Testing times? Department for Transport consider reforms to UK motorcycle licensing structure

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Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP has confirmed that the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering a review of the current UK motorcycle licence structure, however nothing is set in stone yet.

“The government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing and licensing,” a spokesperson for the DfT confirmed. “We want to take account of the long-standing plans in DfT and DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), and recent information/proposals that we’ve had from the sector.”

Honda CB125R ridden by a learner rider

The Minister’s comments came at a meeting with the Motorcycle Strategy Group in London, which includes key market players such as the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) – who had previously proposed a change to the current complex licensing structure in their ‘A Licence to Net Zero’ campaign.

The current licensing structure sees riders take part in up to three, two-part tests in order to achieve a full unrestricted licence. These are the A1, A2, and full A entitlements, plus the associated CBT and theory test costs.

Motorcyclist completing rider training

“We are encouraged by the Minister’s recognition of the industry’s contributions and her commitment to aligning safety, decarbonisation, and mobility goals,” MCIA CEO, Tony Campbell said. “Any review must consider the whole of the L-Category sector, not just motorcycles.”

L-Category vehicles cover traditional motorcycles and scooters, plus sidecar outfits, three-wheeled mopeds, trikes, and quadricycles such as the Citroën Ami electric four-wheeler.

Motorcyclist completing their CBT training

“MCIA has a detailed set of proposals spanning the entire L-Category sector,” Campbell continued. “This includes making access easier, less costly, and more accessible, while creating a regulatory landscape that allows manufacturers to innovate into, such as developing new vehicle categories and addressing emerging micromobility vehicles.”

Speaking within the meeting, Lilian Greenwood stated that road safety remained a personal priority for UK transport, and that current motorcycle casualty rates were still too high.

That said, any reforms eventually arriving would not focus solely on this topic and would instead also work to meet incoming decarbonisation targets, too.

Video: How to pass your UK motorcycle test