WHICH LICENCE IS FOR ME? (Thankyou BBC)
Moped Licence
The first, and easiest, way to get on two wheels. If you’re 16 or over, get down the Post Office and apply for a provisional licence, take your CBT (what’s this?) and you’re road legal with a pair of L-plates. If you want a full moped licence without L plates, you need to pass a Motorcycle Theory Test and successfully complete a practical test on a moped.
If you’re 17 or over, with a full car licence obtained before Feb 1, 2001, you’re already qualified to ride a moped with pillion.No L plates required. Only recently passed your car test < Feb 02, 2001 then you need to take your CBT training course, this lasts for the duration of your licence.
A1 licence
This is perfect for riders who only need a small bike for commuting. You’ll need to be 17 or over, have completed the CBT and passed the theory test. You then take the practical on a on a bike between 75 and 125cc and, if you pass, you are entitled to ride any machine up to an engine size of 125cc or power output of 11kw.
A licence (restricted)
If you don’t want to jump straight on a big bike, or are aged between 17 and 21, this could be for you. With CBT and theory out of the way, you complete training and take your test on a learner bike – engine size between 120 and 125cc, capable of more than 100 kph (62mph), and with a power output no greater than 14.6bhp. If you pass, you’re entitled to ditch the L-plates and ride any bike up to a 33bhp limit. You can also carry a pillion and use the motorway network. Two years after the test date, the restriction is automatically lifted and you’re able to ride what you want.
Direct access
Direct access was introduced recently to teach riders over 21 how to handle bigger machines. The route to the licence is the same as the restricted course but, mid-way through the training, you switch from a 125cc to a bigger bike with a power output of more than 47bhp. Passing the practical examination on a bike of this capacity allows you to legally ride a bike of any size without L-plates, take a pillion and use motorways.
Accelerated access
If you’ve got a restricted licence, but can’t wait two years for the 33bhp limit to lift, you can take a course on the larger machine and, with a test pass, legally side-step the system.
YOUR ROUTE TO THE ROAD
Compulsory Basic Training
The first step to riding on the road. It costs £70-£100 depending on where you choose to go, and most centres throw in bike hire and equipment for your money. The training should last most of the day, and it'll be a mixture of classroom theory and on- and off-road practical tuition. Don't forget your provisional licence and some form of identification.......... PASSING YOUR CBT - Most of the course is conducted off the road to help you get used to the machine and learn basic riding skills.Your CBT should be an enjoyable day providing you with the skill and confidence for safe scootering...... ..... BASIC ROAD SAFETY - You'll learn how to protect yourself and other road users by respecting the rules of the road, using the right equipment and riding in the correct manner...... GETTING TO GRIPS WITH YOUR SCOOTER - The brakes, the gears, the switches - how to put your hand on what you want, when you want it....... MANOEUVERING AND PARKING - Find out the right way to get your scooter moving - including walking with the machine and putting it on the stand.... . SLOW CONTROL - Poise and balance at slow speeds are ESSENTIAL safety skills.... COMPULSORY SKILLS - You MUST be able to perform a selection of standard manoeuvers including the emergency stop and 'u' turn....
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER - Your CBT is rounded off with a 2 hour ride out on the road, accompanied by your instructor (with constant radio contact)!!...... PASSED - On passing your CBT you will receive a certificate which lasts for 2 years in which time you can put in for your motorcycle test or renew your CBT training!!
Theory Test
If you're booking all your training through one company, they may be able to book this for you. If not, check the Driving Standards Agency website for details of your nearest test centre or call the DSA on 0870 010 1372 between 8am and 6pm weekdays to book. Theory tests cost £28.00
On the day, bring with you some identification (a passport is best), test booking details and your CBT certificate. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time - the bookings are fixed and if you arrive late you'll have less time to complete the test.
Once checked in, you'll be shown to a touch-sensitive computer screen to complete the examination. You have to answer 30 questions correctly out of 35 within a 45 minute period. There are books available to help with the revision - the DSA offer a publication with all the official questions and answers.
Once you are finished, your score is totalled up on the spot. If you have passed, you will be issued with a certificate immediately. If it's a fail, you'll need to rebook and try again.
Practical Test
As with the theory exam, you can either book the practical test with the DSA directly, or through your instructor. The test costs £45 on a normal weekday, or £55 for evenings and weekends.
The test should last 40 minutes, during which you will be followed by the examiner in either a car or on a motorcycle. He will be in constant radio contact with you, and will give clear directions on where to ride. Throughout the test you will be marked on motorcycle control and your reaction to day-to-day road conditions. In addition to this, the examiner will ask you to perform a turn in the road, emergency stop and most likely a hill start somewhere en route (it's the u-turn that catches most out).
Whatever you do, keep your cool - even if you're convinced you've failed, don't drop your concentration until you're back at the test centre. You never know…
Direct access
Direct access was introduced recently to teach riders over 21 how to handle bigger machines. The route to the licence is the same as the restricted course but, mid-way through the training, you switch from a 125cc to a bigger bike with a power output of more than 47bhp. Passing the practical examination on a bike of this capacity allows you to legally ride a bike of any size without L-plates, take a pillion and use motorways.
And finally...
Once you've got your licence, look after it. For the first two years after passing the test new rider's licences are restricted to just six penalty points instead of the usual 12. In other words, get caught speeding only twice, and you'll have to retake the exam to get your licence back - and this extended test costs between £90 and £110. And there's bound to be an insurance hike…
If all that seems a lot to swallow, we are able to provide CBT training with all the machines we sell.
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