CBT/Licence Rules
Click below for related pages
If you're confused about all the rules and regulations relating to riding you bike on the road (we don't blame you!!). This guide should help.
This intended as a guide only - please check your own position with your training centre.
 | Correct Licence |
| CBT |
| Theory Test |
| Moped Licence |
| A1 Licence |
| Restricted Licence |
| Direct Access |
| Accelerated Access |
| How much does it cost? |
| Restrictor kits |
Before you think about training make sure you have a valid licence. With a full car licence you can learn on bikes up to 125cc. Otherwise you will need to apply to DVLA for provisional motorcycle entitlement to be added. Be warned that this is only valid for 2 years and then will be suspended for a year if you haven't passed your test. Also make sure that your licence has your current address on it.
Compulsory Basic Training is the first step everyone has to take. They will check your documents and eyesight. You can use your own bike but most riders borrow a training school bike. It involves a mixture of theory, basic bike control, practice riding on an off road car park area and finally a test ride on the road accompanied by an instructor. It is usually done in one day and if you pass you will be given a DL196 pass form. This is valid for 3 years.
You now need to take a multiple choice test of about 35 questions lasting about 30-40 minutes. There are plenty of books available to guide you but do do your homework ! We known some people take this 4 or 5 times! You are exempted if you already have a full car licence.
If you 16 then this will be your first step. A moped has an engine up to 50cc with a maximum speed 30mph. A full car licence holder can ride one but we would recommend taking a CBT.
A strange new idea ! Aimed at commuters who would be happy restricted to a 125cc bike but we would suggest going straight for the restricted licence as it won't cost much more and gives you the choice to go for a larger bike in the future.
Restricted Licence. back to top
If you pass this test you will be able to ride bikes up to 33bhp (which covers most cruiser/commuter 250cc bikes.) for 2 years after which you will be able to ride any bike. You will be able to carry a passenger and lose the L-plates. The test is taken on a 125cc bike and this time you will be followed by a Driving Standards Authority examiner with a two way radio. The test will include some training area work before setting out on the road. they will be watching for safe, confident riding skills including emergency stop, hill starts, u-turns and the route will include most traffic hazards ie traffic lights, roundabouts and right turns.
If you are over 21 and would prefer to learn on a larger bike and not have the 33bhp restriction then this is the route to take. You will have similar training to that of the restricted licence starting out on a 125cc but will then progress onto a larger (minimum 46.6bhp) bike. Most training schools prefer a GS500E or similar. You cannot train independently as the rules say you must always be accompanied on the road by an instructor in radio contact. Pass this test and you can ride whatever you like straight away.
Accelerated Access back to top
If you have taken a restricted licence test and decide you don't want to wait the 2 years to step up to a larger bike and you are over 21 you can take this test.
How much does it cost? back to top
| Training/Test | Cost |
| CBT | About £50 for a days training incl test plus about #30 a day to hire a bike. |
| Theory Test | £15 |
| A1 Licence | Over 2-4 days £200 - £300 |
| Restricted Licence | Over 2-4 days £200 - £300 |
| Direct Access | Over 2-4 days £250 - £500 |
| Accelerated Access | Over 2 days £200 - £400 |
Due to the changes in legislation which introduced the restricted licence some manufacturers have produced models specifically to comply with the 33bhp limit or already have lower power models available. However some riders prefer to buy a more powerful bike they want now and fit a restrictor kit and then remove it when the 2 year limit is up. Most insurers are reluctant to get involved however with such bikes. This is because:
- they don't seem to reduce performance hugely
- some riders remove them straightaway (shocking but true!!)
- it costs them the same, if it is stolen or damaged, as a full power model.