Frequently Asked Questions
When do I have to take the theory test?
You do not need to take the theory test to ride a moped or motorcycle on L-plates, but you must take it and pass it before the practical test. If you wish to train with ACE Motorcycle Training, you must pass before the start of training.
From 1 February 2001 all provisional motorcycle licence holders must pass a theory test before they can book the practical test, even if they hold a full licence in another group. Before this date holders of a full car licence were exempt from the theory test requirement when seeking to gain a licence for the other category of vehicle - i.e. a car driver only needed to take a practical motorcycle test. (The reciprocal situation exists - a holder of a full motorcycle licence will have to take a car theory test.).
The exemption from the motorcycle theory test will remain for those persons who gained a full moped licence (not those who have a full moped licence by virtue of having passed the car test) by taking a moped theory and practical test - the moped and motorcycle theory tests are the same.
The theory test pass certificate has a life of 2 years, after which it will be necessary to take the test again before taking a practical driving test.
How can I find out about the theory test?
The theory test can be taken at over 145 centres throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Sessions are available on weekdays, evenings and on Saturdays.
You can find out where your local centre is from:
Your Approved Driving Instructor
A DSA or DVTA driving test centre
The telephone information line 0870 0101 372
The test paper is available in the following languages:
English
Welsh (in Wales)
Hindi
Urdu
Gujerati
Punjabi
Bengali
Chinese
What is CBT all about?
As a new rider, you are required by law to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before you can ride on L-plates. The Driving Standards Agency syllabus will introduce you to safety equipment and riding gear, basic machine control, and the concepts behind road safety. A qualified instructor will accompany you on a minimum of a two-hour road ride. Having reached a safe and proficient level of riding, you will receive a CBT certificate (DL196). This certificate is valid for two years, and allows you to ride displaying L-plates unaccompanied on the road from 1st January 1997, all learner motorcyclists must complete CBT before riding on the road. This includes riders who hold a full car licence dated before 1 December 1990, who were previously exempt under transitional rules from 1st February 2001, car drivers who qualify after 1 February 2001 will be required to complete CBT before riding a moped.
If you are still riding on a provisional licence without a CBT certificate, you MUST stop riding and take CBT to validate your licence. Note: you do not need to take CBT if you have passed a full moped test, or if you live and ride on specified offshore islands.
I already have a CBT certificate from my year on a moped. Is it valid for my new 125?
Yes, so long as it has not expired
I thought my CBT certificate was valid for three years?
They used to be. From 1 July 1996 to 31 January 2001, CBT certificates had a three-year life. This means that certificates issued before 1 July 1996 will have expired on 30 June 1999. Certificates issued between 1 July 1996 and 21 January 2001 will expire three years from the date of issue to confuse matters, from February 1 2001, CBT certificates have a two year life from the date of issue old and some current stocks of CBT certificates are not marked with an expires date - it will be up to you to remember that they expire.
What can I ride as a learner rider?
If you are 16 years old, you can ride a moped. If you are 17 or older, you can ride a
motorcycle or scooter not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp).
Can I ride a 50cc scooter on a car licence?
Yes, so long as you hold a full car or motorcycle licence - these provide full moped entitlement - but CBT is required before riding on the road if you passed your car test after 1 February 2001.
Yes, so long as you hold a provisional driving licence (this provides automatic provisional moped entitlement)
What is a moped?
A moped is a machine which:
· has an engine under 50cc
· has a maximum design speed not exceeding 30 mph
· doesn't weigh more than 250 kg
· can be moved by pedals if registered BEFORE 1 August 1977
Any scooter, which meets the above criteria, is a moped
How do I know if I have a provisional motorcycle licence?
A provisional motorcycle licence can be any of the following:
· a provisional driving licence with motorcycle entitlement
· a full car licence - this automatically provides provisional motorcycle entitlement
· a full moped licence - this automatically provides provisional motorcycle entitlement
· if you're aged 17 or over
Note: if you have applied for a provisional CAR licence, don't forget that the motorcycle entitlement needs to be applied for separately.
What can I ride on a provisional motorcycle licence?
A provisional motorcycle licence entitles you to ride a solo motorcycle up to 125cc
with a maximum power output of 11kW Learners who wish to ride a sidecar can do so with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.
You must not
· ride on motorways
· carry a pillion passenger
· Ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales - however note that if you cross into England you must display L plates!)
Note: the two-year limit on motorcycle entitlement on a provisional licence has been scrapped as of 1 February 2001.
What is the Light Motorcycle licence?
If you pass your test on a motorcycle of between 75 and 125cc, with a top speed of less than 100kph, you'll obtain a full light motorcycle licence of category A1, allowing you to ride a motorcycle of up to 125cc with a power output up to 11kW (14.6hp). NOTE - all our 125 motorcycles are capable of more than 100kph, and thus eligible for the standard category A motorcycle licences.
What can I take my test on - I'm under 21?
If you are 17 but under 21, you must take your test on a motorcycle not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp), sometimes known as Restricted Access. On passing you'll obtain a full standard category A motorcycle licence, subject to a two year qualifying period where you may only ride motorcycles with a power output not exceeding 25kW (33hp) with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.15kW/kg. After two years, you may ride any motorcycle without taking any further test
What can I take my test on - I'm 21 or over?
If you are 21 or over, you have the option of taking your test on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW (46.6hp), known as Direct Access. On passing you'll obtain a full standard category A motorcycle licence, and may ride any motorcycle without needing to serve the two-year qualifying period.
Note: these are the new "Europe" groups - if you hold an older style licence, the groups indicated will be different.
I want to learn to ride with a sidecar attached
If you wish to learn to ride with a sidecar, you can practice on a combination with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. At age 21 learners may, only within Direct Access or Accelerated Access, practice on a larger combination. The test MUST be taken on a SOLO bike. Only physically disabled riders will be exempt from this requirement. On obtaining a standard group A licence, you will restricted to a combination with the above power to weight ratio for 2 years, unless your test was conducted on a Direct Access machine, in which case there are no restrictions.
How can I get more information about licences?
Contact The Driver Enquiry Unit:
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Swansea, SA6 7JL
Telephone: 01792 772151
What do I need to bring on a course?
You must bring your driving licence, and if you are starting a 125 or DAS course your theory test pass certificate and CBT certificate If you need to wear glasses to pass the DSA eyesight test, bring them - you must wear them whilst riding.
What should I wear?
ACE Motorcycle Training provides safety helmets, gloves and waterproofs, but you must wear a stout warm jacket, stout trousers (i.e. jeans) and sturdy footwear. We recommend that you bring your own gloves for comfort - we do supply gloves if needed.
What do I have to have to ride my own bike?
· Safety Helmet - the helmet must be approved (kitemarked) or to European standard ECE20-205), worn on the head and securely fastened under the chin
· Appropriate licence, correctly signed
· CBT and L Plates if riding on a provisional licence - L Plates must be displayed vertically, on the centre line or offset to the offside front and rear Insurance
· MOT - vehicles over 3 years old need a valid MOT certificate, which lasts for one year - don't forget that the MOT is just a check that the vehicle is roadworthy on the day it was tested. A current MOT on a second hand vehicle is no guarantee that it is roadworthy.
· Roadworthy machine - it is a legal requirement that your vehicle be roadworthy, which basically means everything fitted should work, including items like the lights and the horn. Tyres in particular wear out, the legal minimum for a motorcycle tyre is 1mm depth in a continuous and unbroken band over 75 % of tread and all the way around the tyre. Mopeds must have visible tread over the entire tread area.
· Road fund licence - all vehicles used (or KEPT) on a public road must be taxed. The tax disc must be current and displayed clearly on the front nearside. If they are to be kept off-road, don't forget to complete and return the new, compulsory SORN notification.
What can I do when I have passed my test?
Apart from the restrictions mentioned above, on passing your test in any category you may:
· ride on motorways
· carry a pillion passenger
· ride without L plates
· ride abroad
The DSA recommends that you take further training - Ace Motorcycle Training can offer you a full range of post test training
