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O.K. so you have passed your CBT and can now ride your moped or 125cc motorcycle on the road unaccompanied with your 'L' plates on. You can't carry a pillion passenger and you cannot use motorways. So what's next? A full motor cycle licence, that's what! The advantages of having a full licence are huge. It opens up a much greater choice of bike, in terms of size, engine capacity and types of bike available. You can use all types of road, including motorways and you will also be able to carry a pillion passenger when you want to. There are two types of motorcycle licence to aim for and several ways to achieve them, depending on your age and requirements.
* a light motorcycle licence (A1). The A1 licence restricts riders to any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power output of 11kw (14.6 BHP) The practical test must be taken on a motorcycle of between 75cc and 125cc.
*a standard motorcycle licence (A). The A licence is obtained if the practical test is taken on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not more than 125cc and capable of at least 100km/h (62mph).
After passing the standard motorcycle practical test you will be restricted for two years to riding a motorcycle of up to 25kw (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kw/kg. After the two year restriction period you can ride a motorcycle of any size.
DIRECT ACCESS SCHEME (DAS).
direct access is a scheme which allows a person over the age of 21 to avoid the two year/25 KW restriction by taking a test on a machine of at least 35KW (46.6.bhp). A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle specification must be supervised at all times by a certified motorcycle instructor who should be in radio contact. You should also wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.
ACCELERATED ACCESS
riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum 25KW (33bhp) machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35KW (46.6 bhp). they may practise on bikes over 25KW (33bhp) under the same practise conditions for the direct access riders. You will revert to the learner status while practising (on a motorcycle greater than 25 KW (33bhp) although test failure will not affect your existing licence.
SIDECARS
Learners who wish to ride with asidecar can practise on a combination with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16KW/kg. On obtaining a standard licence, you will be restricited to a combination with the same power/weight ratio for two years. At age 21 learners may, only within direct or accelerated access, practise on a larger combination. But the test must be taken on a solo bike
(although physically disabled riders can use a combination ). |
