No ‘L’ plates for commercial work

Individuals are permitted to ride mopeds on a provisional licence following completion of a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course, which is intended only to demonstrate basic competence to use the road safely.  CBT certification can be repeatedly renewed without any requirement to progress to a full driving test, creating little incentive or intention for riders to obtain a full licence.

The London Assembly is concerned that this has led to a growing number of individuals undertaking commercial work in London - particularly in the food delivery sector - while riding on L plates without having passed a full driving test.

The Assembly has today called on the Government to prohibit the use of provisional licences (L plates) in London for commercial work, including food delivery driving, in order to improve safety for all road users.

Thomas Turrell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Londoners want to know that our roads are safe, and that people are not maliciously exploiting loopholes in the rules to enable them to drive without proper qualifications.

“This must stop and I am pleased that the Assembly has supported my motion calling for reforms to achieve just that."

The full text of the motion is:

“This Assembly believes that road safety must be the primary consideration in the regulation of powered mopeds, and that current licensing arrangements risk enabling unsafe working practices.

This Assembly notes that individuals are permitted to ride mopeds on a provisional licence following completion of a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course, which is intended only to demonstrate basic competence to use the road safely.

This Assembly further notes that, in some cases, riders park mopeds unnecessarily in ways that obstruct pavements, creating road safety concerns and posing risks to pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities or mobility impairments.

This Assembly further notes that, unlike the driving theory test which expires after two years, CBT certification can be repeatedly renewed without any requirement to progress to a full driving test, creating little incentive or intention for riders to obtain a full licence.

This Assembly is concerned that this has led to a growing number of individuals undertaking commercial work in London - particularly in the food delivery sector - while riding on L plates without having passed a full driving test, raising serious concerns about road safety and standards.

The Assembly believes that too many gig economy businesses are taking advantage of a flexible working model to avoid the usual health and safety obligations that an employer would hold, and that these companies should make significant steps in ensuring those who are working on their behalf are provided with adequate training, appropriate vehicles and that safety incidents are recorded and reported.

This Assembly is committed to ensuring that those who work on public roads meet appropriate safety standards.

This Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to:

• Lobby the Government to include a motorcycle theory and hazard perception test as part of the CBT process and move to a digital CBT platform.
• Lobby the Government to introduce an expiry limit or cap on the CBT certification, to ensure riders progress to a full licence within a reasonable timeframe.
• Lobby the Government to prohibit the use of provisional licences (L plates) in London for commercial work, including food delivery driving, in order to improve safety for all road users.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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