Motorbike Licence

[saxy_jag]

I haven't really had much to do with motorbikes for quite a few years now, but I'm thinking about getting a small one (125cc-ish) for my very short commute. I'm a bit out of touch with the law and licence requirements, though, and just wondered if there are any instructors or whatever out there who can advise.

I'm in my 50s and have a full, clean, driving licence held since 1979. I have the usual moped entitlement and it's my understanding that it serves as a provisional bike licence. Presumably that entitlement lasts for two years, during which time I must pass CBT? Do I still have to pass theory and practical if I want to ride beyond that time?

[Buenchico]

As I read it, you don't need to do anything to ride a moped but you need to do your CBT (and nothing else) to ride a motorbike:
https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/licences-issued-before-19-january-2013

[ToraToraTora]

clivk on the PDF here, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-routes-to-your-motorcycle-licence
page 2: A1 licence requirements, you need a CBT, then you can ride until the CBT expires. Not sure if you have to pass the test in that time or whether you have to do the CBT again. At your age it would be easier to go for "direct access" - ie catA page 5

[saxy_jag]

Thanks for that Tora.

I think A1 would be the most relevant as I have no intention of riding anything anywhere near the 595cc mark. 250cc would be about the limit.

[ToraToraTora]

yes but it's the same amount of agro you may as well do the big one!

[=rizla=]

As far as i'm aware you can ride a 50cc on your car licence, for a 125cc you need to do a CBT (1 day ~ £100) you then can ride a 125 on your own with L plates on for 2 years, if you don't pass your test in that time then you need to do the CBT again.

Direct access around here is around £650 that's CBT, lessons, test, and theory test/books etc. If you may go for anything above 125 then its the only way to go, if you're going to stick at 125 then the 650 is ~ 12 years riding's worth of CBT's, although i'd like to bet with a full class A insurance would be cheaper.

You could always do your restricted (a2) licence, this lets you ride up 33kw? that's basically a restricted 600cc, then after 2 years you USED to be switched over to a full a class but things may bell have changed since I did my test so worth checking.

So far as 250cc being the max as you said, some 600cc are designed (detuned, for comfort/commuting), so i'd say slower than some of the 2 stroke 250cc bikes of yesteryear, and certainly more comfortable!!!