180,000 moped riders let loose on road with just one day’s training
MORE than 180,000 novice moped riders were let loose on the roads last year after just one day of training.
A boom in takeaway delivery apps such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats has prompted a visible influx of the drivers into larger cities.
Yet thousands are driving for a living despite only ever passing a brief Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course, which does not even formally test knowledge of the Highway Code.
A ‘dangerous’ loophole then allows riders onto the streets on mopeds or motorbikes of up to 12 cc – capable of up to 60mph – as long as they display learner plates.
Figures from the Department for Transport show there were 182, 0 CBT certificates issued in the 12 months to April – but only 40,021 passed their motorcycle test in the same period.
The CBT is typically a one-day lesson, costing between £90 and £130, which requires drivers aged 16 and above to show they can master simple driving and road skills. It is intended to be a temporary certificate while riders prepare for a motorcycle test and theory – which costs a total of £113. 0 – but lessons can add a further £ 00.
Thousands are remaining on the cheaper option for the maximum two years before retaking their CBT.
Joshua Harris, of charity Brake, said it was ‘unacceptable and frankly dangerous’ that there were riders without basic knowledge of the Highway Code.
A new theory test alongside the CBT was announced in December 2017, although no date for implementation has been proposed.