Taiwan proposes longer motorcycle courses, on-road license tests

Taipei, Sept. 24 (CNA) Taiwan plans to add five hours to motorcycle training courses starting Jan. 1, 2027, and pilot on-road motorcycle license tests in selected regions beginning in October that year, under draft regulations announced Wednesday by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).

The ministry said the proposed amendments to regulations governing private driver training institutions would add five hours of practical instruction to courses for light and ordinary heavy motorcycles.

Under the proposal, learners would complete two additional hours of closed-course riding on top of the current 10 hours of basic training, as well as three hours of on-road instruction.

The additional training is intended to improve riders' vehicle control, situational awareness, ability to assess road conditions and use of lights, helping them handle a wider range of traffic situations, according to the ministry.

The planned on-road license tests are part of the MOTC's three-pronged driver's license reform program, which has been rolled out in phases since January 2026.

The program aims to strengthen licensing standards, improve retraining for traffic offenders and enhance license renewal measures for older drivers.

The Highway Bureau said motorcycle training courses remain voluntary, but the government continues to encourage participation through subsidies.

According to the bureau's website, learners who apply for a subsidy, complete an ordinary heavy motorcycle course at a driving school and obtain a license within the subsidy period are eligible for an NT$1,300 (US$41) subsidy.

Those who take post-license road safety training can receive NT$1,200, while those who take pre-license on-road training are eligible for NT$2,500.

The number of people receiving subsidies rose from 40,378 in 2024 to 59,912 in 2025, according to bureau statistics.