Having to pass eight driving tests in 10 years sounds like madness – but it’s exactly what British motorcyclists currently have to do if they start riding a moped aged 16 and want to complete their qualifications through to a full licence. Now one South West bike dealer has publicised their experience to draw attention to the need for licensing reform.
George Hodges, showroom manager at GV Bikes, TauntonGeorge Hodges, a 26-year-old showroom manager at GV Bikes in Taunton, began riding motorcycles off-road aged five, before taking to the road as soon as he could at 16. Now aged 26, he has only just completed his journey through the UK motorcycle licensing system. At the same time, he’s also discovered that he’s one of only 40 riders nationwide to have progressed through every individual licence category in the last five years, according to the DVSA (tinyurl.com/3askj9ez).
For readers who’re not fully aware of the current licensing pathway, there were eight tests that George had to take. First was CBT (compulsory basic training) aged 16, which let him ride a moped on the road, followed by the A1 125cc test with theory, Mod 1 and Mod 2 practical tests aged 17, which meant he could lose the ‘L’ plates and take a pillion. Next was the 47bhp A2 licence Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests at 19, followed by the full A licence Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests aged 26.
And that’s not even the maximum possible number of tests: there’s also the AM full moped licence, which can be taken at 16 and would add another two practical exams: a Mod 1 and Mod 2, plus the theory test.
Hodges says: “I wouldn’t change my journey for a licence, I’ve gained years of experience that have shaped me as a rider and a professional. But the system is incredibly complicated, expensive and off-putting for young people. Training-based upgrades would make far more sense and would encourage more people to stick with riding.”
Geoff Hodges, the proprietor of GV Bikes, believes the system is damaging the industry’s future. “Motorcycling already involves a significant financial commitment. When you add the costs of repeated testing, it becomes overwhelming, especially for young riders. Reform could make a real difference, helping young people build experience naturally rather than being tested out of riding.”
The government has just completed a consultation on the system, which it says will “make a targeted review of the training, testing and licensing regime for motorcyclists with the aim of making changes to improve safety, modernise and simplify people’s access to motorcycling”.
Possible changes include expanding approved training courses beyond CBT, encouraging riders to move beyond CBT to a full motorcycle licence, reducing the number of ‘permanent learners’, introducing structured syllabuses for different licence categories, aligning training more closely with vehicle types (e.g. automatic vs manual), offering progressive access to higher licence categories through training rather than repeated testing, improving instructor qualification and quality assurance processes and digitising the CBT certification process.
There’s no set timeline for the next stage, but expect some news later in 2026.