HL Deb 02 March 2000 vol 610 cc112-3WA
Lord Orme

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to revise motorcycle licensing rules following the safer motorcycling consultation exercise undertaken by the Driving Standards Agency last year. [HL1314]

Lord Whitty

The documentTomorrow'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, provided the rider holds a current training certificate. New car drivers will have basic safety training before riding a moped.