The London Assembly has formally called on the Government to prohibit motorcyclists without a full licence from operating commercially in the capital, a move that would directly affect food delivery riders working for platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
The motion, passed last month, urges ministers to ban the use of provisional licences for commercial work, including food delivery driving, to improve safety for all road users. It was proposed by Conservative Assembly Member Thomas Turrell and also demands an expiry cap on the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate so that riders are incentivised to progress to a full licence.
CBT system 'not built for indefinite use'
Currently, individuals can ride mopeds on a provisional licence after completing a CBT course, which typically takes a single day and is valid for two years. The certificate can be renewed repeatedly without any requirement to take a full driving test.
Mr Turrell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The CBT was built as a way for people to learn the roads and build up that knowledge. Because you can't learn on a bike the same way you're learning a car, because with a car [you are] with an instructor who will have his own set of pedals. It wasn't built for indefinite use. You've got people who are now working into delivery drivers, commercially working on the roads. This is not a qualification to drive on the road. We've got to end that practice.”
He added: “It is clear these are a menace to the road - if I'm in Bromley Town Centre, and I'm going home, I will see multiple offences on the way home, L plate motorbikes mounting the pavement, for example. This is dangerous behaviour from people who think they are ready to drive on the road because they've done their CBT. But they just aren't, and that's the real problem in this, that they're not ready to drive on the road because this is their basic qualification, and there is no incentive to get that full licence.”
Mayor's support and national consultation
Mr Turrell said the issue was one he and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan were “quite aligned on”, and he hoped ministers “have the stomach” to take this problem on.
In 2022, the Mayor told Assembly Members that he “firmly believes” the current CBT is “not fit for purpose and is not an appropriate level of qualification, particularly for those driving for work”. He claimed Transport for London (TfL) has no powers to regulate private companies, meaning the authority could not mandate couriers to ride on a full licence; those powers lie at a national level.
Earlier this year, ministers launched a consultation on changes to moped and motorcycle training, which could involve CBT certificate reform. Rebecca Paul, the MP for Reigate, attempted to table an amendment to the Crime and Policing Act, passed in April, to ban learner moped drivers from undertaking commercial activity using the roads, but it was unsuccessful.
MPs and industry responses
Louie French, the MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, told the LDRS: “The Labour Government has lost control of delivery drivers abusing the L plate system. High streets and roads across the country are now littered with men using mopeds to deliver food. The Government must urgently grip this situation to ensure that all delivery drivers are working here legally and are not endangering other road users.”
Mr Turrell said the biggest barrier to reform may be “pushback” from major employers such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber. “It'll be interesting to see whether the Government do have the stomach to take this on,” he added. “They've been consulting on it, so I couldn't say whether or not they're dragging their feet or reluctant for sure, but I think it will be telling over the coming months to find out whether this is something that they want to get their teeth stuck into.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “As part of our road safety strategy, the DVSA consulted on reforms to moped and motorcycle training and testing, including whether there should be a time limit on CBT certification. We are now analysing the responses, with the aim of improving safety and modernising motorcycling.”
A Just Eat spokesperson said: “The safety of all road users is extremely important to Just Eat. Last year we were the first food delivery platform to partner with the leading road safety charity Brake, and we provide regular guidance on safety and responsible behaviour. We actively support stronger regulation and robust enforcement to tackle modified e-bikes and requiring moped riders to have a full licence. We remain committed to working with authorities and our industry peers to ensure the roads are safe for all users.”
Deliveroo and Uber Eats were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication. The Government is currently analysing consultation responses, with any reforms expected to be announced in the coming months.
