Motorcycle training, licensing “reforms” possible under new UK Road Safety Strategy

A new government Road Safety Strategy has been announced, with reforms to motorcycle training and licensing a possibility within it.

Announced on 6 January, the new Road Safety Strategy puts specific targets on reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries caused on the UK’s roads with several specific areas targeted to find improvements.

In the announcement of the new plan, the government notes that motorcyclists make up a disproportionate amount of road fatalities – one per cent of traffic accounts for 21 per cent of road deaths according to a 2024 report.

It’s not yet clear exactly what the government plans to do to try to improve road safety for motorcyclists specifically, but it says that its new strategy involves “consulting on reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licensing”.

Reforms to motorcycle training and licensing in the UK have long been desired by motorcyclists’ groups who believe the current tiered system to be convoluted and ineffective.

The government adds that it also wants to support “trials to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads,” although again it is unclear exactly what that means.

The wider plan

The government says the new plan aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65 per cent by 2035, and by 70 per cent among people under 16-years-old.

To achieve these targets, the government is aiming to implement “targeted action” on speeding, and seatbelt and mobile phone use while driving.

Additionally, the government wants to target drink driving. On this aspect, a government report found that one in every six road deaths in 2023 involved drink driving. 

The new strategy aims to reduce this by decreasing the legal alcohol limit for England to be in-line with that of Scotland. England’s limit is currently the highest in Europe at 35mcg per 100ml of breath, while Scotland’s is 22mcg per 100ml of breath.

Additionally, the government says that “a consultation will explore the use of preventative technology, such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.”

There are also plans to monitor the fitness to drive of older people, with a consultation on mandatory eyesight tests for people over 70 to be launched. Additionally, “options for cognitive testing will also be developed to protect all road users,” the government says.

There are also plans in the new strategy to introduce new measures targeting illegal and ‘ghost’ number plates, as well as uninsured drivers and vehicles that are on the road without  a valid MOT.

In addition to the plans regarding dangerous and illegal driving, the government also wants to focus on technology as a way to improve road safety. “Autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance” are among 18 technologies the Road Safety Strategy will mandate for new cars.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities,” said Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander.

“For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.

“We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Our vision with this ambitious road safety strategy is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose.

“One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do.

“Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators.

“This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a government that is not just listening, but leading and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.”

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