Industry, Riders and Retailers Call for Motorcycle Licensing Reform to Boost Safety Without Creating New Barrier

The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), and the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) have jointly submitted a comprehensive response to the Government’s consultation on improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing.

The submission backs meaningful reform of an overly complex licensing system that no longer supports rider progression, accessibility or modern mobility needs. While strongly supporting measures to improve rider safety, the organisations warn against reforms that simply make the system more restrictive or costly to navigate.

They argue licensing reform must be holistic – improving training, progression and safety outcomes, while supporting easily accessible and affordable mobility, legal participation, decarbonisation and access to employment. If legal access to mopeds or motorcycles becomes more complex or expensive, there is a real risk users will migrate to illegal and unregulated alternatives, including high-powered electric bikes.

The submission supports many of the consultation proposals, including improved instructor qualifications, progressive access training, inclusion of theory and hazard perception as part of CBT, and a digitalised CBT platform.

However, the consultation lacks the necessary scope if we are to see reform which will make much needed changes to the current regime – ones which will lead to much greater safety, social and mobility benefits. The joint submission therefore also calls for wider reform, including:

An incentivised progression pathway from CBT through to full licence acquisition – A visible, rewarding route encourages learners to move on from temporary status, builds rider confidence and skills, and signals that motorcycling is a legitimate, progressive mode of transport, not simply a leisure pursuit.

A review of the current two-part motorcycle testing structure, with a return to a single-event full test – Simplifying the test regime would remove needless friction, restore public faith in the licensing process and help more riders complete their training and ride safely on the road.

Consideration of electric L‑Category vehicles within licensing regulations proportionate to their performance – Recognising the range of electric vehicles ensures regulation is fair and credible, supporting innovation and adoption while avoiding blanket rules that could stifle zero emission solutions.

Regulated access pathways for low-speed electric mobility vehicles – which would tackle the urgent problem of illegal and unsafe riding among young people by providing legal and attractive entry routes for younger and new riders, steering them into compliant options, reducing the uptake of unsafe illegal alternatives, and help shape safer, more sustainable travel habits from the start.

Include the full L‑Category sector, including L6 and L7 vehicles – some of the greatest future gains in emissions reduction, modal shift and miles-travelled efficiency will come from across the sector. Focusing only on the lower and middle segments risks missing opportunities tied to emerging urban mobility trends and the evolving shape of urban and sub-urban environments, particularly for last mile delivery operations.

MCIA CEO, Tony Campbell, said:

“This consultation represents a significant opportunity to modernise the current licensing system that, over the years, has become increasingly complex, expensive and has failed to improve road safety.

Whilst improving road safety must remain central to any reform, changes to the licencing system must also encourage and support accessibility and affordability. Currently, gaining a licence under existing rules is financially out of reach for many.

Reform must not create additional barriers as this will only push riders towards illegal and unregulated alternatives which is already evident in towns and cities across the country.

Government’s objective must be to develop a licensing, training and testing framework that produces better-trained riders leading to improved safety, encourage progression through the various licence categories whilst positively supporting how people can move and travel in today’s society.”

NMC Executive Director, Craig Carey-Clinch said:

“After decades of positive progress on motorcycle safety, the current regime, introduced between 2009 and 2013 has been implicated in an increase in rider fatalities and the stalling of safety progress in other areas since then. The proposed reforms are very welcome, but the scope of the review needs to be much broader if we are to see the restart of meaningful improvements in motorcycle safety.

Recognition of the role of the testing, training and licensing regime plays in broader mobility choice will also assist efforts of the motorcycle and road safety sectors to reduce illegal riding and lead towards the creation of a Safe System for motorcycle use. We call on the Government to not waste this opportunity.”

NMDA Head of Operations, Symon Cook said:

“Dealers understand how important motorcycles and scooters are for people looking for practical, affordable transport, whether that’s commuting, getting into work, or simply having an accessible way to travel. A key factor in licensing reforms will be introducing new riders into the sector safely, rather than making the process more complex or expensive to navigate.

A system should encourage progression and build rider confidence, reflecting how people are travelling today. This will support the long-term growth of the industry.”

Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF said:

“Today’s Joint Response to the Government’s motorcycle training and licensing consultation represents the combined views of riders and industry leaders on the need to modernise the current system. This has acted as a barrier for many to entering motorcycling in the first place and has pushed some young riders towards illegal, unregulated and unsafe riding, often involving dangerous illegally modified and high-powered e-Bikes. It has also failed to deliver intended safety outcomes for motorcyclists.

The Government now has a real opportunity to reform the current motorcycle training and licensing system that is frankly no longer fit for purpose. The BMF today calls on the Government to not only improve motorcyclist safety, through the delivery of a modernised and simplified training and licensing model, but to ensure the future of motorcycling as a sustainable and affordable personal transport option of choice.”

For media enquiries, please contact:

c.greenwood@mcia.co.uk | craig@uknmc.org | symon.cook@rmif.co.uk

MCIA

MCIA represents over 95% of the supply side of the industry; the manufacturers and importers of powered two wheelers (PTWs) and other PLVs (or L-Category vehicles), accessory and component suppliers and companies providing associated services. For more information about MCIA or to interview Tony Campbell, CEO, please call 07835 146155 or email c.greenwood@mcia.co.uk.

The joint submission can be found on MCIA’s website here.

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Examples and definitions of the different L-Category Vehicles (L1 to L7) can be found here.

British Motorcyclists Federation

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