RIDING A MOTORCYCLE - THE LICENSING POSITION FROM 1 JANUARY 1997
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).
2. 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 over 75cc but not more than 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 license 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.
3. 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, a theory test and a practical test on a motorcycle of at least 35kW (46.6bhp).
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 motorcycle. 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.
5 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).
If you do not have a full car or moped license your provisional motorcycle entitlement is valid for two years. If you do not pass a test during this period you will lose your motorcycle entitlement for one year.