Drivers in possession of the B license, the car license, will not have as easy a time driving a motorcycle as now when the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) approves the new measures announced on Thursday by the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. This year, Traffic will implement an additional requirement for those drivers with more than three years of experience with a B license to drive motorcycles of up to 125 cubic centimeters with the aim of reducing accidents among motorcyclists on the roads.
Last year, 299 motorcyclists died on Spanish roads, 19% more than the previous year, which for Grande-Marlaska is “a real nonsense.” For this reason, the Minister of the Interior announced a new battery of measures that will affect motorists when the regulatory change becomes a reality.
Yes, article 5.7 of the General Driver Regulations stipulates that people who have a valid B license and have been driving for more than three years can drive class A1 motorcycles. That is, the maximum cylinder capacity that car drivers can carry is 125 cc. Regarding power, the maximum allowed is 11 kW, which is equivalent to 14.96 HP.
125 cc scooters and tricycles, which are light and easy to drive vehicles, since they do not have gears, as well as 125 cc motorcycles where the offer is broader. Among the latter, there are several types: naked, custom, sports, trail…, all with gears. Finally, you can also legally drive approved tricycles over 125 cc and approved quadricycles over 125 cc.
When the DGT approves the new regulations, it will require B permit drivers with three years’ experience who want to drive motorcycles up to 125 cc to take a mandatory improvement course. This measure is already implemented in other countries, such as France and Germany. According to Grande-Marlaska, “to drive a 125 cc motorcycle there must be a prior exercise in knowledge and driving a vehicle that has nothing to do with a four-wheeled vehicle.”
No, the measure will not affect drivers who already enjoy this right, only people who obtain a driving license after the new regulations come into force.
The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced on Thursday that it will be implemented throughout 2024, but did not specify the date. For these measures to come into force, it is first necessary to reform the General Traffic Regulations and the General Regulations for Drivers.
Traffic wants to reinforce the training of those people who travel by motorcycle to their workplace. These workers must take a specific course every five years.
The DGT will force motorcyclists to use a full-face or modular helmet and approved gloves when riding on the road. In fact, head injuries are the main cause of death among motorcyclists: 8 out of every 10 deaths on motorcycles are due to impacts to the head. Gloves are another important element of protection for motorcyclists, since they are responsible for protecting their hands from injuries in the event of an accident.
