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CBT: The minimum requirement by law is the CBT (compulsory basic training) certificate. This provides evidence of basic competency only. Little actual road training. Most of the work will be done in an enclosed area away from the public highway, teaching basic roadcraft. When ready, a pursuit test is given, with the instructor following and in radio contact. Once passed, the CBT allows candidates to ride bikes of 125cc or less for three years using L plates. If the full licence is not gained in that time, the CBT has to be re-taken. Requirements: 17 years old or above, must hold a full car or provisional motorcycle licence. Theory test: This consists of a written paper with questions chosen at random by a computer (so no two papers are the same). Holding a car theory test does not exclude you from taking the bike test. HMSO publish a useful guide ‘Passing the Theory Test’, which contains all the answers, so doing your homework will make passing a doddle. Full licence: Pass the above and you can move on to the full licence. This is a pursuit test similar to the car licence, with the examiner following either in a car or on a bike. The examiner is in radio contact at all times. There is one major difference to the car test. A U-turn has to be completed both under power and by pushing the bike! Since 1st January 1997, there are two categories of licence: Category A1 restricts the rider to machines of 125cc or less permanently. The test must be taken on a bike between 50-125cc. Category A restricts holders for two years from their pass date to bikes of a maximum output of 33bhp, after which they automatically qualify to ride any capacity bike. The test must be taken on a bike between 120 and 125cc, capable of no more than 60mph. Requirements: CBT and theory test certificates. Direct access. Over 21’s can avoid the two year waiting period by taking training and a pursuit test on a machine of greater than 46.6bhp. There is no difference between the category A/A1 test and direct access, except that a larger capacity machine is used. However, the candidate must be accompanied on the road at all times by a qualified instructor. Holders of a category A licence who reach 21 during the two year waiting period may also apply to take the direct access test. Where to get training: There are literally hundreds of training schools around the country. Check bike magazines, the Thompson Local and Yellow Pages for local courses. Local authorities also provide training. This is usually a much cheaper option, but bikes may not be provided. Check before booking the course unless you intend to provide your own wheels. Back to Bob's index... |