Campaigners and politicians in London are urging action after years of complaints about learner motorcyclists working as delivery riders. The argument centers on a legal gap that allows people with only a CBT certificate to ride moped-style bikes for pay. If rules change, thousands of couriers could be affected and the way food and parcel deliveries operate in the capital could shift fast.
Why London wants to ban learner riders from delivery work
Assembly members say the current rules let inexperienced riders perform commercial deliveries. They argue this raises safety risks for other road users and pedestrians.
- Safety fears: Officials point to more collisions and risky behaviour by riders who hold provisional permissions.
- Growing workforce: The rise of app-based delivery services increased demand for riders with minimal training.
- Public complaints: Local councillors note reports of pavement riding and other offences tied to L plate motorbikes.
How the CBT route currently works
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is a short introductory course. It lets people ride certain light motorcycles and mopeds on public roads.
After finishing CBT, a rider gets a certificate and can legally ride with L plates, but they still lack a full motorcycle licence. That certificate does not require passing a full test.
Why critics call the system a loophole
- Delivery companies often hire riders who only hold a CBT certificate.
- Some policymakers say CBT was never meant to qualify someone for commercial employment.
- The lack of a time limit on CBT certification can mean people use the same provisional status for years.
What elected officials are proposing
Members of the London Assembly voted for a motion urging the Government to stop learner riders from undertaking paid deliveries.
Proposals range from setting a time limit on CBT validity to banning provisional licence holders from commercial riding.
- Introduce a legal restriction preventing provisional riders from working commercially.
- Require operators to check full licence status before hiring riders.
- Explore tougher training and testing requirements for commercial two‑wheel use.
Voices in the debate: mayors, MPs and campaigners
London’s mayor has publicly questioned whether CBT is sufficient for the demands of delivery work. He and other council figures want faster reform.
Conservative MPs have also criticised the situation. One called on the Government to act urgently to stop misuse of the L plate system. Another sought to add a legal amendment to tackle the issue but was blocked in Parliament.
Local campaigners describe frequent unsafe behaviour and demand clearer rules so employers and riders know where they stand.
Evidence and concerns on the ground
Councillors report seeing provisional riders commit road offences. Examples include riding on pavements and ignoring traffic laws.
Supporters of change say enforcement is difficult when the law permits commercial work by those with only CBT.
- Police resources struggle to monitor all delivery activity.
- Inspections of employers and checks of rider licences are inconsistent.
- Some riders argue they depend on flexible work offered by delivery apps.
Government response and regulatory review
The Department for Transport has said it is reviewing motorcycle and moped training and testing. Officials ran a consultation on reforms that included the idea of limiting CBT validity.
The DfT is analysing responses and says changes could be made to improve road safety and modernise training.
Meanwhile, national attempts to change the law have met resistance in Parliament. That has left local authorities pressing for faster central action.
Practical implications for riders and businesses
If new rules are adopted, they could force companies to tighten recruitment checks. Riders might need additional training or a full licence to continue working.
- Employers may be required to verify full licences before offering commercial roles.
- Riders could face transitional rules or deadlines to gain a full licence.
- Training providers may see demand for accelerated courses.
What could happen next
Officials in London plan to keep pushing Whitehall for clear, enforceable changes. The Department for Transport’s review is the next formal step.
Any legal amendment would need parliamentary approval and time to be implemented. Until then, the CBT route remains a contentious middle ground between access to work and road safety.
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