Advice and guidance for delivery riders and couriers in Surrey and across the UK.

Whether you’re delivering food, parcels or packages, working as a rider in the gig economy gives you flexibility and independence — but it also comes with legal responsibilities that you may not be fully aware of.

At Surrey RoadSafe, we’ve seen a growing number of delivery riders stopped by police who aren’t properly insured, don’t meet licensing rules, or are using vehicles that don’t comply with road safety standards. Many aren’t trying to break the law — they just don’t know what’s required.

So here’s what you need to know to ride legally and safely on the roads of the UK.

🔑 1. Do You Have the Right Licence?

If you’re riding a scooter or motorbike, you’ll need the correct licence for the type and power of your vehicle.

At a minimum:

• You must be at least 16 years old.

• You must have a valid provisional licence.

• You must complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.

Depending on the power of your bike, you may also need to progress to full motorcycle licences (A1, A2, or A categories).

▶️ More on motorbike licences and CBT

🛡 2. Are You Properly Insured for Delivery Work?

This is the most common issue we see. Standard vehicle insurance does NOT cover food or parcel delivery. You need what’s called “hire and reward” insurance — this covers the use of your vehicle to deliver goods in exchange for payment.

There are three types of cover to be aware of:

• Social, domestic & pleasure (SD&P) – NOT sufficient for work

• SD&P + commuting – Still NOT enough

• ✅ Hire and reward – REQUIRED if you’re delivering

Many riders assume they’re covered, especially if working via an app, but the responsibility is yours to check and make sure.

▶️ Guide to hire & reward insurance

🔧 3. Is Your Vehicle Roadworthy?

You must ensure your vehicle:

• Is taxed and MOT’d if applicable

• Is insured (with the correct type of cover)

• Has working lights, indicators and brakes

• Meets UK road safety standards

Failing to maintain your bike or scooter properly puts you and others at risk.

▶️ Check your vehicle’s MOT status

▶️ Check your vehicle’s tax status

⚠️ 4. Do You Know the Legal Risks?

If you’re stopped and found to be riding illegally, you could face:

• Points on your licence

• Heavy fines

• Vehicle seizure

• A possible ban from the road

• Being dropped by your delivery platform

Ignorance isn’t a defence in law — working as a delivery rider means taking responsibility for being road-legal.

📚 5. Resources & Help

Here are some useful links to help you check your legal status and make sure you’re covered:

• ✅ Gov.uk – Driving a moped or motorcycle

• ✅ Motor Insurers’ Bureau – Uninsured driving advice

• ✅ Rights for gig economy workers

💬 Final Word

Being part of the gig economy shouldn’t mean cutting corners. You have a duty to yourself and others to ride safely and legally.

Police and local authorities are actively stopping riders who aren’t road legal — and the consequences can be serious. So before you get back on the road, ask yourself:

✔️ Am I licensed?
✔️ Am I insured for hire and reward?
✔️ Is my vehicle safe and legal?

If you’re unsure, now’s the time to check.