How to get your licence

Getting your bike licence really couldn’t be easier. Follow our guide to see which route is best for you

STARTING TO RIDE is easy. Just pick up the phone or go and see some local motorcycle training schools. All should be able to tell you which licence you can do, how much training you’ll need and how much it’s going to cost. All schools have to be qualified, but see if you hit it off with one then go with them – you’ll learn so much more if you’re enjoying yourself. Some schools may offer an assessment – and if so, take it up, as the school will get a much better idea of how much training you need (you may be a natural!). Here are the stages you’ll have to go through.

Compulsory Basic Training

The CBT is the first step for everyone from the 16 year old who wants a scooter to those who will be going on to take their full test. It follows a schedule and covers basics such as what to wear, the bike controls and maintenance. Then it’s time to get used to the controls in the safety of a private site. Once you’ve mastered pulling away, changing gear and stopping, it’s back into the classroom for a chat about what to look out for on the road, followed by a minimum two-hour road ride.

The CBT is a course not a test, so you can’t fail it – but if you struggle with any of it you may need longer to get to the standard needed. Don’t feel bad: everyone learns at a different rate, so just take your time. Once you have your CBT you can ride a bike of up to 125cc for two years, providing you have L-plates fitted, don’t carry passengers or go on motorways. If you haven’t progressed to a full licence by the time your two years is up, you must do another CBT.

Theory test

If you want to do the full test, you need to pass the theory test for motorcycles. This is similar to the car theory test. You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions and then watch 14 video clips and click a mouse to identify developing hazards.

It’s not difficult but it is designed for new drivers, so think like a learner! You can take the theory test any time before your test, but if you’ve been driving for years it might actually be best to take it after your CBT so you’re less likely to think like a seasoned driver – with bad habits. Like the CBT, the theory test is also valid for two-years: if it lapses, you must retake it.

Age restrictions

Age does have its benefits as the older you are the bigger the bike you can ride. At 16 you can ride a moped up to a 50cc and at 17 you can ride up to a 125cc bike. If you don’t want anything bigger, there are tests you could do so you don’t have to keep retaking the CBT every two years.

At 19 you can take your A2 test to ride a bike with up to 46bhp. After you’ve held an A2 licence for two years you can take another test on a bike of at least 595cc to get a full A licence – so you could be qualified to ride any bike when you’re as young as 21. Or you can wait until you’re 24, where you can take your Category A test on a bike over 595cc to get the full licence.

“Everyone learns at different rates, so just take your time” “Module One takes place at the test centre… safely away from traffic”

The tests

That’s right: there are two tests. Module One takes place at the test centre, on a large area of tarmac that’s safely away from traffic, where you’ll be asked to do several manoeuvres to show you have good control. Module Two, usually taken a day or two after, is a road ride with the examiner following. You have to pass Mod One before you can take Mod Two.