You want to discover the freedom of motorcycling - no more buses, trains, traffic jams or parking problems - but during this time you will be at your most vunerable.

That's why you owe it to yourself to get the best possible training right from the start.

Before riding any motorcycle you must obtain a provisional licence for a motorcycle or moped or posess a full car or moped licence which acts as a provisional licence.

A motorcycle is a machine which exceeds 50cc, a moped is a machine which does not exceed 50cc.

Licence Categories

• Category P for Mopeds age 16+
• Category A for Motorcycles age 17+
• Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Upon obtaining your provisional licence you must undertake a Compulsory Basic Training course (CBT) with an approved training body and attain a CBT certificate to validate your provisional entitlement.

Once completed you will be allowed to ride on the road with L plates, but not allowed to carry passengers.

The CBT certificate is valid for two years.

Routes to your Full Motorcycle licence

Riders Age 16

At age 16 you can legally learn to ride a moped under 50cc, the bike can either be automatic or geared. You will need to complete a CBT course to validate your provisional licence so that you can ride on the road with L plates. Your CBT certificate will be valid for 2 years.

Riders under 21

A learner motorcycle rider under 21 has the option to take two types of practical test:

1. Sub-category A1 light motorcycle which allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc (11kW / 14.6bhp), or

2. The standard category A2 which allows you to ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW / kg.  You will be entitled to ride larger powered motorcycles after 2 years as a full motorcycle licence holder.

Riders over 21

Learner motorcyclists aged 21 or over may choose:

1. either of the options open to riders under 21, or

2. direct access to larger bikes over 25kW (33bhp).

Motorcycle/Moped Theory Test

The Theory test is conducted by the DSA at a local theory test centre and is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of riding theory, which will assist you to a better understanding of practical riding skills.

The Theory test consists of 35 multiple-choice questions and 15 on road hazard clips. We can lend you material to help you study for the test.

Tests are held weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays. The cost is £28.50 and can be booked online at www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest or by calling 0870 01 01 372.

If you're training with us we can book the test for you.

All Motorcycle/Moped test candidates will have to pass a theory test before a practical test can be booked.

Please remember this when booking a training course with a test at the end.

Practical Tests

A Practical test can be booked online at www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest or by calling the DSA on 0870 01 01 372 the cost is £60.00 (£70 for week-end tests).

If you're training with us we can book the test for you alternatively call us we may have test dates available.

Intensive training with us and the test fee is included in the price.

Remember, you will only be able to book a practical test if you have a Theory pass certificate.