Changes to CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) testing are needed to ensure thousands of key workers can remain on the road, however, under the current national lockdown all UK test centres are closed which means no one can extend or renew their CBT entitlement, meaning that many key workers and essential services are unable to stay on the road during lockdown.
Motorcycle test centres do not fall under the government’s business exemption list allowing them to stay working during this current lockdown period, so those riders with CBTs expiring aren’t able to get them renewed. CBT certificates expire after two years and they need to be retaken again, but as test centres have been closed due to the Coronavirus lockdown, no one can retake their CBT certificate. Without a valid CBT, riders are not legally able to ride on the road.
Key workers involved in the delivery business deliver medicines, prescriptions, food and other essentials. There are also many key workers for the NHS, emergency services and in education who use their scooters or motorcycles to commute to work.
A spokesman for the MCIA (Motor Cycle Industry Association) said: “The MCIA has spoken with DVSA about extending CBTs that will expire during the lockdown, emphasising the seriousness of the situation, but as yet we have nothing of substance to report.
“We are in regular contact with DVSA and other government departments, as we have been since the start of the Covid crisis, about this and all aspects that affect powered two wheelers and will update as soon as possible.”
A DVSA spokesperson would only comment: “Rider safety is vital as they are one of our most vulnerable groups of road users. Taking a motorcycle test or renewing their CBT ensures they have the basic skills to be safe.”
