The rise of the Baby-Vroomers: number of over 55s passing their motorcycle tests increased by more than 80 percent in the last five years

Recent analysis of DVSA data from non-standard vehicle finance provider Moneybarn, has revealed the age of people taking motorbike tests is rising, with the number of over 55s increasing by more than 80 percent in the last five years.
60 seems to be the age many are deciding to cross getting a motorbike off their bucket list, as the number of people passing tests at this age has more than doubled. The oldest person to pass their test in 2017 was 80-years-old.
Research from Saga Insurance has also revealed only one in five so-called ‘silver riders’ uses their bike to commute. Biking is a definite hobby for the older generation.
In contrast, numbers of younger bikers are dropping. The A2 licence allows people to ride motorbikes of up to 35kW and they must be at least 19-years-old to take the test. However, the number of 19-year-olds taking tests fell by nearly 20 percent in the last two years.
The data suggests many are holding out so they can apply for their full A licence, available for those aged 24 and over. It shows more than three times the number of 24-year-olds taking the full A licence test compared with 23-year-olds taking the A2 licence test.
While it’s great to see older riders on the increase, there’s clearly work needed to encourage more women onto motorbikes. According to the DVSA, currently only eight percent of people undertaking tests are female. However, it appears this may be moving in the right direction as since 2013, this number has risen by 31 percent.
Sales and Marketing Director of Moneybarn Simon Bayley, said: “It’s great to see the diversity of ages now enjoying riding motorbikes. The number of older individuals passing their tests shows people potentially fulfilling life-long dreams, once they have more free time and disposable income to purchase a bike.
“However, the data also shows a decline in younger generations and female riders taking to the roads on a bike, indicating the motorcycle industry still has way to go before it appeals to an even wider demographic.”