Skip to main content

Overhaul of driver and motorcycle training welcomed by IAM RoadSmart

Leading UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has welcomed Government plans to improve driver and motorcycling training. The plans include learner drivers being allowed on motorways for the first time, novice riders required to complete a theory test as part of their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and provisional motorcyclists to be banned after receiving six penalty points. The Government says the changes will see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving i
January 3, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Leading UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has welcomed Government plans to improve driver and motorcycling training.

The plans include learner drivers being allowed on motorways for the first time, novice riders required to complete a theory test as part of their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and provisional motorcyclists to be banned after receiving six penalty points.

The Government says the changes will see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual controlled car.

In addition the CBT course, which allows motorcyclists to ride unaccompanied on Great Britain’s roads, will also be updated.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research, said: “It makes no sense that new drivers learn by trial and, often fatal, error how to use our fastest and most important roads.  Allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor is a sensible and measured solution that should deliver drivers who are much better able to cope with complex new smart motorways.”

On the changes to motorcycle training, he said the proposals close two loopholes that IAM RoadSmart has been highlighting with motorcycle industry training partners.  He said, “A theory test should always be the first step for any motorised road user before they reach the road.  The six penalty point approach also finally brings motorcycle users in line with the New Driver’s Act for car drivers.”

The 1837 Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency have jointly launched consultations seeking views, which will run until 17 February 2017. The changes could take effect by 2018.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • How to win over car owners to public transit
    February 16, 2021
    Public transportation agencies need to look at what private sector firms like Amazon and Netflix have offered their customers, argues Bonnie Crawford of Cubic Transportation Systems
  • IAM calls for urgent action on pedestrian road injuries
    September 9, 2015
    The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has revealed that nearly 18,000 pedestrians were injured in an incident involving a vehicle in the last full year with analysis available. The charity is calling for an even greater focus on pedestrian protection to make cars safer and raise awareness of the risks. The figures come from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the IAM, Britain’s biggest independent road safety charity, asking for details of the most common pairs of contributory factors repo
  • Convictions up but many still drug-driving
    March 1, 2016
    As the Department for Transport confirms a six-fold increase in the number of people caught drug-driving, a survey by road safety charity Brake and Direct Line Insurance reveals huge numbers of drivers and passengers are still taking dangerous risks when it comes to drugs. The survey indicates that one in 14 drivers, or seven per cent admit they drive at least once a month after having taken drugs.
  • Going the distance
    February 27, 2012
    Back in 1982, the TV series Knight Rider was first aired.