Right then, put down your brew and stop tinkering with that carburettor for five minutes. The government is at it again.
If you’ve been riding on L-plates or thinking about upgrading to a proper big bike, you need to pay attention. The Department for Transport (DfT) and the DVSA have launched a massive consultation on motorbike licensing changes, and frankly, it’s about time. We haven't seen a shake-up this big since the introduction of the Module 1 and Module 2 tests, and if you ask me, the system has been overdue a service for years.
The consultation, running until March 2026, proposes some serious tweaks to how we learn to ride. Some of it is actually good news (shock horror), while some of it might make life a bit trickier for the "permanent learner" brigade. As always, the devil is in the detail, so let’s crack open the toolbox and see what they are proposing.
1. The End of the "Forever Learner"?
Let’s be honest, we all know someone who has been riding on a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate since the dawn of time. They do the day’s training, ride for two years, let it expire, and then just do it again. Rinse and repeat.
The proposed motorbike licensing changes are taking aim at this. The government is worried that riders aren't bothering to take further training because, well, why would you if you can just renew your CBT for a few quid?
One of the big ideas on the table is restricting the number of times you can renew your CBT. Alternatively, they might introduce a mandatory "time out" period between your CBT expiring and when you can retake it. This would force you to either take your full test or park the bike up. If you are a delivery rider or use a 125cc for commuting, this could be a massive spanner in the works.
Currently, if you get 6 penalty points on your provisional licence, you can usually carry on riding. The new rules propose revoking your CBT entirely if you hit that 6-point limit. That means no more riding until you sort yourself out. It’s harsh, but it might clear some of the madness off the roads.
2. Automatic vs Manual: The New Split
This one brings bikes in line with cars, and to be fair, it makes sense. Under the current rules, you can take your CBT on a "twist and go" scooter and legally jump straight onto a manual geared 125cc motorcycle the next day.
It’s a recipe for disaster—stalling at traffic lights, crunching gears, and generally looking like a bewildered penguin. The proposed motorbike licensing changes suggest that if you pass your CBT on an automatic, your certificate will be restricted to automatics only.
If you want to ride a geared bike later, you’d need to upgrade your entitlement. While this adds a layer of faff, it stops people riding machines they have no idea how to control. If you’re planning on buying a geared 125, make sure you do your training on one.
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Now, here is the good bit. If you are looking at the motorbike licensing changes and groaning about bureaucracy, this might cheer you up.
At the moment, moving up the ladder is a pain. You pass your A1 (125cc), wait two years, then you have to take the Module 1 and Module 2 tests again on a bigger bike to get your A2. Then you wait another two years and do the exact same tests again for your full A licence. It is expensive, repetitive, and frankly, a waste of everyone's time.
The industry (including the MCIA) has been fighting for "Progressive Access" via training. The proposal is that instead of re-sitting the same stressful tests, you would complete a verified training course—perhaps a 7-hour day with an instructor—to demonstrate you can handle the bigger machine.
If this goes through, upgrading your licence becomes a matter of skill development rather than exam stress. It encourages riders to get professional coaching rather than just "learning to pass the test." For those of us who believe in real-world skills, this is a massive win.
4. Theory Tests and Digital Upgrades
Another major point in the motorbike licensing changes consultation is the Theory Test. Currently, you can ride on a CBT without ever opening the Highway Code.
The proposal suggests introducing a theory test before or during the CBT. This ensures that new riders actually know what a "Give Way" sign looks like before they wobble out into traffic. Some are calling for a simplified version, or an online course, rather than the full-blown theory test you do for a car.
Finally, the government wants to scrap the paper DL196 certificates and go fully digital. About time, really. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen a lad panic because his certificate has gone through the washing machine in his jeans pocket.
Don't wait for the ink to dry on these proposals. If you've been sitting on a CBT for 18 months and "meaning to" do your full test, get it booked now. When rules change, there's always a panic rush for test slots, and you don't want to be stuck on a waiting list while the weather is actually nice. Get it done, get your full licence, and get yourself a proper bike.
Final Thoughts
The consultation closes in March 2026, so nothing is changing overnight. However, the direction of travel is clear. The government wants fewer permanent learners and more fully qualified riders. They want to make it harder to sit on L-plates forever, but potentially easier to upgrade if you are committed to training.
Overall, these motorbike licensing changes look like a mixed bag. The "training upgrade" path is brilliant and long overdue. The restrictions on CBT renewals will annoy some, but arguably, it improves safety.
As always, keep your ear to the ground (or check back here), and we will keep you updated. Until then, keep the rubber side down.
