In the UK there is a process to go through in order to get
your motorcycle licence.
CBT
The CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is the starting point
for anybody wishing to ride a motorcycle.
The CBT is usually a one day course costing between £110 and £180
(prices vary from training centre to training centre.)
Upon passing your CBT you can ride up to a 125cc on the public
roads (restricted to 50cc for 16 year olds). The certificate lasts for two years and if you have not
taken any further training then you must complete this again.
Theory & Hazard Perception
The Theory & Hazard Perception test costs £23
and can be booked directly through Gov.uk website.
The first part is a multiple choice test done on a computer in a
controlled environment, headphones, private booth, monitored by a DVLA official.
You have 57 (no idea where they pulled that number from) minutes
to answer 50 questions and in order to pass you must get at least 43
correct.
Your Hazard and Perception test is completed immediately after finishing your theory.
You stay sat in your booth in the test centre and it will begin automatically.
You will sit and watch videos of people driving from the drivers perspective,
it is then your task to click when you spot a hazard. You will watch a total of
14 clips. Each clip will have at least one developing hazard, a developing hazard
is something that would cause you to take action i.e slowing, changing direction.
Your task is to click as soon as you spot the hazard. For example, a car will be
parked on the side of a road which is not a hazard. As you approach their indicator
comes on and they start to move, the sooner tou spot that indicator and click the more
points you get, maximum 5 per clip. My advice to anyone sitting their test is to click
through the hazard as it develops i.e indicator cones on *click* car starts to move
*click* getting closer to the car that is oulling out *click* car comes to a stop
because they pulled right into your path *click*. This is of course just how I done mine,
my theory being if you miss the full marks for any reason you still get some.
There are a total 75 points available during the
hazard and perception test and you must get at least 44 to pass.
Both the Theory and the Hazard Perception tests must be
passed at the same time. You will then be issues your certificate
and that is valid for 2 years.
Mod 1
Module 1 is taken in an enclosed car park and is made up of the slower manoeuvres.
You must pass your CBT and Theory & Hazard Perception and your certificates must be in date to take your mod 1.
It takes approximately 20 minutes and consists of:
Wheeling the moped/motorcycle and using the stand
Riding a slalom and figure of 8
Slow riding
U turn
Cornering and controlled stop
Cornering and emergency stop
Cornering and hazard avoidance
For hazard avoidance and emergency stops you must pass through the speed trap at:
19mph on moped
31mph motorcycle
Module 1 has an allowance of upto 5 riding faults, also known as minors but any
serious or dangerous riding faults, also known as majors, is an instant fail.
Upon passing the test you are given a certificate that is valid for 2 years
or until you pass mod 2, whichever comes first.
Fun Fact - For both mod 1 and mod 2 you do not actually need to use an instructor.
Whilst it is advisable to have lessons first you can book you mod 1 and mod 2 without and instructor
and you can use your own bike so long as it has the correct insurance, tax, mot and you can not ride it to the test centre
yourself. Module 1 currently costs £15.50.
Mod 2
Module 2 is an on road test. You must have passed CBT, Theory & Hazard Perception and Mod 1 before you sit your Mod 2
and all certificates must be in date.
Mod 2, in my opinion, is the easiest of all the tests. It takes approximately 40 minutes
and will cost you £75 on weekdays and £88.50 on weekends and bank holidays.
As above you do not have to go through an instructor but it is advised.
Module 2 consists of:
An eye test (read a number plate at 20 meters)
'show me, tell me' (show me how to check your lights work, tell me what you would adjust when taking a pilly)
Road riding (turn left, turn right, next roundabout 3rd exit)
Independent riding (follow the signs for X)
Module 2 has an allowance of up to 10 riding faults, also known as minors, but any dangerous riding faults,
also known as majors, is an instant fail. Upon finishing your test your examiner will tell you
if you passed or failed and usually will let you know of any faults or the reasoning behind failure
if that is the case. If you pass you are given a certificate and given the choice to have them
send your licence off to have your new entitlement added. You DO NOT have to wait
until you get your licence through to start riding but it is advisable to carry your pass certificate
until your licence comes back.
As well as completing the above tests there are also age
restrictions and therefore 4 different licence types.
AM - at 16 years old can ride a 49cc with a maximum speed of 28mph
A1 - at 17 years old can ride upto 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW
A2 - at 19 years old can ride a motorbike with a power output up to 35kW and power
to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW per KG
A - at 24 years old, or 21 if A2 held for minimum 2 years, can ride any motorbike
