Anyone here drive motorcycles?

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Hey guys I have been meaning to get my motorcycle license for a while - but not 100% sure on how its works.

Is it the same as normal car licenses where I just take lessons learn the theory and then I can drive any motorbike? or do I need to pass multiple different types of licenses for full unrestricted access to any type of motorbike? (UK motorbike licensing)

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

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you need to pass what is called a CBT. This can be done at and motorcycle school and allows you to ride a bike up to 125cc with 'L' plates for two years.

If you want to get your real bike licence then you need to sit your bike test (after passing the CBT) on a 'big' engined bike. You don't need your own bike at that time as the motor cycle school / testing centre will provide it for you.

I think that current tests are completed on a 600cc bike.

HTH.

EDIT: should have added that once you pass your test you can ride any bike.

 

I've got 3 bikes Ninja 600, Ninja 636 and a Bandit 1200

First of all, how old are you?

If you're over 21 you can go onto DAS (Direct Access Scheme) - this allows you to ride any size bike.

First you need to book a CBT (Compulsary basic training) - these are about £125 and you'll spend a day in a closed off area learning how to handle a small 125, you'll then take a road ride with an instructor. this isn't a normal "test" it just proves that you are capable of riding a bike safely and sensibly on the roads.

Then you can go for the DAS where you'll probably be on something like a Suzuki GS500 which are fantastic beginner "big bikes" - if you've never ridden before you're probably going to want 3 or 4 days training, and test on the last day.

It now consists of two different tests. Module A, which is about £15 - and Module B - about £75.

Module A you are on a DVLA test site, but you need to perform manouvers like emergency stop, swerve and avoid, figures of 8, parking your bike, pushing your bike safely etc. these are all done off road

Module B is your actual test, you'll either have an instructor on a bike behind you, or they'll be in a car, 8/10 times the instructor will be on a bike. and will give you instructions over radio mic.

Tip - buy your own gear first, and get a good fitting helmet, jacket and gloves. the ones you get at centers are generic and don't always fit comfortably.

I think DAS training varies, i paid £150 per day for training. All in you're looking at around a week off work to take the training and tests, and you'll probably spend around £700 mark, including buying your own kit.

EDIT: you need to take your theory before taking module B, it's pretty much the same as a car, but asks you some specifics on motorbiking like the lifesaver shoulder look etc

 

Thanks for your replies guys.

Do you need to pass a theory test?

 

It used to be that if you did the practical test within two years of the written theory test for you car test that it would still be valid and count. This was back in 1998 though and things have changed.

I think you now have to do a written test, hazard observation test and I'm not sure if there is anything else too.

 

Its a normal theory, same format as a car - but more motorbike orientated. and you have 2 years to take your test after passing it

 

GSXR k9, I love them. Get your bike license, you'll never regret it.

 

Should I get started with theory and doing the CBT first? (I am 23)

 

it was well easy here, did a weekend class (could of just done the theory and the skills test)
the class included practical on 250cc bikes and then a test
aced everything, was invited back to be an instructor for them (STAR which is Skills Training Advantage for Riders) basically they have worked with the Idaho DOT and DMV to come up with a program that allows people to actually learn to ride rather than just attempt the skills test after riding alone with no real guidance, as such attendance and passing the class counts as the requirement for the skills test

It's a great little program, I had not been riding for years, and nothing really hardcore ever, so I wanted to do the class to make sure i was up to snuff, no problems there (except i started out trying to lean the bike like i lean my ATVs, which is the opposite as you can imagine ;)

Everyone should experience a motorcycle at some point in there life, there is nothing like it, and we have some amazing scenery around here!

(of course i say the same about Flying and Scuba Diving ;)

 

i work in a kawasaki dealership in ilford and having a bike licence for 10 years i've ridden a fair amount of machines. This years crop of bikes are so good i'm tempted to get one with out telling the wife lol. Thank god for demo bikes or my marriage would have ended by now lol.

 

Kawasaki ZZR is definitely my choice for buying a bike.

 

You don't drive motorbikes, you *RIDE* them

 

lol, ride / drive, it doesn't matter what you call it, it's still the most fun you can have with your clothes on

 

Then you have the best of everything, bikes and IT.

 

Huge & heavy bike for a first timer, would recommend something maybe like a bandit 600 for your first few months to get used to riding.

Don't see why not! i actually did me theory after i passed my CBT, then booked up my tests etc

 

It is such a thrilling action however, more dangerous than driving a car in terms of safety. So be much more careful.

 

Thanks for all your advice guys

 

Also, do I need to apply for any provisional bike license? or is it covered by my main car license?

 

Your main license is fine.

Provisional licenses cover both car's and bikes if you had one of those