Motorbike tests?

KizzyK_2

Can anyone explain to me that order I would need to take the various motorbike tests in.
I thought that it was CBT then I could ride my 124cc on L plates, having to take the theory and practical within 2 years. But a friend thinks I have to to the theory part as well, before being out on L plates.

Keith

To ride a motorcycle under 125cc you must have a provisional licence and complete the CBT course. There is no need to pass a Theory or practical. You must also display L plates

After that, if you are under 21, you can complete your 33bhp licence which will allow you to ride any motorcycle if its power output is under or restricted to 33bhp, this applies for 2 years after which you can ride any motorcycle. If you pass this test on an automatic motorcycle you will obtain an automatic licence. You will also need to pass the Theory Test.

After 21, you can take what is known as Direct Access, on completion of a successful practical and theory test you will be allowed to ride any motorcycle. Again if you pass on an automatic you must ride an automatic.

If you plan on only taking your CB Training, please consider a bikesafe course too. The CBT is the absolute BASIC training, you should consider ways to improve your riding even if you pass your full licence.

Finally enjoy it and stay safe.

KizzyK_2

Thanks for that The way you put that is so much clearer than the governments web site.

Have you done the direct access test? Is it like the practical but stricter/ focused on skills?

Keith

I've completed direct access. There is two ways to do it, the intensive course, you turn up on a Monday and have 5 days of lessons and have your test on the Friday, or the traditional course of lessons, followed by a practical when your instructor feels you are ready for it. I did the later, and it was very enjoyable, the instructor was more like a friend and we'd go for a 2 hour ride each Saturday.

The motorcycle test is exactly the same if you are riding a 125, an automatic or a 600 motorcycle, if you don't reach their minimum standard you fail. I had rode a 125 on the roads for 4 years (2 CBTs! :rolleyes:). The move from 125 to the 600 is great, the bigger engined bike is easier to turn and control. I struggled to complete things like the U-turn on the smaller bike but found them much easier on the 600.

I actually started out considering a restricted license so I could ride a maxi-scooter, but ended up doing DA and buying a sports bike :rotfl:

KizzyK_2

Thanks for that, I have to say I fall apart in both written and practical tests (saying that I passed the theory car test first time ), so a traditional course would work best.

Can't blame you for moving up the bike scales, you probably look better on a sports bike rather than a moped anyway

daymo

I did a direct access 7 yrs ago.... a 3day course and passed -just! I dont think I would be able to handle it now with written tests etc,My brother in law did his last year . . and failed his test 3 times before giving up,it was costing him a fortune, I don`t think he was meant to ride:o good luck with whatever you do,I dont ride now due to too many close calls- it wasn`t worth risking my neck just to get to work and back!- but if they bring in congestion charging i feel a nice little Buell will suit me fine..........:p