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Licences
In this section is your guide to obtaining a motorcycle
licence.
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C.B.T |
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In order to ride on the road for the first time (and this includes your
test!) you will need to take Compulsory Basic Training (or CBT). This
consists of a one day course where you ride about on some private land,
manoeuvring around traffic cones and doing figures of eight etc. and then you are
accompanied out onto the road for the afternoon. If the instructor is
satisfied with your ability you will get a CBT certificate. The CBT
certificate is valid for two years, during which time you must pass your test (After the
certificate expires, you may retake your CBT immediately if you wish).
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A1 |
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This
allows you to ride any bike up to 125cc, not exceeding 11kW
(14.5BHp). Obtained by taking a test on a bike of between 75cc
and 120cc |
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A |
Restricted |
Restricted for 2 years to a machine of no more than 25Kw (33 BHp)
and a power / weight ratio of 0.16 kW/Kg, then you can ride any
bike. Obtained on a machine of 125cc and capable of reaching
100kph(60mph) |
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D.A.S |
Unrestricted |
No
restrictions. Obtained on a machine over 35 kW (46.6 BHp) (See
DAS).
To do this you must be over 21. |
In order to ride as a learner you
will need:
A provisional
motorcycle license OR a full UK driving license.( Displaying Cat-A )
A valid CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate.
A Valid Theory test (not needed to take a CBT Test)
Once you are able to ride as a
learner, you can then learn to ride, either by yourself or with a
training body, and then apply for your full test.
As a learner you may not:
Ride a
machine over 125cc (unless on a DAS).
Carry a pillion passenger.
Ride on a motorway.
Ride without L-Plates.
If you are under 21, you have no
choice but to take an 'A1 or a restricted 'A' licence. You are
restricted to a machine of power output less than 25 kW (33bhp), though it is
usually possible to restrict a large bike to 25Kw (33bhp) by way of retarding
the carburettor.
DAS - If you
are over 21 though, you can take what is known as a Direct Access Scheme
(or DAS). This is where you learn and take your test on a bike in excess
of 35 kW (46.6 BHp), a GS500E or CB500 for example, and then you a free
to ride any bike you like. If you have a restricted 'A' licence on your
21st birthday, you can take an Accelerated Access course in order to
upgrade to an unrestricted license immediately.
When you are learning, you must
hold a valid provisional licence. You can get an application form from
any Post Office, which you complete and send off with a small cheque and
the DVLA send you a licence. You should allow plenty of time to get your
licence before you intend to ride (At least a month).
A full UK Driving license,
however, gives you an provisional motorcycle licence with no time
restrictions. (Don't forget that you still need a valid CBT
certificate...).
When deciding which licence to go
for, you will need to consider what you what you want to do with your
bike. If you are under 21, you have the option of getting an A1 or a
restricted A. To be totally honest, taking an A1 is not advisable, since
you are then restricted for ever to 125cc (Unless you retake your test
for an A, that is). There is little difference in cost (if any) between
and A and an A1. On the other hand, if you are over 21, then you have a
choice between a restricted and an unrestricted A licence. You will find
that to take a DAS with cost a lot more than a to get a restricted
licence, so unless you need (or have the money) to get on a 'Big' bike
within the next two years, you might as well save yourself some of your
hard earned cash. A 25kW (33 BHp) bike will be more than adequate for
most purposes anyway, so long as you don't want to go at more than 80
MPH on a regular basis, or ride between London and Scotland every
weekend.
For more information on
Licensing, visit the
DVLA.
If you have any enquiries about
licences and the law please feel free to contact us either by our
CONTACT US form or on 01202
573869.
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