Note: This information is relevant to the UK, as yet we have not put together any information on obtaining a licence in a different country but it is on our to do list !

Learning to ride a motorcycle

Ok, so you want to get your motorcycle licence, there are many options available to you, this page is designed to go over these options in detail to hopefully clear up some of the confusion. Whether you are intending to get a scooter, a commuting bike a top of the range sports bike there are steps you all have to take.

Step One: Getting a Provisional Motorcycle Licence

You are not legally entitled to be on the road until you get a provisional licence with motorcycle and/or moped entitlement. If you already hold a full UK car driving licence then you should already have the provisional motorcycle entitlement on your licence (worth checking though!).

There are two types of provisional motorcycle licences:

• The provisional Moped Licence (otherwise known as Provisional category P entitlement)
• The provisional Motorcycle Licence (otherwise known as Provisional category A entitlement)

If you do not already hold a provisional licence you are going to need to get one. You can apply by submitting a driving licence application form (Form D1), which you should be able to get at the Post Office (you can also order it from the DVLA here), together with the fee and photographic identification to the DVLA. You should then receive your provisional licence within 3 weeks.

A little more information on the types of licence:

The Provisional Moped Licence (Category P)

In order to qualify for this licence you must be at least 16 years old, and your licence will expire on your 70th birthday (so you might not want to have too many failed attempts at your test!)

This licence entitles you to ride a moped, which is any motorcycle with:

• A maximum speed of 31mph (50kph)
• An engine capacity of 50cc maximum
• A maximum weight of 250kg
• A 50cc bike with a maximum speed notably greater than 31mph are not classed as mopeds and cannot be ridden on a provisional moped licence.

It also comes with the following restrictions:

• You must ride with your L plates visible at all times (D Plates in Wales)
• You are not permitted to carry a pillion passenger
• You are not allowed on the motorway

NOTE: You are entitled to ride a moped with a Provisional Moped Licence (category P) only if this entitlement is validated by a CBT certificate

The Provisional Motorcycle Licence (Category A)

You must be 17 or older to qualify for a category A provisional motorcycle licence, and again this will expire on your 70th birthday.

This licence entitles you to ride a motorcycle, with the following restrictions:

• An engine capacity of no more than 125cc
• A maximum power output of 14.6bhp or 11kw

It comes with the following restrictions:

• You must ride with your L plates visible at all times (D Plates in Wales)
• You are not permitted to carry a pillion passenger
• You are not allowed on the motorway
• Learner riders over 21 years old can ride larger bikes when supervised by a Direct Access instructor.

NOTE: You are entitled to ride a motorcycle (with the above restrictions) with a Provisional Motorcycle Licence (category A) only if this entitlement is validated by a CBT certificate

Step Two: The CBT – Compulsory Basic Training

As you can probably guess from the name the CBT is not optional. Not only is it required by law to validate your provisional licence it is also an important first step in your motorcycle training (particularly if you have never ridden a motorcycle or moped previously). No prior experience is necessary for the CBT, i had never so much as sat on a motorcycle before i turned up for mine!

When you receive your provisional moped licence or your provisional motorcycle licence, you must do your compulsory basic training before you can ride a motorbike on the road.

The CBT is not a test that you can fail, if you complete the day’s training to the satisfaction of the instructor you will be issued your CBT certificate (A DL196 form), if you do not complete the training on that day you can always go back the next day to improve on certain areas.

If you hold a full car driving licence and it has a provisional category A entitlement (provisional motorcycle licence), then you must also do your compulsory basic training before you can ride a light motorcycle as a learner on the road.

If you gained your full moped licence prior to 1 Dec 1990, then you must do your compulsory basic training again to validate the provisional motorcycle licence and be allowed to ride a light motorcycle as a learner.

If your full car driving licence was issued from 1 Feb 2001 onwards, then it has a full category P entitlement (full moped licence), but you must first do your compulsory basic training before this entitlement becomes valid. A DL196 certificate gained in this way has no expiry date.

Prior to booking your CBT

Before rushing out and booking a CBT you should double check that you have one of the following:

• A full UK driving licence showing a category P or category A entitlement
• A provisional Moped licence (category P entitlement)
• A provisional Motorcycle licence (category A entitlement)

Booking your CBT

You can do your CBT at any DSA approved training body. There are literally hundreds of training schools around the UK, to find one close to you, you could check out our business directory which is arranged by geographical location.

The cost will vary from company to company and from area to area but expect to spend around £100. Most motorcycle training schools will provide everything for you including helmets, jackets, gloves and of course motorcycle/moped. So no need to go on a spending spree just yet. If the school you contact does not supply basic items such as helmet and clothing i would seriously consider choosing a different training school.

The CBT Day

The Compulsory Basic Training is a full day of training, usually from 0900 to 1700, this day is generally broken up into 5 main elements which are to be completed in sequence. The five main elements of the CBT are:

The introduction – Usually lasting 30-45 minutes

Firstly your required documents will be properly inspected (both parts of your provisional licence, if you do not have the new style photo licence be sure to take some form of photographic ID). You will then be asked to take an eye test, in which you must be able to read a car number plate from approximately 67 feet away. This section concludes with a talk about helmets and protective clothing.

Practical on-site training – Usually lasting 45 minutes to an Hour

During this section you will be given a brief on the basic controls and checks you must carry out on the motorcycle to ensure that it is safe to ride. You will also be shown how to get the motorcycle on and off it’s stand, starting and stopping the engine, how to wheel the bike, and how to brake correctly.

Practical on-site riding – Usually lasting 2-3 hours

This is where you will get to grips with actually riding the motorcycle, you will practice changing gears, manoeuvring, observation requirements, emergency stops and slow speed control.

Practical on-road training – Usually lasting 45 minutes to an Hour

A classroom style lesson which will cover the dangers on the road, the techniques required for safe riding including defensive riding, correct positioning on the road, observation and other relevant topics.

Practical on-road riding – At least 2 hours

The final section will see you hit the road with the instructor following you, he/she will usually remain in contact with via a headset and they will be checking to ensure you are safe on the road and can perform basic manoeuvers.

When all five elements have been satisfactorily completed (assessed by the instructor), you will be issued with a certificate of completion (DL196). The DL196 is a legal document which validates the entitlements on your driving licence. It is important to note that :

• A DL196 certificate validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts for two years, the CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life.
• For moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test whilst your DL196 is still current or complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate is not subject to expiry, you will therefore need to keep your DL196 certificate safely. Please note that this applies to mopeds only, for riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 remains valid for two years.

Step Three: The Theory Test

You’ve done your CBT and are either taking lessons towards your practical test or are on the road gaining experience. Your next step is to complete the Motorcycle Theory Test. The motorcycle theory test has been developed to test your knowledge of the theory behind riding a motorcycle on the road, in particular the rules of the road and best practices (the highway code).

The motorcycle theor test is split into two parts, multiple choice questions on various topics of the highway code, and the hazard perception test.

To do your motorcycle theory test you must hold a provisional moped or motorcycle licence or a full UK car licence with category A or P entitlement. Tests can be booked over the phone, online or via the post and must be paid for at the time of booking. Currently the motorcycle theory test will cost you £28.50 (we will update this figure if it changes). You should be able to take your test from 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday and from 0900 to 1200 on Saturdays.

Booking by Phone

To book your theory test over the phone you should call the DSA on 0870 010 1372. You will need to give them your driving licence number (as stated on your provisional or full driving licence), and you will need a credit or debit card to pay the fee.

Booking online

You can book your motorcycle theory test online by visiting the DSA website, you will need to enter your driving licence number and pay the fee via a credit or debit card. Book your theory test online here.

Booking by post

You can book your theory test via the mail, a good option for those of you without access to a credit or debit card (though you can still pay with a credit/debit card through the post).

You will need to pick up a theory test application form, you can get one of these from most DSA test centres or from motorcycle training companies and instructors. You can also download and print off a theory test here, or alternatively call the DSA on 0870 010 1372

You will need your driving licence number to complete the form and you must mail the form together with your payment to your nearest DSA centre. Don’t send cash!, a cheque or postal order will suffice.

Preparing for the theory test

When you receive confirmation of your test booking the DSA should send you a CD which outlines the process of taking the test. Although the motorcycle theory test is not rocket science and anyone should be able to breeze through it it does require a little preperation even if it is just sitting down with the highway code for a few hours.

Multiple Choice Test Preperation

The multiple choice test questions are all based on the highway code and road safety topics. The DSA have a database of around a thousand questions, of which 50 will be on your test. It is highly recommended that you have a copy of the highway code to do a little revision on prior to taking the test.

Below are a few books that could come in handy when preparing for the multiple choice section of the theory test.

There are websites that have practice tests that you can take, try these:

• DSA practice theory tests
• Multiple choice practice tests

Hazard Perception Test Preperation

The hazard perception test is a screen based test in which you will watch footage of a road scenario unfold and you have to click the mouse button when you spot a riding hazard. You will have a much better chance of success if you have practiced these prior to the test as they can take a little while to get used to. There are plenty of software packages and DVD’s available cheaply online.

Below are some recommended software programs you can buy to help practice the hazard perception test.

What Happens At The Motorcycle Theory Test?

When attending the test centre you must bring your full or provisional driving licence for inspection (the photo card and paper counterpart). If you have an old style licence with no photograph you will need to take some form of photographic ID, such as a passport.

No personal items are allowed into the test area including mobile phones, lockers are provided to store these items.

The Multiple choice test

The multiple choice test is done on a touch screen computer, you will get a 15 minute practice before the actual test begins. Once the test is underway the questions will be shown one at a time, you answer by touching the selection of your choice. You can always go back and change your answer so don’t worry if you touch the wrong one, you can also leave questions you are not sure about and return to them later. You are given 57 minutes in order to complete 50 questions, you must get 43 correct to pass.

The Hazard Perception Test

The hazard perception test is also done on a computer touch screen (though you should be able to use a mouse too), Road scenes will be played out and you have to click when you see potential hazards develop. The quicker you react to the potential hazard the higher score you will receive. You will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random.

Your Theory Test Certificate

You will find out how you have done within a few minutes, if you pass your theory test you will be issued with a theory test pass certificate which is valid for 2 years from date of issue. You must have a valid theory test certificate to take your practical test, so if your certificate expires prior to you taking the practical you will need to sit the test again.

If you fail the test (and it is unlikely that you will if you prepared properly), you should study the feedback given on your letter which will identify why you failed. You must wait three clear days before taking the test again.

Step 4 – The Practical Test

You have reached the final hurdle in your attempts to get on the road. The practical motorcycle test is designed to check your riding ability as well as your knowledge and adherence of road regulations and procedures. Prior to setting off the examiner will give you an eye test, and then ask you a few safety check or maintenance questions on your bike. You will then go out on the road with the examiner following you, where he/she will look at your riding ability, your adherence to traffic laws and signs, you observation and forward planning and your overall rider confidence.

Booking your practical test

Before you can do your practical motorcycle or moped test you must first pass the motorcycle theory test. In order to book the test you will need:

• The relevant provisional licence – a provisional moped licence, a provisional motorcycle licence or a full car driving licence with a provisional category A entitlement
• A valid CBT certificate (DL196)
• A valid motorcycle theory test certificate

You do not need a DL196 certificate or a theory test pass certificate if you are upgrading from a lower category motorcycle licence to a higher category one e.g. if you are upgrading from a category A1 to a category A licence or if you are upgrading from an automatics only licence.

Before you book you must know which test centre you want to book your practical motorcycle test at. Find your local DSA test centre.

The cost of the practical motorcycle test

The current prices for the practical motorcycle test are £60.00 for a weekday slot and £70.00 for a weekend slot, tests can only be taken at DSA test centres. If you have previously been disqualified you may have to take the extended test in which case the cost would be £120.00 on a weekday and £140.00 on a weekend.

Booking online

You can book your practical test via the DSA website. You will need:

• Your licence number (as shown on your provisional or full driving licence)
• Your motorcycle theory test certificate number
• A credit or debit card to pay the fee

You should go here to book your theor test online

Booking over the phone

You can book your practical motorcycle test over the phone. Call the DSA on 0870 010 1372 between 0800 and 1800 Monday to Friday. You must pay the fee when you make your booking. To complete the booking you will need:

• Your licence number (as shown on your provisional or full driving licence)
• Your motorcycle theory test certificate number
• A credit or debit card to pay the fee

Make sure you know when you prefer to take your test and where your local DSA test centre is before you call.

Booking by Post

You can book a motorcycle practical test appointment via the post. To do so you must pick up a DL26 form from a DSA test centre or, you can download and print the DL26 form.

Complete the form and post it to your local DSA office together with your fee via cheque or postal order (don’t send cash). You should get a reply within 2 weeks stating the date and time of your practical test.

Checking, Changing or Cancelling a Booking

You must give the DSA ten full working days notice if you want to change or cancel your practical test slot. If you fail to give adequate notice you may lose your fee!

You can check, change or cancel your motorcycle practical test online. You will need two of these three pieces of information to hand: your licence number, your theory test pass number, your practical test appointment number.

Preparing for your Practical Motorcycle Test

During your practical test the examiner will test your riding ability. The manoeuvres used to test you are described in the next section and I suggest that you practice them often. You must also prepare for two ’show me, tell me’ questions. You can do this by memorising the questions and answers – given below in the next section. Finally you will be asked a question about carrying pillion passenger. You can find examples of these in the next section to help you prepare.

What to Bring to the Practical Test

Firstly, You must have a motorcycle to perform your test on. The motorcycle must be:

• Suited to the type of practical test that you are doing
• Insured – so you must have proof of insurance
• Licensed – the bike must have a valid road tax disc
• Fitted with L plates
• If the bike is more than 3 years old, you also need proof of MOT status

Note that if you are doing your test via a training company, then they will usually be able to provide you with an appropriate motorcycle for your practical test, and should have the appropriate documentation for the motorcycle.

You must also remember to take your:

• Relevant Licence – Either a provisional moped licence for the moped test, provisional motorcycle licence or full driving licence with category A entitlement for a motorcycle test
• You must take both your photo ID card and its paper counter part or you will not be allowed to take the practical test. If you have a paper only licence then you must take your passport or other photographic identification along as well
• Practical motorcycle test appointment letter (the confirmation letter you received from the DSA)
• Motorcycle theory test pass certificate (if you are not exempt)
• Your CBT (DL 196) certificate (if you are not exempt)
• Motorcycle helmet

The examiner will ask you two ’show me, tell me’ questions (also called the Safety Check Questions). If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly then a driving fault will be recorded on your test sheet. You can download and study the Safety Check Questions.

The Practical Motorcycle Test

Your examiner will walk with you over to your bike where he will ask you two safety check questions. If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly you will get a driving fault on your test sheet. The training school you are with should be able to provide you with a list of possible questions, alternatively you can download them here.

Test Manoeuvers

When you hit the road, the examiner will ride behind you on a motorcycle or in a car. Apart from assessing your general riding skills and adherence to traffic laws and signs, you will also need to complete a set of special manoeuvers. The examiner will explain each manoeuver to you before you have to perform it.

• The emergency stop – the examiner will be on foot for this one and will give you a signal to stop. You must apply both brakes and come to a halt as quickly as possible without locking your wheels. You must then get your bike into the correct gear and, performing the correct observation and signals, move your bike to the side of the road.
• The Pushed U-Turn – You will be asked to get off the bike and perform a pushed u-turn in the road. Proper observation is crucial.
• The Ridden U turn – The ridden U-turn will be performed on the road, so proper observation is crucial.
• The hill start – you must pull away smoothly without letting the bike roll back
• An angled start – this is done from a parked position and the key is forward and backward observation and again smooth control when pulling away
• Slow riding – this is to test your balance and handling of the bike at slow speeds

The whole practical motorcycle test has a duration of 35 to 40 minutes.

If you pass your Practical Motorcycle Test

At the end of your practical motorcycle test you will be given your result by the examiner.

• If you have a photo id card licence issued after 1 Mar 2004 then you can get your new full licence issued automatically. The examiner will take your current photo id licence and give you a certificate to prove that you passed the practical motorcycle test. The DVLA will then send you your new motorcycle licence in the post after about 3 weeks.
• If you have a licence issued before 1 Mar 2004 then you will be given a practical test pass certificate. There are further instructions on the back of the pass certificate, but basically you must send your pass certificate and current licence to the DVLA together with a fee and they will then send you your new motorcycle licence. You have two years to send your pass certificate to the DVLA. Beware that if you fail to send your pass certificate to the DVLA in the two year window, then you will loose your motorcycle entitlement and will be back at square one.

For the first two years of any motorcycle licence you are in a probation period. This means that you will lose your motorcycle entitlement if you get six or more penalty points on your licence in the first two years of having it. This would result in starting all over again.

If you fail your Practical Motorcycle Test

If you fail your practical motorcycle test then you can book the test again, however you must wait for ten whole working days before you can book your next practical test appointment. Be sure to examine your riding test report which will show you the mistakes you made.

Ok there we go, quite long winded but hopefully it will have provided some valuable information to someone considering a motorcycle licence. If you see any mistakes, omissions or would just like to comment then please use the comment form below.