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.
Provisional licence for motorcycles
up to 31 January 2001
From 1 January 1997 all learner moped and motorcycle riders irrespective of when a licence was issued must have completed a Compulsory Basic Training [CBT] course before riding a moped or motorcycle.
When you successfully complete CBT you will get a Certificate of Completion [DL196] which is valid for 3 years. Certificates issued before 1 July 1996 expired on 30 June 1999. The requirement to complete CBT does not apply those riders who are :
*
learning to ride a motorcycle and who have already obtained full moped entitlement as a result of passing a moped test on or after 1 December 1990, or
*
riding a moped with full entitlement given automatically with a full car licence.
If you have any enquiries about CBT phone the Driving Standards Agency on 0115 901 2500 and ask for the CBT section.
from 1 February 2001
All learner riders must complete a Compulsory Basic Training [CBT] course before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road.
On successful completion of a CBT course you will get a training certificate [DL196]. Certificates issued from 1 February 2001 will be valid for 2 years. Certificates issued prior to that date will be valid for 3 years. Keep your certificate safe because you will need to show it to the examiner when you take your moped or motorcycle practical test. You may also need to show it to the police.
You do not need to complete CBT if:
*
you have already obtained full moped entitlement as a result of passing a moped test on or after 1 December 1990
*
you have already obtained a full licence for one class of motorcycle entitlement and wish to upgrade to another (eg. holders of A1 (light motorcycle) licences do not need to repeat CBT to validate a provisional category A entitlement).
But you will need to undertake a further training course on the larger machine if your full licence limits you to riding automatics and you wish to take a test on a manual machine.
If you have any enquiries about CBT phone the Driving Standards Agency on 0115 901 2500 and ask for the CBT section.
Full car licence holders riding mopeds
From 1 February 2001, a person passing a car driving test will be required to undertake a moped riding course before they can ride a moped on the road. A code number 122 is printed on the driving licence. This is only valid after a driver has successfully completed a basic moped training course.
Persons who already hold a full car licence, or who passed a car test before 1 February 2001, are not required to take training before riding a moped. But they are encouraged to do so.
If you have any enquiries about CBT (or moped rider training) phone the Driving Standards Agency on 0115 901 2500 and ask for the CBT section.
The UK learner motorcycle specification is an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp). 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/cm3). The size of an engine is not directly related to its power output. Further information may be obtained from motorcycle retailers or manufacturers.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Riders under 21
A learner motorcycle rider under 21 has the option to take two types of test:
*
subcategory A1 light motorcycle which allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc (11kw/14.6bhp), or
*
the standard category A which allows you to ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. You will be entitled to ride larger powered motorcycles after 2 years as a full motorcycle licence holder.
Riders over 21
Learner motorcyclists aged 21 or over may choose:
*
either of the options open to riders under 21, or
*
direct access to larger bikes over 25kW.
Training for Direct Access
So that learners aged 21 or over may practise for the large motorcycle test, they may ride any motorcycle on the road which exceeds the UK learner specification but only when accompanied (on another motorcycle) by an approved motorcycle instructor. The practical test may only be taken by riders aged 21 or over and completed on a motorcycle of at least 35kW (46.6bhp). When this test is passed the rider can immediately ride any size motorcycle without learner restrictions.
Mopeds
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
For more information about motorcycles click here.
3. Trailers
You cannot tow a trailer before you have passed your test in category B, C1, D1, C or D. However, you may tow a trailer when learning to drive in category B+E, C1+E, D1+E, C+E, D+E or an agricultural tractor (category F).
4. Agricultural Tractors
If you are 16 and learning to drive a tractor, you are allowed to drive on the road only when you are going to or from a driving test.
5. Lorries and Buses
A qualified lorry or bus driver has to sit in the passenger seat to supervise you.
You can learn with an employer or at a commercial driving school.
6. Driving tests
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has overall responsibility for theory and practical driving tests.
For information on:
* driving test fees
* booking or enquiring about theory tests or,
* if you have passed a theory test and want to book a practical test or,
* you have an enquiry about the practical test
please ring 0870 010 1372
or
Click Here to link to DSA
If you want to book your theory test online please Click Here
7. Help with passing your theory and practical driving test.
It will help you to study the Highway Code and the Driving Standards Agency books: The Large Goods Vehicle Driving Manual and The Bus and Coach Driving Manual. Theory test books are also available. You can get them from The Stationery Office (previously HMSO) and major book shops.
8. When you have passed your driving test
Once you have passed your driving test (theory and practical) you should exchange your test pass certificate for a full licence as soon as possible. If you do not claim your test pass within 2 years of the date of your test, the entitlement conveyed by the test pass will be lost and you will have to pass a further driving test (theory and practical) for that category of vehicle if you wish to have it included on your driving licence.
You can apply for your first full licence by completing the declaration section on your test pass certificate and send it together with your provisional licence and fee to DVLA. If you already hold a full licence and have passed an additional driving test, please complete the declaration section on your test pass certificate and send it together with your full licence and fee to DVLA. If you do not already hold a photocard driving licence you will need also to complete the D1 (previously D750) form given to you by the driving test examiner (also available through our form ordering service or from Post Office® branches).
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