Understanding UK Motorcycle Licences: Your Guide by WhateverWheels Yamaha

Embarking on your journey into the world of motorcycles and scooters is an exciting step! At WhateverWheels Yamaha, your premier Yamaha dealer in Lancashire, we're here to make understanding the UK's motorcycle licence laws simple. Whether you're aiming for a learner legal bike or a full-powered Yamaha motorbike, this guide will help you navigate the requirements.

The UK government introduced new motorcycle licence laws in January 2013, primarily affecting new riders passing their tests on or after this date. Let's explore the steps you need to take to get on the road safely and legally with your new Yamaha motorcycle.

Getting Started: Provisional Licence & CBT

1. Getting Your UK Provisional Motorcycle Licence

To begin your two-wheeled adventure, you'll need a provisional Category A licence. This may already be included in your full car licence, or you can apply for a standalone provisional licence. If you don't already have one, you can apply online via GOV.UK.

2. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Before you can ride any moped, scooter, or motorcycle on the road with L plates, you must complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). It's important to remember that CBT is not a motorcycle test; rather, it's an assessment by an instructor to ensure you can ride safely. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a DL196 certificate.

CBT consists of 5 key elements:

• Introduction and eyesight check
• Practical on-site training
• Practical on-site riding
• Practical on-road training
• Practical on-road riding

You'll progress through each element once your trainer is confident you've grasped the theory and demonstrated practical skills to a safe basic level. Training typically involves a maximum of 4 learners per trainer for on-site elements and 2 learners per trainer for on-road elements.

For most, completing CBT takes just one day. However, for those who require a little more caution or practice, an instructor may recommend additional instruction to ensure road safety. Your DL196 certificate is valid for two years; if you haven't gained a full motorcycle or moped licence within this period, you must repeat your CBT.

Note: If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001, you may ride a restricted 50cc moped on the road without L plates (and carry a passenger) without taking your CBT. However, you still need to successfully complete your CBT to ride any motorcycle over 50cc. Even with this exemption, completing CBT is highly recommended for your safety and confidence on the roads, especially if you haven't ridden before.

3. Theory Test

You must pass a Motorcycle Theory Test, which includes a Hazard Perception Test, before taking any Practical Motorcycle Test. Your Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. You are exempt from taking the theory test again if you have passed a two-part moped test or a lower category motorcycle test since 1st July 1996.

Motorcycle Licence Categories

AM Licence - Aged 16 or over (Moped Licence)

At 16, after completing your CBT and passing your theory test, you can take a practical test to get an AM licence. This allows you to ride a moped (either scooter or motorcycle style) up to 50cc with a top speed of 45 km/h (around 28mph) without L plates, and to carry a passenger. Even if you choose not to get your full moped licence and just ride with L plates after your CBT, we strongly recommend further training to improve your riding skills and road sense.

A1 Licence - Aged 17 or over (Light Motorcycle Licence)

At 17, after passing your CBT and theory tests, you can take a 2-stage practical test to get an A1 licence. This category allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc (with a maximum power of 11 KW) without L plates, and to carry a passenger. Passing a full motorcycle test can also potentially reduce your motorcycle insurance costs.

After two years of holding an A1 motorcycle licence, you can take another practical test to qualify for an A2 Motorcycle Licence (see below).

Again, even if you opt to ride on L plates after completing your CBT instead of gaining your A1 Licence, we strongly advise you to get additional training for your own safety and confidence.

A2 Licence - Aged 19 or over (Medium Motorcycle Licence)

At 19, you can get an A2 Motorcycle Licence, allowing you to ride a motorcycle or scooter with power up to 35KW (46.6 bhp), typically meaning up to 500cc engine size, or a restricted version of a bigger, more powerful model.

There are two ways to qualify for an A2 licence:

1. If you have held an A1 Motorcycle Licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test.
2. If you are 19 or older, you can take the Direct Access route by completing your CBT, passing your Theory Test, and passing your Practical Tests.

You are then allowed to ride any A2 category motorbike or scooter without L plates and to carry a passenger. After holding an A2 Motorcycle Licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test to get an unrestricted A Motorcycle Licence (see below).

A Licence - Aged 21 or over (Unrestricted Motorcycle Licence)

At 21, you can get an A Motorcycle Licence, allowing you to ride any motorcycle or scooter of any size or power. There are two ways to qualify for an A Motorcycle Licence:

1. If you have held an A2 Motorcycle Licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test.
2. If you haven't held an A2 licence for two years, and if you are aged 24 or over, you can take the Direct Access route by completing CBT, Theory tests, and a practical test.

You are then allowed to ride any motorbike or scooter without L plates and to carry a passenger.