THE LAW
This section does not attempt
to relate all details relating to The Law and Motorcycling. Its purpose is to
explain the different routes available to you when you choose to take up riding
a moped or motorcycle. This information is intended as a guide only. For full,
comprehensive and up to date information, contact the Driving Standards Agency
(DSA).
There are important
notes at the base of this page.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
All learner motorcyclists and
moped riders must obtain a CBT Certificate (DL196) before riding on a public
road unaccompanied by a qualified instructor. The only exceptions are as follows:
- - You have passed
a full moped test after 1 December 1990
- - You live and
ride on certain offshore islands
- - You already
hold a valid DL196 (note: a certificate obtained on a moped is valid for
a motorcycle (if you are 17 years of age or older) and
visa versa).
- - You hold a full
car licence issued prior to February 2001 (this provides full moped entitlement).
If you passed your car test after this date you will require a CBT Certificate
to ride even a moped.
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- A DL196 has a two year life.
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- We are authorised by the DSA
to provide CBT, assess trainees and issue the DL196.
- Theory Test
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- Before you can take the practical
moped or motorcycle test you must pass the motorcycle theory test. Whilst
there will be some guidance provided on our non-CBT courses, we do not offer
full theory classes. However, we will loan educational material free of charge
(once you are enrolled on a training course). We can also arrange the theory
test appointment for you.
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- Full Licence.
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- There
are basically five routes to obtaining a full licence; Moped
Test, Light Motorcycle Test, Standard
Motorcycle Test, Direct Access Scheme Test
and Accelerated Access Test. These are dealt with
individually below. We offer training courses catering
for each of these tests.
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- Moped
Test.
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- To take the test you must:
- - be at least
16 years old
- - have a
licence that allows you to ride a moped
- - have access
to a moped
-
- On passing the test you
will be allowed to do the following:
- - ride a
moped without L plates (or D plates in Wales).
- - carry
a pillion passenger
-
- A moped is defined as follows:
- - has an
engine under 50cc
- - has a
maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph (31 mph)
- - weighs no more
than 250 kg
- - can be
moved by pedals if registered before 1 August 1977
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- Light
Motorcycle Test
-
- To take the test you must:
- - be at least
17 years old
- - have a
licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle
- - have access
to a light motorcycle
-
- On passing the test you
will be allowed to do the following:
- - ride a
motorcycle up to 125 cc
- - ride without
L plates (or D plates in Wales).
- - carry
a pillion passenger
- - ride on
motorways
-
- A light motorcycle is defined
as follows:
- - has an
engine between 75 cc and 125 cc
- - has a
maximum power output of 11Kw (14.6 bhp)
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- Standard
Motorcycle Test
-
- To take the test you must:
- - be at least
17 years old
- - have a
licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle
- - have access
to a standard motorcycle
-
- On passing the test you
will be allowed to do the following:
- - ride a
motorcycle with a maximum power output of 25 Kw (33 bhp)
- - ride without
L plates (or D plates in Wales).
- - carry
a pillion passenger
- - ride on
motorways
-
- A standard motorcycle is
defined as follows:
- - has an
engine between 120 cc and 125 cc
- - has a
maximum power output of 11Kw (14.6 bhp)
- - capable of
exceeding 100 Kph (62.5 mph)
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- DAS
Test
-
- To take the test you must:
- - be at least
21 years old
- - have a
licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle
- - have access
to a DAS motorcycle
-
- On passing the test you
will be allowed to do the following:
- - ride a
motorcycle of any engine size
- - ride a
motorcycle of any power output
- - ride without
L plates (or D plates in Wales).
- - carry
a pillion passenger
- - ride on
motorways
- A DAS motorcycle is defined
as follows:
- - has an
engine of any cc
- - has a
minimum power output of 35 Kw (46.6 bhp).
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- Accelerated
Access Motorcycle Test
(This allows you to avoid the 2 year restriction that applies to a standard
motorcycle licence)
-
- To take the test you must:
- - be at least
21 years old
- - have a
standard motorcycle licence
- - have access
to a DAS motorcycle
-
- On passing the test you
will be allowed to do the following:
- - ride a
motorcycle of any engine size
- - ride a
motorcycle of any power output
- - ride without
L plates (or D plates in Wales).
- - carry
a pillion passenger
- - ride on
motorways
-
- A DAS motorcycle is defined
as follows:
- - has an
engine of any cc
- - has a
minimum power output of 35 Kw (46.6 bhp).
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- Important Note 1:
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- To practice on a DAS or bike
you must:
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- - be accompanied
by a DSA approved, motorcycle mounted, instructor
- - be able to
receive radio communications from the instructor (unless registered profoundly
deaf)
- - wear reflective
and/or fluorescent clothing.
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- Important Note 2:
-
- It is NOT necessary to take
a DAS Test in order to ride a bike without power restrictions!
If you have passed your Standard Bike Test (Light Bike Licence does not
qualify) then after two years, you may ride any size of bike.
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- Important Note 3:
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- Having passed the Standard
Motorcycle Test you may wish, during the two year restriction period, ride
any engine size (cc) of motorcycle provided that it does not exceed
25Kw (33 bhp). Many motorcycles that exceed this figure can be 'restricted'
to comply; ask your dealer for further information.
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