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.

Related Content

  • MaaS Market Conferences on both sides of the Atlantic in 2018
    December 20, 2017
    Momentum shift in prospect as authorities accelerate plans to rethink transport provision. TS International’s second, two-day international MaaS Market conference takes place on 20 and 21 February 2018. The Mobility as a Service (MaaS) event is ideal for all organisations exploring new ways of getting people to their destination and new methods for them to pay for transport services.
  • How ITS can help world out of lockdown
    June 2, 2020
    Ticketing, reallocation of street space, transport’s place in urban ecosystems – it's all up for grabs as we emerge from pandemic
  • Great (shared) mobility expectations
    December 19, 2024
    An invitation to attend Movmi's Shared Mobility Fall Masterclass changed the way Adam Hill looked at micromobility - in particular his own attitude to risk
  • ANPR - cost-efficient traffic management, enforcement and more
    January 23, 2012
    Geoff Collins of Vysionics Intelligent Traffic Solutions talks about the near-term prospects of ANPR. The continued absence of a champion for its cause is preventing digital enforcement technology from delivering the true levels of cost-effectiveness of which it is capable, according to Geoff Collins, sales and marketing director of ANPR specialist Vysionics Intelligent Traffic Solutions.