Nicosia, Cyprus. The road transport department has announced changes to learner motorcycle licensing that will take effect from the first of next month, requiring learner riders to be shadowed on public roads during training.
The new framework also limits learner motorcycle licences to a maximum validity of two years.
New training and supervision rules
Under the new framework, learner riders will only be permitted to operate motorcycles on public roads for training purposes and must be supervised by a licensed driving instructor riding a motorcycle of the same category.
Riding will also be permitted during official driving examinations for a certificate of competency and during authorised training for police, fire brigade and national guard vehicles.
Impact on delivery riders
The new rules are expected to have significant implications for the food delivery sector, where motorcycles are widely used by riders operating on learner permits.
Many of these riders are foreign nationals, and the change is expected to disrupt current working arrangements and recruitment practices.
Reaction from the sector
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, delivery rider contractor Andreas Skallouris said full licensing requirements would now become unavoidable.
He said riders would need a full motorcycle licence and added that the government had been suggesting the measure for years, although it had been delayed several times.
A delivery rider also expressed uncertainty over the immediate impact of the change, saying his brother was riding with a learner’s licence and had another month before completing certification.
He added that many others also held learner permits and questioned who would deliver meals under the new rules.