The Labour Party has proposed seven significant changes to bike, motorcycle, and scooter regulations in England, with potential wide-ranging effects on licensing, testing, and safety standards.
As part of a recent consultation that concluded on May 11, prominent organizations such as the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), and National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) submitted detailed responses to the Department for Transport.
Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA, highlighted the opportunity this consultation presents: “This is a chance to modernize a licensing system that has become overly complicated and costly, without delivering the necessary improvements in road safety. While safety remains paramount, reforms must also promote accessibility and affordability.”
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Currently, the financial burden of obtaining a motorcycle licence under existing rules is prohibitive for many prospective riders. Campbell warns that creating additional barriers could push riders toward illegal and unregulated options, a growing concern in cities and towns across the country.
The government’s goal, according to Campbell, should be to establish a licensing, training, and testing system that produces better-trained riders, fosters progression through licence categories, and supports sustainable and practical mobility in contemporary society.
Key points addressed in the consultation include:
- The current Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate lasts two years, during which a learner is expected to undertake further training and complete theory and practical tests to obtain a full motorcycle licence.
- However, data shows that many riders do not progress beyond the CBT stage to full licensure.
These proposed reforms represent a comprehensive effort to update motorcycle and electric vehicle legislation, balancing road safety with increased accessibility and encouraging a transition toward safer and more regulated riding.