MCN report on The National Motorcyclist Council (NMC) calls for changes to be made to the current UK’s motorcycle license testing and training regime. As it was found the multi-layered approach has not to be making biking any safer.
Motorcycle licensing changed in 2009 to involve a two-part test and two-stage licences, in the belief it would reduce casualties.
However, NMC analysis reveals that changes introduced in 2009 have failed to make motorcycling safer but the number of riders killed or seriously injured has risen. Now that the UK has left the EU, the NMC is calling on the Government to use this opportunity to revamp the system.
The proposed changes are to return to a single test and remove the A2 category. For young riders who pass they would be on a restricted licence as before, with a training course after one year to graduate to the full A licence.
Also, NMC would like to see the CBT include a theory test. The NMC are also in favour of training courses to move up from A1 rather than a repeat test. Other proposed measures are to return a direct access minimum age of 21.
The National Motorcyclists Council bring together a range of motorcycling groups across the country to voice their issues to parliament.
This includes making sure motorcycles and mopeds are included in current and future transport and sustainability strategies, making sure the process of getting a licence is fit for purpose post-Brexit and protecting motorbike sports venues such as race circuits and motocross tracks.
The council will also work with authorities on regulatory and enforcement issues like exhaust noise, bike theft, antisocial behaviour, vehicle excise duty, low emissions zones, and better security for riders. Visit the National Motorcyclists Council website for a full list of the new group’s objectives.
