Motorcycle Training In The UK

In order to legally ride a motorcycle in the UK you need to be a minimum of 16 years of age and to have completed the CBT- a day long course of Compulsory Basic Training. Once you’ve passed your CBT you can ride a motorcycle with an engine no larger than 125cc and up to 14.6 bhp for up to two years (though if you are 16 you can only ride a 50cc moped with a speed restriction of 30mph).

You will have to display L-plates on your bike and you are not allowed to travel on motorways or to carry a passenger on your bike.If you hold a full driving licence that you got before 1 st February 2001 you can ride a 50cc moped without taking the CBT and without displaying L-plates, but it is always advisable to take some motorcycle training before taking to the road.

About the CBT

Compulsory Basic Training is not a test. Your Driving Standards Agency (DSA) approved training instructor will want to make sure that you have reached a safe standard of riding before you are issued with a ‘Certificate of Completion’. He will ensure that you can handle the motorcycle safely and that you have a good knowledge of the Highway Code. The course involves on site training and riding so that you can get used to handling your motorcycle and a minimum of two hours practical riding on the road.

Do I need to buy a motorcycle to take the CBT?

Most motorcycle training centres have motorbikes for loan or hire while you are training. If you have already bought your own bike you will need to arrange to have it taken to the training centre and you will need to bring your driving licence and proof of your motorcycle insurance and MOT. The bike must be legal and roadworthy.

The Standard Motorcycle Test

If you are aged 17 or older you can take the standard motorcycle test. You will train on a 125cc motorcycle and when you pass you are restricted to a motorcycle producing no more than 33 bhp. As part of the motorcycle test you will need to take and pass the theory exam. The first part of the theory test involves multiple choice questions which are based on the Highway Code, whilst the second part concerns hazard perception where you will be shown traffic situations on video.You can book your motorcycle theory test on-line at www.dsa.gov.uk

Direct Access

If you are 21 or older you can take the Direct Access route to your full motorcycle licence. Training will begin on 125cc bikes and then you will spend time accompanied by a qualified instructor on the larger (500cc) motorcycle that you will use for your test. On passing your Direct Access test you will be immediately entitled to ride any motorbike with no limit on power output.

Find a Motorcycle Training Centre in your area

An excellent resource for locating DSA approved training schools is the Begin-Motorcycling website. This page has links to motorcycle training schools in your area …

Further Motorcycle Training

There are many opportunities to become a better rider. Many motorcycle training schools offer advanced courses concentrating on different aspects of motorcycling, including motorway riding and even off-road courses! – An excellent resource for advanced courses and information is UK Advanced. You can find their website here …

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