New licence rules loom

European bike groups have united to fight proposals to increase the minimum age for a full bike licence from 19 to 21. They would also mean the Direct Access route to your licence would only be available to those over 24 – instead of the current over 21 rule.

The proposals are contained in the EU Third Driving Licence Directive which goes to the vote in the Transport Committee on January 19.

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA), the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and the Motor Industry in Europe (ACEM) have joined forces as “the Motorcycle Community” to present the pro-bike case during the discussions in the European Parliament.

The new proposals also suggest that any new rider may still be able to move towards their full licence through stages – but would have to take a practical test at each stage. At the moment riders can use a 33bhp bike for two years and then automatically claim their full licence. The new rules would mean you’d have to take a further practical test at the end of your 33bhp restriction.

A new A2 class would sit between 33bhp and full power too to prevent riders moving directly from 33bhp bikes to 150bhp+ machines, too

The “Motorcycle Community” proposes that raising the age of Direct Access would discourage people from motorcycling, and says there is no safety benefit to changing the current minimum age from 21. It would also like to see access to mopeds opened up from the age of 14, but with their top speeds increased to 50km/h to keep up with urban traffic, rather than the proposed 45km/h.

They like the idea of the stepped-access licence but don’t want additional practical tests thrown in as barriers to entry.

With the deadline for amendements to the Commission proposal now passed, FEMA, FIM and ACEM is continuing to seek support for their cause.

“FEMA supports the establishment of a balanced stepped approach, as long as this takes into account all aspects related to motorcycle safety, ” said FEMA Secretary General Antonio Perlot.

The coalition says the EU should concentrate on improving training as a way of reducing casualties – rather than making it difficult for people to get into bikes.

The EU is also considering forcing all those who pass their test from now on to renew their licence every 10 year.