MOTORCYCLE LICENCE _ THE LAW

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).

• 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.
• from 1 February 2001
  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. Keep your CBT certificate safe because you will need it when you apply for and take your moped or motorcycle theory test.
• 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 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.

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 license. The test consists of 35 multiple choice questions and around 40 minutes are allowed to complete it. There are some 150 theory test centers throughout the country.

4. The New Category A and A1 Driving License

At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle license to aim for - the A1 light motorcycle license or the standard category A motorcycle license.

To gain a full A1 light motorcycle license you must successfully complete CBT and pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle between 75cc and 125cc. A full A1 license 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 license 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 license 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