What motorcycles
you can ride
A moped has a maximum
design speed not exceeding 50km/h (approx. 31mph). It has an engine capacity no
greater than 50cc and can be moved by pedals, if first used before 1 August 1977.
A learner motorcycle has an engine up to 125cc and a power output not exceeding
11kW
Full motorcycle
licence
There are two types
of full motorcycle licence:
- a light motorcycle
licence (A1), which restricts riders to any bike up to 125cc and a power output
of 11kW. The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc
- a standard motorcycle
licence (A), is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120cc
but not more than 125cc and capable of at least 100km/h per hour. After passing
the standard motorcycle practical test, you will be restricted for two years to
riding a bike of up to 25kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.
After this you may ride any size of bike
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Direct and accelerated
access
Riders age 21 or
over, or those who reach 21 before their two year restriction ends, have other
options.
Direct access
After taking CBT
and the theory test, the practical test may be taken on a motorcycle with a power
output of at least 35kW. A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. All or part
of the CBT course may be taken on either a learner bike or a large bike. You may
practice for the practical test on bikes larger than the learner bike specification
provided:
- you are accompanied
at all times by an approved instructor on another bike and in radio contact
- you wear fluorescent
or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions
Accelerated
access
Riders who reach
the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted
to maximum 25kW machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further
test on a motorcycle of at least 35kW. They may practice on bikes over 25kW under
the same practice conditions for direct access riders. You will revert to learner
status while practicing (on a motorcycle greater than 25kW) although test failure
will not affect your existing licence.
Sidecars
Learners who wish
to ride with a sidecar can practice on a combination with a power/weight ratio
not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. On obtaining a standard licence, you will be restricted
to a combination with the same power/weight ratio for two years. At age 21 learners
may, only within direct or accelerated access, practice on a larger combination,
but the test must be taken on a solo bike (although physically disabled riders
can use a combination).
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