UK Motorcycle Licence Requirements - From 1st February 2001
Before you rush out and buy that motorcycle, read this and make sure you either have the correct licence or know how to get one!
1. Changes
to the UK Learner Motorcycle Specification
The UK learner motorcycle specification is an engine size of up to 125cc and
a power output of 11kw (14.6bhp).
2. Compulsory
Basic Training (CBT)
Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds
You must complete compulsory basic training [CBT] before riding a moped
or motorcycle (with or without sidecar) on the road. However, you may ride
on a road under the supervision of an approved instructor as part of that
training course. Your motorcycle dealer or local council road safety officer
can give information on local training schemes, or see adverts in local papers
and telephone directories.
After 1 February 2001 when you successfully complete CBT you will get a Certificate
of Completion (DL 196) which will be valid for 2 years. Certificates issued
prior to that date will be valid for 3 years. Keep your CBT certificate safe
because you will need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle
theory test if you do not already hold full car entitlement. You will also
need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle accompanied test,
and you may need to show it to the police if required.
If you have any enquiries about CBT phone Driving Standards Agency on: 0115
901 2500 and ask for the CBT section.
If you are learning to ride a moped or motorcycle,you cannot carry a pillion
passenger. You can only learn to ride on motorcycles over 125cc if:
· you are over 21 and accompanied by an approved instructor on a separate
machine at all times, or
· you are riding a motorcycle with a sidecar
Moped
A moped is a motorcycle which:
· cannot go faster than 50km/h
· must not have an engine over 50cc
· can be moved by pedals, if the moped was used before 1 August 1977.
Any enquiries about CBT should also be referred to the DSA.
3.The Theory Test
Learner motorcyclists normally have to pass the written theory test as well
as the practical test to gain a full motorcycle licence. The test consists
of 35 multiple choice questions and around 40 minutes are allowed to complete
it. There are some 150 theory test centres throughout the country.
4. The New Category A and A1
Driving Licence
At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle licence to aim
for - the A1 light motorcycle licence or the standard category A motorcycle
licence.
To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must successfully complete
CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle over
75cc but not more than 125cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle
up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without `L' plates,
carry pillion passengers and use motorways.
To gain a full standard category A licence you must successfully complete
CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of
over 120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. In practice
the normal test vehicle will be a 125cc machine. A full standard category
A licence permits you ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW
(33bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without `L' plates,
carry pillion passengers and use motorways. You are restricted to a motorcycle
up to 25kW for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After
two years you may ride any size motorcycle.
5. Direct Access for learner
riders aged 21 or over
Riders aged 21 or over may opt to take a test on a large motorcycle. On passing
the test they are immediately qualified to ride any motorcycle without restrictions.
This option is called Direct Access. You must complete CBT, and if
necessary, a motorcycle theory test and a practical test on a motorcycle of
at least 35kW (46.6bhp).
6. Accelerated Access
If you have already obtained a full standard category A licence and you reach
the age of 21 before the two year qualifying period is complete a third option
is available. You may opt to take a further test on a motorcycle with
a power output of at least 35kW (46.6bhp) to gain immediate access to all
motorcycles. This is called Accelerated Access. You can practice for
this test on motorcycles above 25kW only if you are accompanied by a certified
motorcycle instructor on another motorcycle and you are displaying `L' plates
(see Training for Direct Access below). You do not need to complete CBT again,
or pass another theory test.
7. Training for Direct Access
or Accelerated Access
So that learners aged 21 or over may practice for the large motorcycle test
they may ride a motorcycle on the road that exceeds the UK learner specification,
but only under the supervision of a certified Direct Access instructor. When
learning on a large motorcycle the usual learner restrictions will apply (`L'
plates, no pillion passengers and motorway prohibition).
8. Notes
The power output of an engine is measured in kilowatts (kW) or brake horse
power (bhp). A kilowatt is the metric measurement of brake horse power. One
brake horse power equals 0.75 kilowatts. Engine capacity (or size) is measured
in cubic centimetres (cc). The size of an engine is not directly related to
its power output. Further information may be obtained from motorcycle retailers
or manufacturers.
For CBT enquiries, please call the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0115
901 2595.
For general enquiries about driving tests or minimum test vehicles, please
call the DSA Customer Service Unit on 0115 901 2515 / 2516 Theory and practical
test appointments may be booked, and any test enquiries may be answered, by
telephoning 0870 010 1372
AutoBike UK Ltd. accepts no responsibility
for errors, ommissions or out of date information on this page. For the latest
official information direct from the DVLA - Click
Here
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