For any prospective motorcyclists out there that want to get involved, In this blog I will go through what it takes to become a motorcyclist and how the licensing and tests work.
Now the testing has become somewhat more complicated since I completed my motorcycle test back in 2011, but don't worry, I have done the research so you don't have to! Just listen to me ramble and you will know everything there is to know about getting your first UK motorcycle license.
CBT
This is the first stop for any one looking to get into motorcycling. Fond memories come flooding back when I think about the day I completed my CBT. Basically its not really a test, the instructor made me ride around in a circle in a car park all morning, made sure I knew the laws of the road before heading onto the road. Once I was on the road I almost instantly dropped the bike going around a mini roundabout. Now I made sure I did this in the most embarrassing way possible, right in front of a line of traffic, and in view of my instructor who by this time was keeling over with laughter. I felt proud.. Anyway somehow I was deemed safe to ride on the road despite my little slip up and away I went. This is what the CBT is about, giving any new rider the essentials for road riding.
Once passing your CBT you can a ride a 50cc moped, or ride an Aprilia RS50 and pretend you are Max Biaggi riding round the estate. Both choices would be limited to 50cc and 48 kmh (28mph). If you are 17 or over, however you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorcycle with an arm ripping 11kw (15bhp) on tap. With both of these options you will need to display learner plates. Now things you can't do are ride on motorways or carry a passenger, not that you would want to on a 50 or 125cc motorcycle.
AM
I must admit the AM license is something I have never heard of until I researched it, I don't think its a route many people go down. It is basically a license that allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 50 cc, without learner plates and also carry a passenger. However if you are carrying a passenger, unless its someone as small as Dani Pedrosa, don't expect to get anywhere very quickly. To get your AM lisense you must have completed a CBT and then a further theory and practical test.
A1
With the A1 license you would be able to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125 cc and yep... you guessed it, limited to 11kw (15bhp). You will also now be able to carry a passenger and won't need to display your L plates. To get an A1 license there will be a theory test and a 2 stage practical test. Things get better from here onwards though, after holding this license for two years, a separate test can be taken to progress onto an A2 license.
A2
Here is where things really start to get interesting! At 19 you can take the theory and practical tests to get an A2 license. With an A2 license you can ride bikes up to 35kw (46 bhp). If the motorcycle you have your eye on has more power than this, you should be able to get a restriction kit to limit the power to 46 bhp. This should give you enough go to keep up with most people on ride outs!
A
With the A license you have reached the ultimate goal, he who waits gets unlimited power, unless you are 24 or over then you can skip the other licenses and go straight for the A license. Again its a theory test and a two stage practical, then you can ride whatever you want. If you are under 24 but have been on the A2 license for two years, you can take an extra test to upgrade to the A license.
Lastly...
Hopefully this overview of how the licensing system works has helped some of you, now go out there and achieve your two wheel dreams! The Bike Stop team as always are up to date with all things motorcycle, if you have any questions that I didn't answer about licensing here, don't hesitate to contact the team on +44 (0)1438 317038
