Twenty seven years of CBT's may be about to change following a consultation that the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and DfT (Department for Transport) completed focussing on motorcycle training.
Road safety minister Jesse Norman announced the changes with the introduction of a theory test and stricter penalties for those who accumulate penalty points while riding with L-plates.
Changes to the current process include the introduction of a new licence upgrade training course to replace additional testing, restricting learners to automatics if they use them for CBT, revoking CBT certificates for learners with more than 6 licence points, the introduction of a theory test before the CBT and a number of content revisions.
For the last 27 years, there has been no theory test requirement as part of this basic requirement to be granted access to the road, meaning riders with little experience can be let loose on some of the nation's busiest routes without having to display a full grasp of the Highway Code.
Although no time frame has been set out for the changes there is a significant level of support for the majority of recommendations that may be brought into being later in 2018.
The DVSA and DfT gauged opinion from 2,200 respondents about nine proposed changes to improve road safety for new motorcyclists. Some 85% of those polled agreed that new riders should have to pass a theory test before they take a CBT course, while the same percentage of people said they wanted CBT certificates revoked from provisional licence holders with careless or dangerous riding offences.
There was also overwhelming support for more DVSA checks on motorcycle training schools and instructor qualifications. Driving Instructors Association (DIA) chief motorcycle examiner Mark Jaffe welcomed the new idea and said the DIA had been pushing for improved standard of rider training 'for a number of years'.
Getting your license? There are changes afoot
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