Routes to your motorcycle licence
The diagram below shows four routes to a full (Category A) motorcycle licence.
50cc:
A moped has an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc and a maximum speed of 31
mph,. The most common form, and the weapon of choice for discerning 16 year olds
is the scooter. Scooters have an automatic gearbox which give a ‘Twist and Go’
ride, leaving you to concentrate on traffic conditions without the hassle of
changing gear. As with an automatic car, if you pass the Test on a scooter, you
will have to take an additional test if you want to ride a manually geared bike.
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50cc geared bikes are available, giving the chance to get used to riding a
geared bike. They are no faster than scooters, but if you’re 16 and intend
moving up through bike capacities once you reach 17, this option is worth
considering.
Whether geared or ‘Twist and Go’, be aware that the 30 mph top speed can cause
problems in trafic, for example pulling out of junctions, or on a hill where
your speed will drop below 30 mph, which can be frustrating for traffic behind
you. During your CBT we will address both of these situations, and show you the
best and safest way to cope with them. To ride a scooter on the road, you must
be 16 or over, have completed the CBT, and you must display L plates until you
pass the practical Test. |
 500cc:
Getting in to the realm of big bikes now. If you’re over 21 and starting from scratch you can complete a
(commonly) 2-4 day course on a 500cc bike, and take the test immediately
after. This is the Direct Access (or DAS) route. After passing the Test by
this route you can ride any sized bike.
Accelerated Access scheme:
If you were under 21 when you passed the Test, this could be for you.
Having passed the Test, and on reaching your 21st birthday,
you can apply to re-sit the Test on a 500cc+ machine. If you pass,
the two year restriction period ends and you can ride any bike from that point.
Preparation is the same as for Direct Access.
Direct Access Scheme (DAS):
After taking CBT and the theory test, if you’re over 21 the practical Test can be taken on a 500cc+ bike. A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. Preparation for the Test by this route is carried out on the 500cc+ bike, but you must at all times be accompanied by an approved (DAS qualified) instructor on another bike who is in radio contact with you.
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