In 2013 the EU introduced new motorcycle laws dictating that a rider would have to (if they were to get a motorcycle at 16, 17, 19 and 21) they would have to do 9 tests. At 16 you can acheive an AM licence which allows you to get a 50cc moped, at 17 an A1 which allows a 125cc, then you have to wait two years and at 19 an A2 which grants you access on bikes up to 47bhp. And then finally 21, an A licence, this allows you to do the exact same you could on the A2, however now the bike is unrestricted. If you're 24 however you can just take the tests and get the licence with no prior experience.

I believe this is ridiculous and effect that was achieved is not the effect that was hoped for, that being many riders out on the road with correct licenses, however many people I know have been put off riding big bikes at the moment because of the multiple tests and do their CBT at 17 and buy a 125cc bike and wait for years to find out the fun and excitement of a large motorcycle.

 

The 9 tests are as follows:

16: CBT, Theory and 2-part exams, 

17: Theory and 2-part exams,

19: theory and 2-part exams, 

21: theory and 2-part exams, 

At 24 with no prior riding experience: theory and 2-part exams

This could cost an average of £1500 if someone were to do all the tests and the CBT. Who wants to spend £1500 on THE EXACT SAME exams repeatedly just to advance to the next stage of the engine size.

I feel we should be able to move the unrestricted motorcycles to 19 years of age instead of 21 to experienced riders who have riden for their 2-3 years since they were 16-17. And push the no-prior-experienced riders down to 21.

This would have a positive effect as this means that import tax on highly priced motorcycles could increase (per the supply and demand and help increase the economy)

More motorcycles on the road would help decrease the amount of pollutent and toxic fumes that are being burnt into the atmosphere, as motorcycles are typically more fuel economic rather than cars. 

This would also help increase the attention of drivers, who should be expressly told more of the dangers of motorcycles and why they need to be more observant to them during their car driving lessons and tests. And minimise accidents.

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A CAR, a four wheeled 2 ton cage is more lethal than a motorcycle could be, has typically more drivers who are unaware, under the influence or using their mobile devices, where there was an increase from 8% in 2014 to 31% increase in 2016 on use behind the wheel. As a motorcyclist this does not happen regularly, you have both hands on the handlebars non stop, so no possibility of answering that text, or replying to that snapchat, or seeing that facebook memory from 4 years ago, an experienced rider will understand and RESPECT the laws of riding under the influence, in a non official test done by riders in a safe area, one single beer altered their driving, on average between the 6 of them, 31%.  That is 31% more likely to  crash and not pay full attention, luckily  a good majority of riders understand this and don't even have a small alcoholic percentage drink if they're riding somewhere.

In a car, more people are likely to drink as they don't typically worry about the danger to others, as much as themselves, as they can drink and still be safe in the vehicle. However a rider can fall off easily. 

I feel that we should move the age to ride down in an effort to combat the ridiculousness of repeating the exact examinations again and again, just to advance a stage of motorcycle engine size and break horse power. 

Thank you.

-M.L