The Motorcycle Theory Test
If you wish to gain a full licence in any of the motorcycle or moped categories you must pass a motorcycle theory test before taking the practical test. This must be done regardless if you hold a full car licence or just a provisional licence. To book your own theory test please call 0870 010 1372 or visit the Driving Standards Agencies web site at
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/.
CBT & the Motorcycle Test
For the CBT the duration of the course and the standard achieved is the same for all the classes of licence. On bikes below 125cc the course can be conducted with up to four students. In the event that the CBT is conducted on a bike eligible for the Direct Access Scheme (ie over 47 bhp) then there can only be two students and both of these must be over 21.
For the motorcycle test the standard to which you are tested by the Driving Standards Agency examiner is exactly the same regardless of the size of the machine. Likewise the duration of the test (normally 35 minutes) is the same in all cases. Some of the manoeuvres in the test are easier to do on smaller machines.
The licence that you receive will depend on your age and the size of the motorcycle that you took the test on, and nothing else.
Automatic
Complete CBT and motorcycle theory test. Undertake training and motorcycle test on an automatic or semi-automatic machine. The size of the machine that you take the test on and your age will determine what sort of machine can be ridden afterwards (see the other licence restrictions; A, A1 and A2). Upon passing the test, you will have a licence to ride an automatic or semi-automatic without L-Plates and you may carry a passenger. You may not ride any fully clutch and geared machine, except as a learner!
A1 Light Motorcycle
Complete CBT and motorcycle theory test. Take training and motorcycle test on a machine greater than 75cc but not exceeding 120cc (unless it is a 125cc machine and does not have adequate power to qualify for the A2 licence). On passing your test you can ride up to a 125cc without L-Plates and carry a passenger.
A2 Restricted Licence
You must be aged 17 or over. First pass the CBT and motorcycle theory test. Taking your training on a 121cc – 125cc bike with at least 12 bhp. When you pass your test, you will be able to ride a bike of any cc, as long as it is restricted to a 33bhp. Motorcycles that are normally over 33bhp can be restricted, some may come with a 'certificate of restriction' though this is not actually required. You can ride this without L-plates and carry passengers. This restriction is for 2 years, after this time you are automatically able to ride anything you want! This is the only bike licence option available to those aged 17-20.
Accelerated Access
This is available to anyone who has taken either an Automatic licence, an A1 Light motorcycle licence or an A2 Restricted licence. You must be over 21. There is no need to retake either the CBT or the motorcycle theory test. The motorcycle test must be taken on a machine in excess of 47 bhp. The outcome will be that you then hold a full motorcycle licence.
Full Unrestricted Category A Licence (Direct Access Scheme)
You must be aged 21 or over to be eligible for this. Complete a CBT & motorcycle theory test. Then take a motorcycle test on a bike with a power output of 47bhp or more. On passing your test, you will have a full unrestricted licence. Your road training will be taken on a large bike with L-Plates. You can only ride a large bike when accompanied by an authorised Direct Access Scheme Instructor.
Please note that this information is only a guide. The laws are remarkably complicated even for those that actually made them. If you would like any further details or complete clarity, please contact either the Driving Standards Agency or us.
Foreign and EU Licences
Everybody who wishes to take their CBT, Theory Test and Motorcycle Test in the UK must hold a UK or Northern Ireland driving licence.
It is possible to either exchange or gain a counter part licence for some countries (most Common Wealth and EU countries). This can be done by going to a main Post Office to get a D1750 form. Please be aware that the DVLA takes between two to three weeks to process a licence.
To check to see if your licence can be exchanged please call the DVLA on 0870 240 0009 or visit their web site at
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/
Article supplied by and Copyright © 2005
Lightning Motorcycle Training, Reading and Oxford - All rights reserved