News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)
Motorcycle licencing review may be an outcome of new DVSA strategy group.
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.”