HC Deb 01 March 2000 vol 345 c283W
Mr. Leslie

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to revise motorcycle licensing rules following the safer motorcycling consultation exercise undertaken by the Driving Standards Agency last year. [112909]

Mr. Hill

The document, "Tomorrow's roads—safer for everyone", which is published today, sets out the broad context for how we propose to deliver road safety improvements for motorcyclists. A detailed report of the decisions taken in response to the consultation exercise has also been issued today, and I shall place copies in the Library of the House.

We are removing unnecessary restrictions while improving training and testing for learner riders. We shall abolish the rule that means learner riders lose their provisional licence after two years, and we shall improve the training they receive. New licences will be valid until age 70 years, providing the rider holds a current training certificate. New car drivers will have basic safety training before riding a moped.