Learning to ride a motorcycle
New Motorcycle Test being introducted - September 2008 >>
What age are you? What type of bike do you want to ride?
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If you just want to ride a motorcycle as learner, then all you need is to do your CBT- Compulsory Basic Training. The CBT allows people aged 17 and over to ride a learner legal motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc |
CBT certificates are valid for two years, if after that time you still wish to ride a motorcycle as a learner, then you will need to retake your CBT (after 2 years and every 2 years). You should aim to pass the full motorcycle test even if you don't want to ride a bigger bike as your insurance is typically cheaper and you wont need to keep retaking your CBT.
There are basically three types of full motorcycle licence (A1, A restricted and A), depending on the size of bike you take your test on. All tests are exactly the same and now require a theory test pass before you can take the practical test. There is now a Hazard Perception test which you will take with your theory test. This will take an extra 15 minutes to complete.
Practice Online for the Official Theory Test
Click the link below then Click the " Registration Form " link
fill in your details and then you can have a go at a mock test, it will give you your score at the end - Click Here
Hazard Perception Test - More Information - Click here
If you take your test on a learner legal 125cc bike then you will be able to ride any motorcycle producing less than 33bhp. After two years you will be able to ride any power motorcycle. If you want to go directly to an unrestricted bike, you will need to be 21 or over and opt for a Direct Access Motorcycle Training course. In a DAS course you will learn and take your test on a larger bike usually a 500cc motorcycle.
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. If you wish to ride a motorcycle, or under go any form of motorcycle training, the starting point will be for you to pass your motorcycle CBT. This is a course run by training bodies approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Your Motorcycle CBT is a one day course in which you will undergo motorcycle training on and off the public roads.
Routes to your licence: (Pdf file 694kb) - Click Here
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The CBT course involves five elements: A - Introduction B - Practical on site training C - Practical on site riding D - Practical on road training E - Practical on road riding |
After passing your CBT you will be able to ride a 125cc motorcycle with "L" plates. All learner riders must complete CBT before riding on the roads.
Once you have successfully completed CBT, and have your Certificate (DL 196), you can then do additional training and take your test to qualify for a full motorcycle licence.
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What is Dircet Access? A Direct Access Course will enable you to ride any motorcycle, regardless of size or power. You will first need to complete your CBT and Theory Test. You will then gradually move on to being trained on a larger motorcycle (e.g 500cc) and you will take your practical test once your instructor thinks you are ready. |
New Motorcycle Test being introducted - September 2008 >>
Direct Access Motorcycle Training is only available to those over the age of 21. The Direct Access course will allow you to train and take your motorcycle test on a larger capacity motorcycle. Once you've passed the Direct Access test you can ride any bike you want !
If you have any queries about this leaflet or require details of your local Approved Training Bodies, please contact the Driving Standards Agency. Tel: 0115 901 2500.
DSA's official publications are available from good bookshops or by contacting DSA Merchandise. Tel: 0870 241 4523
Routes to your licence: (Pdf file 694kb) - Click Here
