Call for reform to motorcycle licensing
The Government is being urged to carry out a full review of the existing motorcycle licencing regime, with claims it is impacting the safety of young riders.
At present, in order to ride a motorcycle or scooter of any type, riders must take a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. This takes an average of five to seven hours to complete. For those aged 16 years, this entitles them to ride a moped. Upon turning 17 years, they can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc.
The Government says the CBT ensures riders can travel safely on their own while they practise for their full moped or motorcycle test.
However, a new report, led by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), shows that for every five CBT certificates issued, just one full licence is achieved. MAG believes there are a number of reasons many new riders simply abandon riding in favour of less environmentally friendly cars. For example, for those whose ambition is to commute on a 125cc motorcycle, there is no justification for the cost of obtaining a full licence.
