| Depending on your age and the type of motorcycle you want to ride, there are up to three steps to obtaining your licence. If you just want to ride a motorcycle as learner, then all you need is CBT. CBT certificates are valid for two years, if after that time you still wish to ride as a learner, then you will need to retake your CBT (every 2 years). However, most people should aim to pass the full motorcycle test even if they don't want to ride a bigger bike. Insurance is typically cheaper for a start and you wont need to keep retaking your CBT every two years. | | - Driving Standards Agency Approved Training Body
| | - Motorcycle Rider Training Association Member
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There are basically three types of full motorcycle licence (A1, A restricted and A), depending on the size of bike you take your test on. All tests are exactly the same and now require a theory test pass before you can sit the test. Very few people bother with the A1 licence (taking their test on a bike of around 100 cc) as it only entitles you to ride up to a 125cc bike. If you take your test on a learner legal 125cc bike (see standard training), then you will be able to ride any motorcycle producing less than 33bhp (the restriction). After two years you will be able to ride any power motorcycle. If you want to go directly to an unrestricted bike, you will need to be 21 or over and opt for a Direct Access course. In this course you learn and take your test on a larger bike (typically 500cc).
If you are 16 and have just received your provisional moped licence, then you will need to do CBT before you can legally ride a moped on the road. Once you have completed CBT, you could go on to take your full moped licence, but we advice you to wait until your 17 and do your test on a 125cc bike. As full moped entitlement isn't really worth the effort.