Motorcycle licensing


Theory test

on 1/7/96 The Theory test came online. You must now take a written test before a practical test to get a full licence, Unless you already have a Car licence. No mention is made of other forms of full licence! There is a sample theaory test on Bill Lavender's pages

The test itself is 35 questions in 40 minutes, all multiple choice. The pass mark is now 30.

The Theory test can be taken at any of 139 centres.


Position Now

  • All learner riders MUST COMPLETE CBT before riding unsupervised on the road. Note that this INCLUDES people who may have many years motorcycle experience, but no full licence. Car divers using their full licence as a motorcycle provisional must now take CBT before riding unsupervised.
  • A Learner bike is less than 125CC/1KW(14.8BHP)
  • The bike you take your test on affects the license you get.
  • Take the test on a bike of less than 120cc or not capable of 100 kph(62.5 Mph) and all you get is a caegory A1 license. All this will allow you to ride is a learner-legal bike, but with out L-Plates, To Carry Passengers, and to use Motorways.
  • A Bike of 120-125CC Capacity, capable of 100 kph(62.5 Mph) will give you a standard Category A License.
  • On a Category A License, you will be restricted to Bikes with a MAX power of 25KW (33BHP) for two years.
  • Bans are not included in this qualification period.
  • A DIRECT ACCESS (See Below) scheme is available (See Below) to allow you to ride ANY Bike.

Direct access

  • To Qualify, you must be at least 21, and hold some form of full licence.
  • The test must be taken on a bike of at least 35KW (46.6 BHP) NOTE: This is ABOVE the spec you are allowed to ride on a category A License. You will effectively need to take lessons to be able to gain access to a bike and insurance for the DA test.
  • Normal learner restrictions will apply (L-Plates, No Pillions, No Motorways)
  • You must be accompanied at all times by a certified instructor (NOT just a full License holder) The instructors for DA must have done a top-up assessment at cardington, over and above that for a CBT1c.
  • You can re-take the test on a large motorcycle having already passed a test on a learner-legal bike to shorten the 2-year qualification period.

CBT

  • All learner riders MUST COMPLETE CBT before riding unsupervised on the road. Note that this INCLUDES people who may have many years motorcycle experience, but no full licence. Car divers using their full licence as a motorcycle provisional must now take CBT before riding unsupervised.
  • CBT is intended to give you a basic grounding in motorcycle riding before venturing out onto roads unsupervised.
  • It consists of a little theory, an introduction to the bike, some off road riding (Starting, stopping, Fig 8, emergency stops and simulated Left and right turns), more talking, then out on the roads.
  • It allows you to ride unsupervised on the roads.
  • There is no "Test" involved - you must simply satisfy the instructor that you are ready to move onto the next stage.
  • It can be fun!
For a fuller CBT Syllabus see here

Further info

  • Licensing - DVLC on 01792 772151 8:15-16:30 Monday to Friday
  • CBT, Test and Bike Specs - DSA 0115-955-7600
  • General Training Me or my bike page But I will be upfront - I am a BMF Instructor!

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Last updated 12th March