No, they are only rumours. Its gonna stay at 17, if they do change it it'll mean lengthy legal process getting it done so we'll have plenty of warning. However I do think they should have a system similar to getting your bike licence. A 17-20 year old can only take an A2 restricted bike test which only allows him/her to ride a bike up to 33bhp (roughly 125-250cc depending on the bike) for the first 2 years. Only is they are 21 or over are the allowed to take a DAS test which will allow them to ride any size bike. I think its mad that a 17 year old can pass a car test and then, as long as he's insured, get into any car, no matter how powerful.