Motorcycle Training in the UK

There are several steps involved in beginning your life as a motorcycle rider and you should follow these correctly in order to be completely covered and confident on the road. The pertinent areas begin from getting the provisional license, taking compulsory basic training, taking the theory test, the practical test, to getting your full license and getting a bike, bike insurance and all the gear!

To ride a motorcycle on the road in the UK you must be at least 17 years old, 16 for a moped, and have a Category A driving license, according to the law. That license can be either a provisional license which has motorcycle entitlement, a moped licence, a full motorbike licence or a full car license. A provisional license will enable a learner to ride a bike up to 125 cc with a max power output of 11 kW (14.6 bhp). That's a really good bike to train on, and even learning on a bike like that can be a challenge for some. With your provisional license you cannot ride on motorways, carry a pillion passenger, or ride without L-plates (D-plates in Wales). Provisional licenses issued from Feb. 1, 2001 are now valid until the holder's 70th birthday.

Because you'll want to minimize costs while training, look for a good second hand bike in this class. Do your compulsory training, practice on the road with your L-plates for a while. When ready, you can take your tests for a larger ride and get the bike you like. Over 21? The Direct Access Scheme (DAS) and Accelerated Access Scheme (AAS) will help you obtain entitlement to ride.

Even with your license and training, you'll want to drive defensively to be in good company on the roads. Riding a street bike demands good concentration and motor skills, and that's truer when you ride off-road. Whatever your choice of bike, make sure it is something you can fully handle, and get the best training you can.

Motorcycle Training in the UK

About the Author