London Assembly backs ban on learner drivers for delivery work
Motion calls for provisional licences to be prohibited for commercial moped and motorcycle deliveries.
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The London Assembly has passed a motion calling on the Government to prohibit the use of provisional licences for commercial work, including food delivery driving. The move, supported by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, aims to enhance road safety for all users.
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Currently, individuals can ride mopeds on a provisional licence after completing a one-day Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. This qualification is valid for two years and can be renewed repeatedly without requiring riders to pass a full driving test. Conservative Assembly Member Thomas Turrell, who proposed the motion, argued that the CBT was not designed for indefinite commercial use.
Mr Turrell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that people working as delivery drivers are using the CBT as their basic qualification, but are not ready for the roads. He cited instances of riders with L plates on motorbikes mounting pavements as examples of dangerous behaviour. He stated that there is currently no incentive for these riders to obtain a full licence.
Mayor Sadiq Khan shares these concerns. In 2022, he told Assembly Members that he believes the current CBT is not fit for purpose, particularly for those driving for work. He noted that Transport for London does not have the powers to mandate couriers to ride on a full licence, as these powers reside at a national level.
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Government consultation and industry response
Earlier this year, the Department for Transport launched a consultation on reforms to moped and motorcycle training and testing, which included proposals for a time limit on CBT certification. A spokesperson for the department stated that they are analysing the consultation responses with the aim of improving safety and modernising motorcycling.
Just Eat has expressed support for stronger regulation and enforcement for moped riders to obtain a full licence. A spokesperson for the company said that road safety is extremely important and that Just Eat actively supports measures to ensure roads are safe for all users. Deliveroo and Uber Eats were contacted for comment.
Mr Turrell acknowledged that potential pushback from major employers in the delivery sector could be a barrier to reform. He expressed hope that the government will address the issue.
Questions this report answers
+What did the London Assembly motion call for?
The London Assembly passed a motion calling on the Government to prohibit the use of provisional licences for commercial work, such as food delivery driving. It also demanded an expiry cap on Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certification.
+Why is the current CBT qualification considered inadequate?
Conservative Assembly Member Thomas Turrell argued that the CBT was not designed for indefinite commercial use and that riders using it as their sole qualification are not adequately prepared for the roads. Mayor Sadiq Khan also believes it is not fit for purpose for those driving for work.
+What is the government doing about moped and motorcycle training?
The Department for Transport consulted on reforms to moped and motorcycle training and testing, including whether there should be a time limit on CBT certification. The department is currently analysing the responses received from this consultation.
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