Improving moped and motorcycle training

4 January 2017

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a consultation asking for views on proposals to improve motorcycle training.

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. They account for around 1% of traffic on Great Britain’s roads, but 21% of deaths or serious injuries.

We urge all with an interest in motorcycling to respond to the consultation - details of how to do so are here.

The proposed changes aim to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured by making sure new riders are better prepared for the realities of riding on modern roads and to help through a lifetime of safe riding and include:

• taking away (revoking) CBT certificates from riders who get 6 penalty points - it would stop them from riding with L plates after getting points for offences including careless or dangerous riding
• considering whether learner riders should need to either pass a theory test before they take a CBT course, or as part of their course
• restricting riders who take their CBT course on an automatic motorcycle to only riding automatics
• Changing the CBT course syllabus from 5 parts to 4.

DVSA also wants your views on a proposal to introduce a training course that existing riders can take to upgrade their motorcycle licence, rather than having to take extra tests.

Karen Cole, a director of RoadSafe and Director Safety and Training for the Motorcycle Industry Association, said:

'We believe that the introduction of a new training course is positive and will encourage more riders to use the progressive licence route. We’re also supportive of the proposals to update the qualification arrangements for motorcycle instructors as these will help the training industry.'

'We’d urge anyone interested in motorcycle training to respond.'