Licence Limitations
New riders, learners and small bikes
On more than one occasion, I’ve heard bikers talking about how difficult it is to get your hands on a motorcycle licence ‘nowadays’. Once upon a time, all that was necessary to pass was to prove that you could safely ride a motorcycle around the block. That’s not the case any more.
The current system might appear complex, convoluted and pretty pricey – and to some extent, it is. But we’re told it’s that way for a reason
– to help make motorcycling safer. But does it work? Or does it just put people off getting on two wheels?
I’m not talking about the CBT. That’s a doddle – and plenty of people are up for spending £100 to get their hands on an AM or A1 licence (depending on their age, of course). But it’s the next step in the process where things start to get a little more complicated.
I’m one of the few in the office who got their hands on a licence since the new rules came into play. First I passed my CBT and spent close to a couple of years riding a Yamaha XT 125 both on- and off-road. Those first months of my riding career were invaluable. I was out on the road at every opportunity, practicing and perfecting my skills. As you’d expect I had a couple of prangs during that time. Nothing major, but I miscalculated a corner and ended up in a ditch and lost the front end down a wet and muddy green lane. But it was all important to my progression as a biker. By the time I began to think about taking my test, I was ready, and as a result (plus a little luck) I passed without a single fault.
I see no reason why a 19-year-old wouldn’t be just as well equipped after spending a couple of years on a 125cc machine. Why should they have to wait until they’re 21?
I have heard bikers compare the rules for a car and motorcycle licence. If you pass your driving test at 17 you can head out and immediately buy a supercar, providing you’ve got the cash. And there’s no denying that’s a compelling point – there’s one rule for car drivers and there’s one rule for motorcyclists. Now, that’s not to say I think it’s a good idea to let 17-yearolds out on a 200bhp sportbike, but I do think there’s probably a middle ground to be found to help make it a little easier to ride a motorcycle or scooter. Don’t you?