A new campaign has launched to make the process for attaining a moped or motorcycle licence ‘less complex, less costly, and more accessible for a broader section of society’.
‘A Licence to Net Zero’ has been launched by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), who says the time has come for a full-scale review of L-Category licensing requirements.
The campaign is supported by both the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) and Zemo Partnership.
L-Category vehicles, or powered light vehicles (PLVs), include mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles.
The MCIA says PLVs offer affordable and versatile solutions to contemporary transportation challenges, including reducing emissions and congestion – particularly important in the efforts to reach net zero by 2050.
However, the organisation adds that licensing is one of the biggest hurdles facing the sector, “hindering growth and road safety over the last decade”.
Therefore, it is calling on the Government to review the current training, testing, and licensing regime for PLVs.
The MCIA adds that the UK needs a modern, forward thinking licensing regime, one that will address existing user safety and cater for the needs of new entrants into this sector with both safety and convenience in mind.
Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said: “The time has come for a full-scale review of L-Category licensing requirements. The Government’s recognition of our sector’s role in decarbonising transportation is commendable, but we need the tools to make it happen.
“MCIA fully supports the Government’s goals, but we must shed outdated regulations in order to thrive. Licensing is one of the biggest hurdles facing our sector, hindering growth and road safety over the last decade.
“Our mission is a simple one: simplify sector access, promote accessibility and cost effectiveness, road safety, and accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050.”
Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director of the NMC, said: “The NMC’s members share MCIA’s belief in the need for significant licensing reform via a comprehensive review of the current regime, particularly as intended benefits for road safety from the current regime have not materialised.
“Although there are some differences of detail in the NMC’s published proposals, both our positions on the fundamentals of licensing reform align and we are pleased to support ‘A Licence to Net Zero’ in recognition of our shared aspirations.”
Using DVSA data and published average test rates, it can be seen that in the 10 years since the UK’s implementation of the 3rd EU driving licence directive in Jan 2013, approximately 100,000 17-18 year olds who would normally have taken their A1 tests over that period decided not to do so. This has either forced them to ride on UK roads on L plates without training or qualification for 2 years until they can elect to do the A2 tests at 19 instead, or abandon their riding plans altogether. Either way it has increased road user risk and damaged the industry. What’s worse is the government knew it, and chose to ignore it despite the quick win BREXIT opportunity available to address it.
Dami Johansen, Wirral
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I agree the licensing for motorcycles needs to be reformed. Having passed my A licence last year, the process was incredibly drawn out and more complicated than it needed to be. Too many categories, too many tests, and an awful lot of money. The same requirements aren’t placed on car drivers, you can pass a test in a Fiesta, and go out and buy a Ferrari, with no restrictions.
I do think the theory/Hazard perception should be the first step to getting a bike licence, as currently those doing CBT don’t have to do it, which means you could get on a bike with no real knowledge of the laws and rules of the road.
Personally I think CBT for scooters, mopeds and possibly 125s on a provisional licence. The Mod 1 & 2 should be merged into one test and you train for both at the same time and take one test. Its worked for car drivers for years, the hours I spent doing ‘a turn in the road’ and ‘reversing around a corner’ as part of my journey to full licence.
Power output could still be limited by age, however I don’t think a re-test after attaining the age you can ride a ‘big’ bike is fair if you have proven that by riding a less powerful bike that you are safe and competent. Some 500cc bikes are as quick as a 750cc but 2 different licences exist to ride them?
Stuart Mottershaw, Leicester
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