Driver guidelines & requirements

The following steps are needed for someone in the UK to operate a motorbike legally. This is needed before actually getting a insurance for both the bike and the rider.

All learner motorcyclists and moped riders must complete CBT before riding on the road unless they:

• Passed a full moped test after 1 December 1990
• Live and ride on specified offshore islands
• Already hold a Certificate of Completion (DL196) obtained during a previous motorcycle entitlement or when riding a moped
• Intend to ride a moped and passed the car tests before 1st February 2001

When you've completed CBT you'll be given a DL196. You must produce this before you can take the practical motorcycle test.

A DL196 has a 2year life. If you don't pass both your theory and practical tests in that time then you'll have to take the CBT course again.

A DL196 obtained on a moped is valid for a motorcycle when the rider reaches the age of 17.

There are three types of full motorcycle licences to aim for.

Category P - moped.

Category A1 - light motorcycle licence - to receive this you must take and pass your test on a motorcycle with:

• an engine size over 75cc but not more then 125cc
• a power output of not more than 11kW (14.6 bph)
• a maximum speed of not more than 100 kph (62.5 mph)

You will now have full licence entitlement on any motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp). This licence is intended for riders of C90s and similar who don't intend to ride anything bigger. It will not become an unrestricted category A licence after two years. If you take a test on a C90 or similar then you will have to take another test to ride anything bigger than a 125cc, 11kW bike.

Category A - standard motorcycle licence - (or A2) - this is what you'll obtain if you pass your test on a motorcycle over 120cc but not over 125cc and is capable of at least 100 kph (62.5mph). With this licence you are entitled to ride a motorcycle up 25kW (33 bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kw/kg. After two years you may ride any size of motorcycle without taking another test.

If you're 21 or over, or if you reach 21 within the 2 year period, there are quicker ways of obtaining entitlement to ride a more powerful bike. They are called the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) and the Accelerated Access Scheme (AAS).

If your practical test is passed on an automatic motorcycle the full licence gained will be restricted to automatic bikes only.