Know Your UK Licence! New UK Motorcycle Licence Categories. UK Driving Licence rules for motorcyclists changed on 19th January 2013, effecting younger learner motorcyclists wanting get a full UK bike licence, and what size motorbikes they are able to ride. 16+ AND 17+ Riding on L-Plates? The days of just sticking L-plates onto a 50cc moped at 16 years old or onto a 125cc or even 250cc at 17 years old and riding away are long gone, thanks to the introduction of the 'CBT' (Compulsory Basic Training) in 1990. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) remains a requirement for any learner motorcyclist wishing to ride a moped (up to 50cc) at 16+ or a motorcycle (up to 125cc) at 17+ on the road with l-plates. A CBT certificate lasts for 2 years. There are restrictions on learner moped and motorcycle riders, the main one being that they are NOT allowed to carry passengers. Motorcycling on a new full UK licence from January 19th 2013 The most significant changes are for younger bike riders, particularly those hoping to get onto a large machine at a young age. Staged Access It is now no longer possible for a young rider to progress to an unlimited capacity/power machine until they are at least 21 following a staggered progression and having taken 3 practical motorcycle tests (one at 17, one at 19 and one at 21)! Before the licence changes came into effect on 19th January 2013, someone passing their bike test at 17 would be have been able to ride any capacity or power machine at 19 years old after riding for 2 years on a machine with a maximum power of 33bhp. Direct Access -minimum age rise: Before the licence changes on 19th January 2013, someone wanting to get an unrestricted licence to ride any capacity or power of motorbike straight away could do so at the age of 21 after taking a CBT, theory test, and a practical test on a medium capacity machine, usually at the end of a Direct Access course. From 19th January 2013 the rules changed making this impossible for people under 24 years of age. New Motorcycle machine requirements for practical tests and restrictions on passing: AM- Moped From 19th January 2013 FOR PRACTICAL TEST- Must be a solo moped with a maximum capacity of 50cc and top design speed of 30mph. Minimum age of candidate is 16 years old. RESTRICTION on passing test - As above without the need for L plates and the ability to carry a passenger. STAGE 1 OF STAGED ACCESS A1 Light Motorcycle From 19th January 2013 FOR PRACTICAL TEST- Must be a solo motorcycle between 120cc and 125cc with a power output maximum of 14.6bhp, but must be capable of a speed of at least 55mph. Minimum age of candidate is 17 years old, and a theory test must be passed before applying for the practical test. RESTRICTION on passing test- Maximum capacity of bike 125cc and 14.6bhp for a minimum of 2 years, however no longer need to display L plates and can carry passenger and ride on the motorway. STAGE 2 OF STAGED ACCESS After holding A1 licence for a minimum of 2 years. A2 Standard Motorcycle From 19th January 2013 FOR PRACTICAL TEST- Must be a solo motorcycle with a capacity of at least 395cc with a power output between 33bhp and 46.6bhp with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW per kg. Minimum age of candidate is 19 years old. NOTE- If the motorcycle has been restricted, the normal unrestricted power output must not exceed 70kW (approx 93bhp). RESTRICTION on passing test- Max power of machine 47bhp for a minimum of 2 years. STAGE 3 OF STAGED ACCESS After holding A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years. A- Unrestricted From 19th January 2013 FOR PRACTICAL TEST- Must be a solo motorcycle with a capacity of at least 595cc with a power output of at least 40kW (approx 54bhp) RESTRICTION on passing test- None. You can ride any capacity machine that you can afford and afford insurance for. DIRECT ACCESS - Minimum age from 19th January 2013 is 24 years old. A- Unrestricted From 19th January 2013 FOR PRACTICAL TEST- Must be a solo motorcycle with a capacity of at least 595cc with a power output of at least 40kW (approx 54bhp). Candidate must pass a theory test before applying for the practical test. RESTRICTION on passing- None. You can ride any capacity machine. |