A shortage of motorcycle instructors is creating a backlog for learners across the UK, with training schools warning that demand is outstripping supply.
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) says just under 40,000 people passed their motorcycle test in 2024. But the pressure is even greater on Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), which all new riders must complete before taking to the roads.
Because CBTs are still paper-based, there are no national figures for how many certificates are issued each year. However, Phoenix Motorcycle Training, the UK’s largest provider, says it alone delivers around 6,000 CBTs annually.
‘A real hindrance’
Mark Jaffe, owner and chief instructor at Phoenix, said the shortage of trainers was holding back the industry.
“The lack of motorcycle instructors is a real hindrance. At the moment, we have more learners wanting to sign up for courses than we can take on because we don’t have enough instructors to train them,” he said.
“You would think that earning potential of up to £40k per year and the chance to turn motorcycling into a career would be enough to get bikers applying, but we are really struggling to find enough instructors to meet the demand in several areas around the UK.
“It’s not like we are looking for trained professionals either. You need a full, clean, motorcycle licence and a minimum of three years riding experience, but that’s about it. We have a fantastic training programme for our instructors to give them not just the skills to train people to ride bikes, but also a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF), so they gain a teaching qualification applicable to any teaching job.”
Vacancies in Cwmbran
Phoenix says it could deliver many more training sessions if it had the staff. The company is currently recruiting in Bognor Regis, Bristol, Colchester, Cwmbran, Milton Keynes and Southampton.
The organisation is urging motorcyclists to consider the role, which offers flexible hours, a steady income and the chance to work with bikes. It is also calling on other training providers to step up recruitment efforts to help more people discover motorcycling.