Step 1: The CBT

Without a valid CBT your provisional motorcycle, or moped, licence is not valid. Compulsory Basic Training was introduced in December 1990 as a method of reducing the number of accidents amongst learner riders. A CBT lasts for two years after which time it is necessary to retake the training or you will automatically lose your provisional motorcycle entitlement. It is a training course of 5 simple stages (elements A through E) that usually takes about 6 hours to complete. We run CBTs seven days a week and you may choose to use one of our bikes or your own. Using one of our vehicles is a little more expensive but you won't have to pay for the petrol!

costs:
with own bike: £100 (inclusive)
cost with our bike: £125 (inclusive)
guaranteed 1 to 1 instruction: £150 (inclusive)

Step 2: The Theory Test

The Motorcycle Theory Test is essentially the same as the theory test for all other categories of licence with a few bike specific differences. This means that even if you have just recently passed your car Theory, you will still need to take the motorcycle one separately.

All vehicle theory tests are taken on a computer and consist of two parts: The first is a multiple choice questionnaire about the highway code, road signs and common law and the second consists of 14 different video clips of every day on-road scenarios. Each clip features at least one developing hazard and you will be expected to click your mouse when you see this.

There are several books, instructional DVDs and even practice applications for your own computer available from places such as WHSmith or Amazon and you can even take an official practice test on the DSA's own website, which is also where you'll find any further info too.

costs:
online practice: £6.99 (2 FREE goes first)
home computer practice application: £7.99 - £15 (depending on available online offers)
official theory test: £31

to book your test go here

Step 3: The Practical Off-Road Test (Module 1)

This is the new test which has recently been introduced with some rather negative publicity. In reality it is nothing to be phased about and is really just an enhanced version of the CBT you will already have completed by the time you reach this stage. The whole course is marked out with cones and simply tests your ability to control the vehicle you are riding in a safe environment before taking an on-road test.

We offer a training package of one day of training plus one and a half hours pre-test ride to help steady your nerves and get re-aquainted with the bike controls etc.

costs:
including test fee, bike hire, equipment etc: £210

NOTE: You must take the Mod 1 test on the Category of vehicle you intend to use in Mod 2 ie, Moped (50cc restricted to 35mph), Light Motorcycle (between 75 and 125cc and no more than 14.5bhp) or Motorcycle (More than 46.6bhp)

Step 4: The Practical On-Road Test (Module 2)

A few simple questions, an eye sight test and about 30 mins of riding being followed by another biker. As long as you don't make any dangerous mistakes, fall off or pull a wheely that's it. Job Done. One full licence coming your way. How fast it arrives and which Category it's for is simply down to the machine you take it on...

If you take your Practical Tests (that's part one and part two) on a Moped then you get a full Category P (Moped) driving licence and can take passengers (slowly!). Lucky you. You will still only have provisional Motorcycle entitlement which means if you want to ride anything faster than 35mph you will need to keep on renewing that CBT or take the test all over again on a bigger machine.

If you take your Practical Tests on a Light Motorcycle (between 75 and 125cc and less than 14.5bhp) you will receive a full Category A1 driving licence. This means you can ditch the L-Plates and carry passengers on any bike of your choice as long as it is restricted to 33bhp. (Restricter kits are relatively cheap and easy to fix by the way). This restriction automatically ends exactly two years after the day you pass - then you may ditch the restrictor and ride whatever you please.

Finally. If you are over 21 years old you are eligible to take your Practical Tests on a bike with more than 46.6bhp. Passing your Practical Tests like this will immediately grant you a full Category A driving licence. No waiting no restriction* no fuss.

We offer a starting package of one day of training plus one and a half hours pre-test ride to help steady your nerves and get re-aquainted with the bike controls etc.

costs:
including test fee, bike hire, equipment etc: £320

*NOTE: Taking your Practical Test on any size of automatic bike will forever restrict you to automatic vehicles unless you retake them on a manual machine.