A beginner's guide to riding motorbikes and mopeds

The first thing you need to make sure of is you have a valid licence to ride a motorbike, so you must be at least 17 years old (or 16 if you will be riding a moped) and have passed the compulsory basic training (CBT).

The licence can be any of the following:

1. A full moped licence and a CBT.
2. A provisional bike licence and a CBT.
3. A full car licence obtained prior to February 2001 will allow you to ride a 50cc moped.
4. A full motorbike licence.

A provisional licence and a CBT will entitle you to ride any motorbike up to 125cc, that has a maximum power output of 11kw (that's 14.6 brake horse power).

By riding a motorbike with a provisional licence you are not permitted to ride on motorways or carry pillion passengers and you must always have L-Plates clearly visible (or D plates in Wales) but only when accompanied by an approved instructor on another motorcycle in radio contact.

Since 1st February 2001 all licences with provisional motorbike entitlement cover you up until your 70th birthday. If you obtained your provisional licence before this date it may have expired as they only covered you for two years. However, by reapplying for a licence you will be issued with one that covers you until age 70.

There are a number of ways you can apply for a provisional licence. The easiest way, if you have internet access, is to apply online.

Alternatively you can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form, available from the DVLA form ordering service or any Post Office® branch. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service.

The CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

You need to complete a CBT if you want to ride a motorcycle or a moped. You are only entitled to ride a moped without a CBT if you obtained a full car licence before February 2001. A moped is classed as any bike that is below 50cc and does not exceed 50kph (which is about 31 miles per hour).

The CBT course involves on-site training and riding as well as riding on the road. Your instructor will take you through each stage once you have demonstrated a basic safety skills at a level they are satisfied.

Once these have been completed, you will be issued with a certificate (DL196) which you need to complete a practical motorbike test. This will only last for 2 years, so if you do not pass your theory or practical motorbike test in this time you will need to retake your CBT course.

There are two stages you need to complete to obtain a full motorbike licence - the theory test and the practical test. The theory test is made up of multiple choice questions and the hazard perception test. You have to pass both sections in order to be successful. If you fail one but pass the other, you will need to retake both sections.

Multiple choice test

The multiple choice questions will be specific for motorbikes and you will be given a list of four possible answers. You are given just under one hour to answer 50 questions and you can negotiate back to questions if you need time to think about them.

You will be given your result straight away and if you don't pass, don't worry - 50% of candidates fail on their first attempt and there is no limit to the amount of times you can take the test.

We strongly advise you study beforehand, books including the Highway Code are available in most good bookstores and online.

The hazard perception test

The hazard perception test lasts for about 15 minutes and consists of short videos of motoring, filmed from the rider's angle. The clips contain a number of hazards which you must identify in order to pass the test. The sooner a response is made to a developing hazard, the higher the score. Hazards are indentified as anything which may cause you to have to take some avoidance action, such as:

1. Vehicles emerging from junctions.
2. On-coming wide vehicles.
3. Anything else likely to cause you to change speed or direction.

There is a possible score of 75 and you need to score at least 44 in order to pass.

Good preparation is the key to passing this test, so we advise you buy practice dvds and also find some free practice tests online. Once you have passed your theory test, you can then go on to the final hurdle, which is your practical test. This is divided into two parts and you must pass the first module before you can take the second.

Module 1 (off road manoeuvres)

Module 1 will take place in a test centre and you must be able to provide your CBT certificate (DL196) your pass certificate for your theory test and your provisional licence. Your motorbike or moped must, have a valid MOT be fitted with L plates and be fully insured.

You will be asked to complete a series of manoeuvres, such as riding slowly to demonstrate control and an emergency stop.

The off road test should last about half an hour and your examiner will tell you straight away if you have passed. If you fail, you have to wait three working days before being able to retake.

Module 2 (on road riding)

Once passing module 1, you can move on to the second module where you will be riding on real roads. Your examiner will fit you with a headset so he can communicate his directions during the test.

Before you start, your eyesight will be tested and you will be asked a couple of safety questions about your bike. You will then be taken out for approximately 40 minutes and asked to demonstrate a number of manoeuvres, such as a hill start or slow riding to show you have control of the bike.

You will not be expected to be 100% perfect but you're only allowed to make a number of minor faults to pass. The instructor will be looking for confident, safe riding where you comply with correct road procedure.

Once you are back at the test centre, your examiner will advise you if you have passed or failed and what steps to take from there.

Good Luck!

For more information, visit www.direct.gov.uk
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