Motorbikes
A1 Roadcraft will make your motorcycle tuition enjoyable and fun.
We have your safety and well-being at heart, our instructors' intentions are to pass on as much of their skills as they can.
The first thing to ensure is that you have the correct Provisional Entitlement on your driving licence.
Category A for motorcycles
Category P for mopeds
Once your correct entitlement has been established, you will need to take COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING (CBT).
This course is designed to ensure that anyone wishing to ride on the road has the basic knowledge and skill needed to ride a motorcycle or moped. It validates your provisional entitlement to ride up to 125cc machines (50 cc in the case of anyone under 17 years of age) on "L" plates and is valid for 2 years. You will require a valid CBT certificate if you decide the take the motorcycle test.
After CBT has been undertaken, there are different ways of obtaining a Full Motorcycle Licence.
In all cases, a Theory Test must be passed before booking a Practical Test. We recommend a DVD-ROM called "Driving Test Success" which includes theory and hazard perception, available from computer/electrical stores, price approximately £9.99. To book the theory test either ring 0300 200 1122 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk.
If you are UNDER 17 - you can only apply for and take a Moped Licence.
If you are UNDER 21 - you can only take the test on a vehicle UP TO 125CC.
If you take the test on a 125cc machine, you will gain a licence that entitles you to ride UP TO 33 BRAKE HORSE POWER (BHP) for two years - and then you may ride ANY SIZE MOTORCYCLE. There is no other test - just a two year restriction on power output.
Most 250cc and 350cc machines fall into this range, although some larger engines may also do so. If you become 21 within the two year restriction period and wish to ride a larger bike - you may take the test again on a larger bike as detailed below.
If you are OVER 21 - you can opt to take the test on a 125cc - and have the restriction for 2 years as above (recommended for people wanting a "commuter" vehicle to go to work, etc).
OR
You can opt to take the Direct Access test. This requires you to undertake the second part of your training and the DSA test on a vehicle with more than 46 bhp. We currently use 500cc+ bikes for this purpose. If you take and pass the test on this size of vehicle, you will be able to ride any size bike from the day you pass the Test.
IN ALL CASES
We usually suggest that clients start by doing CBT independently of any intensive course, as this allows you to make sure that you are happy with the following:
1. The training body you have chosen.
2. Learning to ride is really "for you".
3. Discuss the test options once you have started the training and are more aware of what is required for the Test.
4. Discuss with your instructor what you need and obtain advice on which course suits you best.
Everyone is individual - and therefore deserves to be assessed on their own merits - rather than being offered a "Standard Course".
All of our instructors are approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
WHAT CAN YOU RIDE?
AGE 16 YEARS
With your First Provisional Licence - you can ride a Moped.
A Moped is defined as a two wheeled vehicle - not exceeding 49 cc and not exceeding 30 mph TOP SPEED. It does not matter if the moped has gears or is automatic.
You will require a Compulsory Basic Training Certificate (CBT) to validate your Licence and entitle you to ride on the road with "L" plates.
You may have your CBT certificate endorsed "Auto CAT P" if your moped is automatic - indicating that you have received no "gears" training during the course, although this does not prevent you from riding a geared moped.
If you wish to be trained on gears, but only have an automatic moped, let us know and we will arrange for you to use one of our geared vehicles for this purpose.
You can take a Moped Test and motorcycle theory test to gain a Full Moped Licence if you wish.
YOUR CBT CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR 2 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. IF IT RUNS OUT THEN YOUR PROVISIONAL MOPED LICENCE WILL BE INVALIDATED. IT WILL ALSO ONLY COVER YOU FOR MOTORCYCLES AFTER YOUR SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY UNLESS YOU REQUESTED A PROVISIONAL LICENCE "WITH MOTORCYCLES".
AGE 17 - 20 YEARS with Provisional Licence
You can ride Mopeds as above - but if your licence has Motorcycle entitlement, you can ride up to 125 cc on "L" plates - as long as the vehicle does not exceed 25kw power output, and you have completed CBT. To see whether you have Motorcycle entitlement, check your licence for valid Category A, if not you will need to return your licence to DVLA with a form D1 and request Motorcycle entitlement is added.
Your CBT will cover you - but if you have had no "gears training" you may wish to take a couple of lessons to update your training.
You can only take the test on 125cc and a theory test must be passed first. A pass will result in your gaining a licence with a restriction to 33 bhp (for information on vehicles in this category ask your dealer or training body) for TWO YEARS. After this period expires you can ride any size motorcycle.
AGE 17 - 20 YEARS with Full Car Licence
You can ride up to 125cc (within the limitations as above) on "L" plates - but you will require a CBT certificate to validate your provisional motorcycle entitlement.
21 YEARS AND OVER
You can take the Test on a 125 cc machine - and live with the restriction for TWO YEARS as above,
OR
You can do training and the test on a vehicle with more than 46 bhp (riding on "L" plates on vehicles this size can only be done with a qualified motorcycle instructor and you must be in radio contact at ALL times whilst riding).
This is called the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) - and if you pass your test on a vehicle over 46 bhp, you will gain a licence to ridge any motorcycle you choose.
If you turn 21 years old within your restricted Licence period but do not want to wait until your restriction expires, you can take the test again on a Direct Access vehicle to gain an unrestricted licence. This is called ACCERLERATED ACCESS.
You simply undertake training on a vehicle, within the Direct Access specifications, and take your Motorcycle test again on the bigger bike.
If you pass, you will no longer be restricted to 33 bhp and can ride anything you wish to.
If you fail, you will still maintain your Restricted Licence, but will need to re-take the Direct/Accelerated Access test if you want to free yourself from the 33 bhp rule.
AUTOMATIC MOTORCYCLE LICENCES
Category P: Moped Licence
Category A1: Applies to Motorcycle Tests taken on vehicles UNDER 125 cc. The licence allows holders to ride up to 125cc motorcycles without "L" plates and carry pillion passengers
Category A (Restricted): Applies to Motorcycle Tests taken on 125cc machines. Restricts the holder to vehicles not exceeding 33 bhp for 2 years.
Category A: Fully unrestricted Licence (only available to persons over 21 years).
For further information on costs please refer to the test category you wish to take.
A1 Roadcraft will make your motorcycle tuition enjoyable and fun.
We have your safety and well-being at heart, our instructors' intentions are to pass on as much of their skills as they can.
The first thing to ensure is that you have the correct Provisional Entitlement on your driving licence.
Category A for motorcycles
Category P for mopeds
Once your correct entitlement has been established, you will need to take COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING (CBT).
This course is designed to ensure that anyone wishing to ride on the road has the basic knowledge and skill needed to ride a motorcycle or moped. It validates your provisional entitlement to ride up to 125cc machines (50 cc in the case of anyone under 17 years of age) on "L" plates and is valid for 2 years. You will require a valid CBT certificate if you decide the take the motorcycle test.
After CBT has been undertaken, there are different ways of obtaining a Full Motorcycle Licence.
In all cases, a Theory Test must be passed before booking a Practical Test. We recommend a DVD-ROM called "Driving Test Success" which includes theory and hazard perception, available from computer/electrical stores, price approximately £9.99. To book the theory test either ring 0300 200 1122 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk.
If you are UNDER 17 - you can only apply for and take a Moped Licence.
If you are UNDER 21 - you can only take the test on a vehicle UP TO 125CC.
If you take the test on a 125cc machine, you will gain a licence that entitles you to ride UP TO 33 BRAKE HORSE POWER (BHP) for two years - and then you may ride ANY SIZE MOTORCYCLE. There is no other test - just a two year restriction on power output.
Most 250cc and 350cc machines fall into this range, although some larger engines may also do so. If you become 21 within the two year restriction period and wish to ride a larger bike - you may take the test again on a larger bike as detailed below.
If you are OVER 21 - you can opt to take the test on a 125cc - and have the restriction for 2 years as above (recommended for people wanting a "commuter" vehicle to go to work, etc).
OR
You can opt to take the Direct Access test. This requires you to undertake the second part of your training and the DSA test on a vehicle with more than 46 bhp. We currently use 500cc+ bikes for this purpose. If you take and pass the test on this size of vehicle, you will be able to ride any size bike from the day you pass the Test.
IN ALL CASES
We usually suggest that clients start by doing CBT independently of any intensive course, as this allows you to make sure that you are happy with the following:
1. The training body you have chosen.
2. Learning to ride is really "for you".
3. Discuss the test options once you have started the training and are more aware of what is required for the Test.
4. Discuss with your instructor what you need and obtain advice on which course suits you best.
Everyone is individual - and therefore deserves to be assessed on their own merits - rather than being offered a "Standard Course".
All of our instructors are approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
WHAT CAN YOU RIDE?
AGE 16 YEARS
With your First Provisional Licence - you can ride a Moped.
A Moped is defined as a two wheeled vehicle - not exceeding 49 cc and not exceeding 30 mph TOP SPEED. It does not matter if the moped has gears or is automatic.
You will require a Compulsory Basic Training Certificate (CBT) to validate your Licence and entitle you to ride on the road with "L" plates.
You may have your CBT certificate endorsed "Auto CAT P" if your moped is automatic - indicating that you have received no "gears" training during the course, although this does not prevent you from riding a geared moped.
If you wish to be trained on gears, but only have an automatic moped, let us know and we will arrange for you to use one of our geared vehicles for this purpose.
You can take a Moped Test and motorcycle theory test to gain a Full Moped Licence if you wish.
YOUR CBT CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR 2 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. IF IT RUNS OUT THEN YOUR PROVISIONAL MOPED LICENCE WILL BE INVALIDATED. IT WILL ALSO ONLY COVER YOU FOR MOTORCYCLES AFTER YOUR SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY UNLESS YOU REQUESTED A PROVISIONAL LICENCE "WITH MOTORCYCLES".
AGE 17 - 20 YEARS with Provisional Licence
You can ride Mopeds as above - but if your licence has Motorcycle entitlement, you can ride up to 125 cc on "L" plates - as long as the vehicle does not exceed 25kw power output, and you have completed CBT. To see whether you have Motorcycle entitlement, check your licence for valid Category A, if not you will need to return your licence to DVLA with a form D1 and request Motorcycle entitlement is added.
Your CBT will cover you - but if you have had no "gears training" you may wish to take a couple of lessons to update your training.
You can only take the test on 125cc and a theory test must be passed first. A pass will result in your gaining a licence with a restriction to 33 bhp (for information on vehicles in this category ask your dealer or training body) for TWO YEARS. After this period expires you can ride any size motorcycle.
AGE 17 - 20 YEARS with Full Car Licence
You can ride up to 125cc (within the limitations as above) on "L" plates - but you will require a CBT certificate to validate your provisional motorcycle entitlement.
21 YEARS AND OVER
You can take the Test on a 125 cc machine - and live with the restriction for TWO YEARS as above,
OR
You can do training and the test on a vehicle with more than 46 bhp (riding on "L" plates on vehicles this size can only be done with a qualified motorcycle instructor and you must be in radio contact at ALL times whilst riding).
This is called the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) - and if you pass your test on a vehicle over 46 bhp, you will gain a licence to ridge any motorcycle you choose.
If you turn 21 years old within your restricted Licence period but do not want to wait until your restriction expires, you can take the test again on a Direct Access vehicle to gain an unrestricted licence. This is called ACCERLERATED ACCESS.
You simply undertake training on a vehicle, within the Direct Access specifications, and take your Motorcycle test again on the bigger bike.
If you pass, you will no longer be restricted to 33 bhp and can ride anything you wish to.
If you fail, you will still maintain your Restricted Licence, but will need to re-take the Direct/Accelerated Access test if you want to free yourself from the 33 bhp rule.
AUTOMATIC MOTORCYCLE LICENCES
Category P: Moped Licence
Category A1: Applies to Motorcycle Tests taken on vehicles UNDER 125 cc. The licence allows holders to ride up to 125cc motorcycles without "L" plates and carry pillion passengers
Category A (Restricted): Applies to Motorcycle Tests taken on 125cc machines. Restricts the holder to vehicles not exceeding 33 bhp for 2 years.
Category A: Fully unrestricted Licence (only available to persons over 21 years).
For further information on costs please refer to the test category you wish to take.
