Alex Gets Political on European Driving Licence - December 2006

Alex Gault - Why the difference in the UK ?

Fifteen year old Alex Gault is a multiple championship winning motorcycle racer. He feels very strongly about licensing legislation and motorcycle safety!

“I would say what makes me a good rider is experience, where there is a call for some theoretical knowledge and instruction; it is practical awareness that leads to safety.

I am 15 years old, I can control a 120HP 600cc Motorcycle round race tracks at speeds of up to 150mph, I didn’t acquire that skill from legislation.

Legislation says in Britain I have to wait till I’m 16 to ride a 50cc Scooter on the roads.

While I emphasise I am quite aware that it is a completely different range of skills you need to ride safely on the road, legislation and bureaucracy tends to stop people getting the skills needed to ride safely on the roads which comes from practical experience and to a point theoretical training.

Age, medical condition and power of a machine do not necessarily lead to poor safety. 

Enforcing legislation only adds to the cost involved growing to both the individual and enforcing authorities, it forces people to shy clear of what they would really want and does not necessarily lead to safer roads and travel.

I know it is an old adage But “the roads would be very safe, if no one were on them”. I think it is important in these times of Human rights we keep as much freedom as possible for the individual to choose.

The other side of the coin is how many people would ride/drive illegally if it is too difficult to get a licence.

I am at the age in my life where this is going to play a very big part in my life, I live in a rural community and I am furthering my education by staying on at school.

Alex Gault - I didn’t acquire this skill from legislation.

My own form of transport is very important to me and I am in favour of keeping the cost as low as possible and my freedom to choose open.

If I have to sit more Theoretical tests, Medical examinations, Eyesight tests etc. before I can get practical experience that will not make me a safer rider, it will just increase the cost and make it more difficult for every motorcycle enthusiast to exercise the right to enjoy the freedom motorcycling gives.

Rather than make it harder to get a motorcycle licence I would say the system in force at this time is more than adequate, the way to safer roads is educating others and making them bike aware.

I have no idea of the statistics but the accidents I hear about involve other vehicles hitting bikes……..this is the main argument put forward by my parents when I asked for a scooter, as I am now coming to the age in this country to ride one, although I know in some European countries you can ride them from 14.

Why the difference in the UK ?”

View MAGs Campaign on the Driving Licence Directive Here