If you are looking into getting on two wheels, you’ve probably seen news of the government’s major consultation regarding motorcycle licensing changes in the UK for 2026. This announcement, part of a new Road Safety Strategy, may raise concerns for you and other new riders—particularly around the potential price, structure, and difficulty of motorcycle training and tests.
In short, there’s no need to panic. While the headlines might sound dramatic, the legal process has only just begun. The DVSA consultation is currently gathering views until the end of March 2026. Any final decisions will require further analysis, discussion and legislative changes before they become law. In the world of government reform, the wheels turn slowly. We expect the current system to remain exactly as it is for at least the next 18 months. Even that time frame is surprisingly quick.
So, if you’re worried about how these reforms might affect your journey, don’t worry. You can book your motorcycle training today knowing you have plenty of time to get your licence before anything changes. To help you plan ahead, here is a quick summary of what the 2026 motorcycle reform actually looks like at the moment…
When will the 2026 motorcycle reform actually happen?
Just to be clear, nothing has changed yet. Motorcycle training and testing in the UK continue as normal. And they will do for a good while still. While motorcycle licensing changes UK 2026 are on the horizon, they won’t be implemented quickly.
These reforms aren’t an isolated set of rules for bikers. They’re part of a much broader Road Safety Strategy aimed at making the roads safer for all users. Because the scope of this project is so wide and involves numerous stakeholders—from training schools to road safety groups—the process is naturally slow.
What’s more, the whole process has only just begun. We’re currently in the initial consultation phase. The government is gathering evidence and public feedback until the DVSA consultation officially closes on 31 March 2026. After that the lengthy period of analysis begins.
Officials will weigh the pros and cons of every potential change identified before a consensus is reached. Even then, any modifications to the current system will need significant updates to both primary and secondary legislation. The wheels of our legal system turn slowly.
Even if the process moves ahead without any hiccups, expect it to take at least 18 months (but probably a lot longer) for any changes to become a reality.
What will the 2026 motorcycle training and testing reforms look like?
The short answer is that we don’t know exactly what will change just yet. The DVSA consultation is exploring various ways to simplify the testing and licensing system. Their primary goal is to encourage riders to move beyond the “permanent learner” status and achieve a full motorcycle licence.
While nothing is set in stone, several key topics are currently up for debate:
- Progressive Training Pathways: A potential “training-over-testing” route that would allow riders to upgrade from an A2 to a full A licence via a certified course rather than retaking the Module 1 and Module 2 exams.
- A CBT Theory Test: Introducing a theory and hazard perception elements to the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to ensure new riders understand the Highway Code before riding on the road.
- Automatic vs. Manual Restrictions: Aligning bikes with cars by restricting riders to automatic machines if they complete their CBT on a twist-and-go scooter.
- Digital Transformation: Moving away from paper DL196 certificates to a fully digital system for training records and administration.
- Instructor Standards: A rethink of how motorcycle instructors qualify and maintain their standards across the UK.
There are many ways to approach these motorcycle licensing changes UK 2026, and the government is considering several different paths to reach the same safety outcomes. Since we can’t know what the changes will be, we don’t yet know the exact impact these will have on future learners.
We agree with the overall aims of the Road Safety Strategy and support most of the individual points it raises. However, we do have concerns regarding the implementation of a mandatory theory test during the CBT and the proposed cap on CBT certificate renewals. You can read our detailed breakdown of these potential licensing changes here.
Will the 2026 motorcycle reform make it harder to get a licence?
Since the specific motorcycle training changes haven’t been finalised, it’s impossible to say for certain if the process will become harder. However, one of the government’s core goals is to clarify the licensing system. This should make the path to a full licence simpler and more logical in the long run.
Ultimately, learning to ride a motorcycle will always require the same skills. What’s likely to change is how those skills are taught and tested. For the vast majority of learners, additions like a theory element or limits on CBT renewals will make very little difference to their ability to pass.
However, changes to formal testing can be daunting, particularly for those who struggle with traditional exams due to anxiety, dyslexia, learning difficulties, or language barriers. We want to offer reassurance; we’re actively campaigning to ensure the new motorcycle training rules are inclusive for everyone. Our goal is to ensure that future training and testing are delivered in a way that supports every student, regardless of how they learn.
You can have your say on the proposed changes to the motorcycle licensing changes in the UK for 2026 too. This clip from the Motorcycle Action Group explains how you can share your thoughts. Your views matter and will help shape the future of riding in the UK.
Will the changes to motorcycle licensing make learning to ride more expensive?
Our current economic climate and general inflation is likely to force moderate price increases across the industry in the near future. However, any specific cost impacts from the 2026 motorcycle reform are still unknown. Because the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy is so far off, we won’t see its financial impact on training for a long time.
It’s also worth noting that many of the government’s proposals are already standard practice at high-quality schools. For example, our instructors already earn nationally recognised teaching qualifications as part of their training. Other providers may need to overhaul their operations (and potentially raise prices) to meet the new standards. We’re already positioned to absorb these changes without passing significant costs onto our students.
So, don’t let fear of future price hikes rush your journey. The best advice is to progress in your own time. Whether you start today or in six months, you’ll be well ahead of any legislative changes. There’s no need to rush out of fear, but there’s also no reason to delay your dream of riding. By booking your training today, you ensure that you qualify under the current, familiar system with the full support of the UK’s highest-rated training school. Find your nearest Phoenix Training Centre and start your adventure today!
