Hey guys, ive always been interested in bikes since i was younger and it just occurred to me to ask you lot about getting a bike license. Ive always been put off by those tiny stupid learner bikes on the road. I think they look pathetic thats why i havent taken my test. What type of bike could i learn on that is half decent. Also could anyone explain the procedure and whats involved in taking a bike test. Excuse my ignorance but you got to start somewhere right?

cheers guys.
Scrappy

Scrappy,

First of you will need to get a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), which is typically a half day at a motorcycle training centre, where they run through the basics of bike control, etc... After you've practiced this in a car park or similar you are then assessed on the road.

The CBT is valid for 3 years I think (I might well be wrong on this bit! ;)). This will allow you to ride a 125 or smaller on L plates.

You then have two choices - get a license that restricts the power of bike you can ride (not engine size, but power obtainable from it) or go for the Direct Access, which will allow you to ride any size bike. The restricted license is valid for two years, and then after that I believe you can ride any bike, or de-restrict your current bike.

The restricted license means you'll spend the best part of 4 days riding around on a 125 learning more bike control, positioning, etc... and then take your test on a 125cc. After this you can ride any bike, just so long as the power does not exceed 33bhp (hence you can buy a 600, get it restricted, and at the same time get used to riding a biker bike).

The Direct Access is the route to go IMHO as you will probably get bored of riding a 125 or similar for 2 years, and regret not going down this route first.

The Direct Access comprises of 2 days I believe on a 125 again getting used to control, positioning, etc... and then you move up to typically a 500cc bike for the remaining two days. You will also sit your test on the 500cc.

Most of the courses I know about offer 5 days worth of training, that includes the CBT, bike hire, tuition, and test. The Direct Access course is typically a little bit more expensive, due to the bike hire/insurance involved with the bigger bike.

I hope this helps, but I passed my test before all these changes were implemented, so I might be slightly wrong on a couple of things, but you should hopefully get the idea. ;)

PTMW or Matt please feel free to correct me on any bits! ;):D:D

Nope - essentially looks to be correct Scott :D

I've just checked it against the license entitlements section of DVLA form INS57P & its just about spot on with extra factual embellishments and "what it means in real life" add-ins :D ;)

:)

























OK - I'm not that sad, its just that my new Photo Driving License turned up this morning, along with an explanatory leaflet ;)

:)

Is the CBT valid for 2 or 3 years ?

Just 'cos I've got the leaflet - don't take advantage now! ;)



When you successfully complete CBT you will get a Certificate of Completion (DL196) which is valid for 3 years. Certificates issued before 1 July 1996 expired on 30 June 1999. The requirement to complete CBT does not apply to those riders who are:

learning to ride a motorcycle and who have already obtained full moped entitlement as a result of passing a moped test on or after 1 December 1990, or

riding a moped with full entitlement given automatically with a full car test.

If you have any queries about CBT phone DSA on 0115 901 2500 and ask for CBT section.



OK? ;)

:)

Just did my CBT last saturday and they're now only valid for 2 years - used to be 3 years.

Dave

Hmmm I thought it was 2 years, cos I got my certificate at the end of August. But couldn't remember, and my certificate is at home (not work !)

Direct Access (big bike) test a week on Tuesday :( Scared... Still cr@p at U turns...

Good Luck BS. I was crapping myself as well mate, but give it a mile or 2 and the nerves back off a bit. Mine dodgy bit was the emergency stops, if you're alright with them, you'll get the U-turns eventually. Decided on what bike yet?

Chaps,

I don't think you're limited to a 125, just a bike that only makes 15bhp (it used to be 12).

BlackScooby,

The trick is to not touch the front brake, slip the clutch, keep the revs up and control the speed of the bike with the back wheel. It's not that difficult and a bit of practise will soon sort you out (or do you know all this already? ;):) )

Matt :)

P.S. On my Advanced Test, the examiner (who is a Class1 Bike Cop) walked alongside my right hand side watching my right hand. I didn't touch the front brake lever but I've heard from others that he slaps people who even rest their hand on it whilst doing full lock, figure of eight U-turn type manoeuvres.

Oh may god. There was one hell of an accident apparently yesterday right where my girlfriend lives. She drove past the accident site and saw a biker on his back and the car that hit him was in one hell of a state. Just heard now that he died. RIP mate. I think that just put me off. The misses said that if i had a bike she would finish with me, that is unless i killed myself first. Thanks for the advice guys. I will look into it but i doubt i will get one now. Its just a too bigger risk. Its not you its other road users so you can drive as safe as you like then some idiot comes hurtling round the corner and BANG!!!!! Your gone like that guy. My condolencies to his family.

ScrappyDoo

I know what you mean mate. I did my CBT came into work all dead chuffed with myself then heard about a friends mate (didnt know him, but had seen him once or twice) that was killed in front of him on the road. My friend did get back on a bike and still rides just as fast/hard as before.

All bikers now the POSSIBLE risk, and I did think at the time is it worth it, but I'm still going to do a DAS course at some time. Theres always trackdays if you would prefer :) Though of course would you think about never getting in a car if you knew of a fatal car crash?

Richard

edit : CBT lasts for 2 years, you have to upgrade to a full license in that time or you'll have to wait another year before you can retake the CBT.

[Edited by rr_ww - 10/6/2002 12:31:50 PM]

[Edited by rr_ww - 10/6/2002 3:57:27 PM]

Oops - just re-read the leaflet :o

CBT valid for two years only.

It was referring to a previous time zone where before June 96, they were valid for 3 years - which is academic now as expired :confused:

Sorry for any confusion...

:)

rr_ww

Yeh i suppose, i see your point mate.Like you said i could do the track days. Niceone :) It would be alot safer.

cheers

scrappy