So you’ve passed your driving test and fancy another challenge, you want to add another category onto your already shiny licence. Well have no fear, today we’re going to talk about bikes.
So let’s begin with the moped/scooter. At the age of 16 your eligible to ride a moped/scooter up to 50cc in engine size with a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. This is a day’s training course with half a day off-road to learn the basics and then the second half of the day on road to improve your skills. You will still need to ride with ‘L’ plates.
The CBT course is designed and legislated specifically to be the 1st stage in learning to ride a motorcycle at any level. You must complete a CBT to enable you to ride a moped or motorcycle on the road if you have not already passed your motorcycle test. In order to complete the course, you MUST have both parts of your Driving Licence (card and counterpart).
At the age of 17 you can upgrade to a bigger bike with your Module 1 & 2 tests. This comprises of a theory test, an off-road obstacle course and another on road test.
The A1 course enables anybody from the age of 17 years and over to take motorcycle training and tests on a motorcycle between 120cc and 125cc, capable of reaching at least 55mph (90km/h) and have a power output not exceeding 14.6bhp (11kw). Once you have passed all the tests, you will be able to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle without L-Plates and can carry a pillion passenger. Your licence no longer auto upgrades after 2 years.
The A2 course enables anybody from the age of 19 years and over to take motorcycle training and tests on a motorcycle of at least 395cc with an engine power of at least 33bhp but not exceeding 46.6bhp. After 2 years or on reaching 24 years of age you can take a Full Category A Motorcycle Test which will enable you to ride any motorcycle to full power. All training for this course must be completed with an Approved Training Body (ATB).
Alternatively if your aged 24 you can complete a Direct Access a course (DAS) which upon completion enables you to drive a bike of any size immediately.
The DAS course is for anybody over the age of 24 who wishes to take their motorcycle training and tests on a motorcycle of at least 53.6bhp (40kw), around a 595cc motorcycle or more. All training for this course must be completed with an Approved Training Body (ATB). Once you have passed all the tests, you will be able to ride any size motorcycle to full power from the word go
Further to the training above you can then progress onto danced rider training. This post test training is designed to develop your knowledge and skills beyond basic test level standard. The training could be the Bike Plus ERS (Enhanced Riders Scheme), which can work towards advanced qualifications such as IAM or RoSPA.
If you’d like to begin your riding career or just inquisitive pop over to our good friends at Shires Motorcycle Training Derby
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