January 22, 2025
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed news that the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering options for reviewing the current training, testing and licensing regime. The NMC, along several motorcycling organisations and other road safety stakeholders were told the news by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP who attended a round table meeting of the Government’s Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group on January 20th to discuss licensing and other aspects of motorcycle safety and policy.
The NMC and its members have been at the forefront of presenting the case for a review of the current motorcycle licensing regulations, after first publishing proposals in 2022. Since then, the issue has gained positive attention from a range of different organisations and dialogue with DfT officials and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been constructive. Inputs and proposals from different motorcycling and safety groups have also helped to develop a long overdue debate on the training, testing and licensing regime.
The meeting also covered a range of other issues related to safety and transport policy and the NMC is looking forward to developments on the forthcoming DfT Road Safety Strategy, having attended the Secretary of State’s round table on road safety last autumn. The NMC is calling for a new government motorcycling strategy as part of this work and also as part of the forthcoming Integrated Transport Strategy, which the Government is currently consulting upon.
NMC Executive Director, Craig Carey-Clinch said: ‘Minister Greenwood’s attendance at the Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group was welcomed by all organisations present and news that a training, testing and licensing review is under active consideration is incredibly welcome. The NMC looks forward to developments in this area and will continue to work with the Department on developing ideas and proposals.”
In addition to the NMC, Council members IAM RoadSmart, the British Motorcyclists Federation and Phoenix Motorcycle Training were among other organisations present.
ENDS.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further comment from the NMC please contact Craig Carey-Clinch, on 07979 757484 | craig@uknmc.org
