Motorbike License

Once a rider has successfully taken her compulsory bike training (CBT), an off-road class that teaches basic riding skills, she may venture out on the road. Armed with a DL196 certificate for the CBT class, she may choose to learn alone or take professional training. Either way, the DL196 is the key to moving forward on two wheels.

All learner riders in the United Kingdom, regardless of age, must ride with special "L" plates, a very obvious placard attached to the vehicle that shows the rider is a learner. Welsh riders may use D-plates instead, the "D" in question standing for "dysgwr."

Learning to Ride Mopeds in the United Kingdom

According to the DVLA, a moped is a vehicle that goes no faster than 31mph and is no more than 50cc. A moped rider must be aged at least 16, and must obtain the DL196 unless he has passed his car test before 1 February 2001, in which case the provisional license is automatic. Otherwise, he must then pass the theory and moped riding tests, at which point he gets a "P" on his license to prove he may legally ride mopeds.

Under normal circumstances, the DL196 is valid only for two years. However, for those who passed a car driving test while the DL196 was still current or who did the CBT after passing a car test, the DL196 is permanent – but only for mopeds. Those wanting to get a motorcycle endorsement still only have two years from completion of the CBT to pass the theory and riding tests.

Learning to Ride Light Motorcycles in the United Kingdom

The DVLA splits motorcycle licenses up into two classes. The A1 class is for light motorcycles – no larger than 125cc with 11kW/14.6 bhp. (Until the mid-1990s, 125cc was the largest motorcycle that any learner rider could operate.) To get an A1 license, the rider must be at least 17 years old, and must have either a CBT certificate or have passed the moped test. If, however, she obtained her moped license after July 1, 1996, she does not have to do another theory test.

The riding test must be taken on a motorcycle between 75 and 125cc, after which the rider may ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and up to 14.6 bhp.

Learning to Ride Medium Motorcycles in the United Kingdom

The A license is for "medium" motorcycles. It is available from the age of 17, and is valid on motorcycles with maximum 33 bhp and a maximum power-to-weight ration of 16kW/kg. In the case of A licenses, the CBT requirement is waived for riders with either a moped or an A1 license, and the theory test is waived for those with an A1 or moped license. In other words, the rider need not take the theory and CBT tests repeatedly as he upgrades to larger motorcycles.

The riding test is carried out on a motorcycle between 120 and 125 cc which can go at least 62 mph. After passing the test, the rider is restricted to machines of 33 bhp for two years and can then upgrade to larger motorcycles without taking a new test.

The above rules were introduced to help prevent accidents in younger, statistically more rash, motorcyclists. However, there is a provision for older riders on larger bikes, with somewhat restrictive requirements.

Direct Access Options for Older Motorcycle Riders

The Direct Access license allows a rider aged at least 21 to learn on and take a riding test on a motorcycle over 35kW/46 bhp. He must have a provisional motorcycle license, and must take a CBT and theory test unless he has passed a moped or A1 riding test since July 1, 1996.

The beauty of the Direct Access system is that the rider can learn on a larger motorcycle. Its major drawback is that the rider can only ride that motorcycle if accompanied with an qualified instructor in radio contact at all times. This means that if she wants to practice alone, she will also need a smaller motorcycle – 125cc or less. On the other hand, once she passes the test there are no restrictions on what size and power of motorcycle she can ride.

Those who turn 21 before the two-year license restriction ends have an "Accelerated Access" option. They can get a larger motorcycle, riding it only with a qualified instructor, and can take the riding test a second time to get past the two-year restriction. If they fail, their existing A1 or P license remains mercifully intact.