often seen as too little for real-world traffic complexity, and it may also keep under-trained riders on the road longer than intended. The UK government wants to encourage riders to move beyond CBT to achieving a full motorcycle licence. With CBT, riders can legally ride unsupervised with limited experience, and many riders repeat CBT indefinitely instead of progressing to a full motorcycle licence. The CBT is widely used for delivery work, despite minimal training requirements.

Written by Wim Taal

Top photograph courtesy of White Helmet Rider Training

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