How to get a full motorbike licence

reckless_ladybird

Hi, 

My friend rides a bike and has a CBT, about to expire. 

He'd like to go for category A2 (automatic bike) but not sure what he needs to book next. He passed the motorbike theory test recently. Has been looking for Direct Access Course (£600-900 very expensive) - is that what he needs or could he just directly book a Module 1 off-road and Module 2 on-road test through the dvla website. He has been riding for two and more years and is over 21yo. He has had car and lorry category for many years.

I've been reading on DVLA website but it's just not making sense to me and I am not able to get in touch with them. 

If anyone can clarify for me (and him) that will be very appreciated.

Goudy

As you have found out, there are different routes depending on what type of licence you want.

To confuse things further, what type of provisional licence you have now and your age also alters the route to a full licence.

There are mainly 4 licences for two wheels.
AM is a moped licence. (50cc)
You have one of these if you passed your full car test before Feb 2001.
After that date you need to do a CBT to ride on L plates and a theory test and 2 part practical test  to ride without L plates.

A1
Is a Light motorcycle licence, 11kw or around 125cc.
Again a CBT is needed to ride with L plates.
And a theory and 2 part test to ride without L plates.

A2 is a restricted Motorcycle licence, restricted to around 35kw or around 240-250cc.
Again you need a CBT, theory and 2 part test unless you are upgrading from an A1.
Upgrading from an A1 all you need is the 2 part practical test on a bike between 20kw and 35kw.

Full A licence. (any bike) aged between 21 and 23 years old.
You can upgrade from an A2 only after two years with a 2 part practical test.

Full A licence over 24 years of age.
You can upgrade an A2 after two years by taking a 2 part practical test on a bike with 50kw (600cc) or more
If you are over 24 and don't hold a full A1 or  full A2, you have to do the CBT, theory and 2 part practical test on a bike with more than 50kw.

These Full A licences routes for under and over 24's are what are commonly called a Direct Access Courses.
The style and intensity of the course will depend on if you have a full A1 or A2 licence or not and your age.
You aren't allowed on the road with such a large bike without a qualified instructor so are accessed by a course, hence the name.

I suggest they make contact with a local motorcycle training school and discuss their options with them.
It is a bit confusing these days.
 

HHarry

He could book a Mod 1 & 2 directly, but the test has to be taken on a 395cc bike, so he’s either going to have to get a bike there in a van, or go with an instructor.

£600-£900 may seem expensive but the decent schools have passionate trainers and will set you up to have the best chance of passing.

Goudy

HHarry said:

He could book a Mod 1 & 2 directly, but the test has to be taken on a 395cc bike, so he’s either going to have to get a bike there in a van, or go with an instructor.

You usually have to use an instructor and instructors bike.

Getting insurance cover for a bike you haven't yet got a licence for can be tricky.
It's not usually a problem to get 125's covered with a provisional licence, but as move up to the bigger bikes, which you can't ride without an instructor present, it can be a problem to get cover.

flashg67

Nothing to stop them renewing the CBT for now to take the pressure off.