Roads Minister, Richard Holden MP, has confirmed to the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) that a motorcycle licencing review may come soon. A review could be an outcome from a newly forming DVSA Motorcycle Strategy Group. Confirmation came following MAG’s latest report on motorcycle licencing published in November.
Richard Holden has responded to recommendations put forward in a report, published by MAG, that asks for further research into CBT rider numbers. Furthermore, MAG recommends a review of the licencing system to get more CBT riders converting to fully qualified riders, and believes that a simplified system should increase the number of riders on the road whilst also improving safety.
The Minister wrote:
“… the issues you have raised are important to this Department and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) […..] this Department is currently establishing a new motorcycle strategy group which will consider developments affecting road safety, and the training and testing for riders in the motorcycle sector.”
He went on to say:
“Establishing the number of riders who rely on just compulsory basic training (CBT) to ride should be useful to help inform future discussions and analysis […..] As far as a full review of the motorcycle licencing regime is concerned this may become one of the outcomes of the newly forming strategy group. Please rest assured MAG, along with other important key stakeholders, will be involved in any future work.”
MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:
“I am pleased that the Minister recognises the importance of taking an evidence-based approach. We have long been saying the current regime is overly complicated. This acts as a disincentive to riders entering motorcycling. It also results in many riders cutting their riding career short. It is important that there are clear criteria for any changes to the system. We see no value in change for change’s sake. But, more safe trips by motorcycle will help to reduce congestion and emissions. More fully qualified delivery riders will make the roads safer for all. We want to see more riders safely enjoying motorcycling. The training and testing regime is clearly the most influential factor in achieving those goals.”
Photo by The Ride Academy on Unsplash
FinalResponseFinal-response-to-MC-Chapter-ID-417823.pdf.