Motorcycles: Driving Licences
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of distinguishing between commercial and private motorcycle use in the UK’s licensing regime.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood
For driving licence categories, we do not differentiate between commercial use and private use of vehicles. The driving test similarly, does not differentiate between commercial use and private use of vehicles. Those wishing to operate vehicles for commercial use, are often required to obtain additional entitlements; for vans and lorries – an Operator Licence. For buses and coaches – a Public Service Vehicle Licence. For Taxis – a Private Hire Vehicle Licence and there are other Licence schemes run either through the Traffic Commissioners or through Local Authorities. These are not considered a formal part of the driving licence regime.
We have announced as part of the Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, that we will pilot a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. This includes the use of HGVs, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. The pilot will run for two years.
The Road Safety Strategy also consists of a consultation paper, relating to the training, testing and licensing regime for Category A moped and motorcycle licences in Great Britain. We also will take into account both long-standing plans in the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and proposals received from the motorcycle sector, in considering reforms to this area.
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