|
CBT
"Compulsory Basic Training"
- is mandatory for anyone wishing to ride a
- moped (motorcycle
up to 50cc) without a full car licence
- moped with a full car licence issued after 1 February
2001
- a motorcycle between 50 and 125cc on 'L' plates with
a full car licence issued prior to 1 February 2001.
The course lasts one day and costs around £60
although many dealers will through it in free if you purchase
a bike
from them (and ask nicely). more...
Getting your full motorcycle licence
This is a test taken at a DOT test centre. It is advisable
to take a course which varies between two and five days
depending
on experience / competence and whether you have your CBT
certificate. Call your nearest training
centre
for more details.
There are three types of full bike licence.
- Light motorcycle licence (A1): taken using a
motorcycle of between 75 and 125cc (power not exceeding
11kW / 14.6 bhp). Once passed you can ride a motorcycle
up to 125cc with power output up to 11kW / 14.6 bhp.
- Standard motorcycle licence (A): taken using
a motorcycle of between 120 and 125cc and capable of more
than 100 kph you get a standard (A) licence. You are restricted
to motorcycles of up to 25 kW / 33 bhp for two years.
After two years
you may ride a bike of any size.
- Direct or Accelerated Access (A):
for riders over 21 to ride larger motorcycles sooner. You
have to a CBT certificate
and pass a practical test on a bike with power output of
at least 35kW / 46.6 bhp (usually a 500cc model). You
can then ride any size bike
the practical test
The bike test is taken at a DOT test centre by a motorcycle
examiner and lasts a little under 30 minutes. You will be
fitted with a radio receiver and will ride in front of the
examiner who will issue you instructions such as , "take
the next right" or "take the first left at the roundabout".
the examiner will be looking for safe riding, control etc.
You
will have to do an emergency stop and a U turn without putting
your feet down. The best advice is just to relax, and concentrate
on all you've been taught.
the theory test
You will normally have to pass a theory
test, in addition to the practical test to gain a full motorcycle
licence. However, if you have a full car licence, or full
moped licence gained as a result of passing a theory
and a practical test, you do not have to take the
motorcycle theory test.
Since 1 February 2001, if you hold a full car licence
and want to gain a motorcycle licence you will
have to pass motorcycle theory and practical tests.
Similarly, you will have to pass theory and
practical tests to gain a full car licence, even if you
hold 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.
On to choosing a type of bike -->
|
