Learner Rider Page

The Law Explained - Provisional Licence for Motorcycles

Here's the law as stated in the D100 leaflet from the DVLC (available from the Post Office).

From 1st January 1997 ALL learner moped and motorcycle riders irrespective of when a licence was issued must complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road.

When you pass your CBT you get a Certificate of Completion (DL196) which is valid for 3 years. Keep your certification as you need to show the examiner it when you take your test.

There are 2 groups of rider who do not need to take a CBT test:

Riders who have obtained full moped entitlement as a result of passing a moped test on or after 1st December 1990. (Not much help to the 17 to 21 year olds)

Riders who are riding a moped with the full entitlement given automatically with a full car licence.

Any questions about this part should be directed to: The Driving Standards Agency, Tel. 0115 901 2500 (ask for the CBT section)

Training Centres
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Riders Under 21

A learner motorcycle rider under 21 has the option to take 2 types of test - Subcategory A1 light motorcycle or the Standard Category A.

A test passed in subcategory A1 will allow you to ride motorcycles of up to 125cc (14.6bhp / 11kW). A test passed on standard category A will allow you to ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 33bhp (25kW) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. You will be entitled to ride larger powered motorcycles after 2 years as a full motorcycle licence holder.

Riders Over 21

Learner motorcyclists aged 21 or over may choose either of the options available to riders under 21 or a third option is DIRECT ACCESS to larger bikes over 33bhp (25kW).

Training for Direct Access:

So that learners ages 21 or over may practice for the large bike test, they may ride any bike on the road which exceeds the UK learner specification but only when accompanied (on another bike) by an approved motorcycle instructor. The practical test may only be taken by riders aged 21 or over and completed on a bike of at least 46.6bhp (35kW). The passing of this test immediately qualifies the rider to ride any size bike without learner restrictions.

Note: Motorcycle Power Output

The power output of an engine is measured in brake horse power (bhp) or kilowatts (kW). A kilowatt is the metric measurement of brake horse power. 1 bhp = 0.75 kW.

Engine capacity (or size) is measured in cubic centimetres (cc or cm3). The size of an engine is not directly related to its power output.

DON'T FORGET : When you pass your test you have to apply for your full licence, it doesn't happen automatically. If you don't do this within 2 years you have to go through it all again.

Geoff Towers Motorcycles, Guisborough, Cleveland, UK.
Telephone (01287) 638987