January 6, 2026
The Government has today (January 7th) announced a consultation into reforms to the current motorcycle training, testing and licensing regime – a move strongly welcomed by the NMC. The Government has also announced support for trials to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads.
This comes as part of a new Road Safety Strategy, which is the first in more than a decade.
The NMC led calls for reform to the current licensing regime in 2021, by publishing detailed proposals aimed at creating a system which would make the licensing regime easier to understand and access, while maintaining appropriate road safety standards in training, improving these where possible.
Calls for reform have significantly developed since 2021 and further inputs from both the NMC, its partners and also the industry, have provided a powerful evidence base and options for change which can now be fully considered as part of the new consultation.
The NMC also welcomes the announcement of the broader Road Safety Strategy. This marks the end of a long period where road safety policy lacked direction. However, the Strategy must be able to deliver positive outcomes for all and while broadly welcoming several of the initiatives announced, the NMC will be considering the detail and evidence base behind some of the proposals made before responding to the range of other consultations which have been announced. For example, it is essential that safety for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users is not compromised by new vehicle safety technologies.
The strategy also adopts the Safe System approach which the NMC welcomes. It is essential that this is properly extended to the development of a comprehensive Safe System for motorcycling, which must, as part of it, include recognition of motorcycling in wider transport policies as part of the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy. This is so that investment in motorcycle safety can be unlocked as part of wider transport objectives
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The NMC strongly welcomes news that there is to be a consultation on reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licencing. These are areas which are fundamental to motorcycle safety and there are several options which can be considered as part of a structured new approach to motorcycle licensing that can deliver short, medium and long term safety improvements in line with new road safety targets. We also welcome news that the strategy will have a focus on improving rural motorcycle safety.
The Strategy contains a wide range of proposals and consultations on different areas and the NMC looks forward to responding to these. But it is vital that if the strategy is to fully deliver for motorcycle safety, a positive approach needs to be taken to the inclusion of motorcycling in wider strategic safety and transport policy development as part of the Safe System and also as part of the work of the new Road Safety Board.
This is why we particularly welcome the announcement stating that the strategy depends on strong partnerships. We look forward to discussing the NMCs proposals in relation to the Strategy with DfT Ministers.”
ENDS
For further information or comment, please contact Craig Carey-Clinch craig@uknmc.org | 07979 757484
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(Photo: Phoenix Motorcycle Training)
