The open road... a privilege that comes to most teenagers in the UK when they turn 17 in the form of driving lessons. It's a start onto the path of moving away from dependence on public transport and begging for lifts! But with that independence comes the inevitable tedious experiences of getting stuck in traffic jams and struggling to find parking space. So why not try an alternative to driving lessons in the form of motorcycle riding?
The first thing one needs to get on the road on a motorbike, is to complete Compulsory Basic Training (or the CBT for short). The CBT is basically an "orienteering" course giving the beginner rider the opportunity to get used to riding a motorcycle in a designated off-road area an under the supervision of experienced instructors. Once successfully completed, the new rider is allowed to ride on the road without supervision - but with 'L' plates' - for up to 2 years, giving them the opportunity to build up experience riding on roads.
Once completed, learners are then able to move onto their full motorbike test. The motorbike test is split into a theory test and two modules of practical testing. The multiple choice theory test must be completed first, followed by a module of off road manoeuvre and hazard testing and a module of straight forward 'on the road' riding. This then allows the newly licenced motorcyclist to ride any bike up to 25kW engine power - which (very!) roughly translates as 250cc - for two years, after which the rider can ride a motorbike of any power.
Learner riders who are over the age of 20 have an extra option available to them that gives immediate access to any size of motorcycle. Known as the Direct Access Scheme, it is basically the same as the standard test but with the practical parts of the test carried out riding a bike with a power output of at least 35kW (the standard test is taken on a 125cc motorcycle). Lessons and practise before the test on a larger motorcycle can only be performed under instructor supervision.
The majority of new bikers will only be in the position to take the standard test, giving them two years to get used to small engined motorcycles. A great range of these smaller bikes can be found amongst 125cc motorbikes.
The first thing one needs to get on the road on a motorbike, is to complete Compulsory Basic Training (or the CBT for short). The CBT is basically an "orienteering" course giving the beginner rider the opportunity to get used to riding a motorcycle in a designated off-road area an under the supervision of experienced instructors. Once successfully completed, the new rider is allowed to ride on the road without supervision - but with 'L' plates' - for up to 2 years, giving them the opportunity to build up experience riding on roads.
Once completed, learners are then able to move onto their full motorbike test. The motorbike test is split into a theory test and two modules of practical testing. The multiple choice theory test must be completed first, followed by a module of off road manoeuvre and hazard testing and a module of straight forward 'on the road' riding. This then allows the newly licenced motorcyclist to ride any bike up to 25kW engine power - which (very!) roughly translates as 250cc - for two years, after which the rider can ride a motorbike of any power.
Learner riders who are over the age of 20 have an extra option available to them that gives immediate access to any size of motorcycle. Known as the Direct Access Scheme, it is basically the same as the standard test but with the practical parts of the test carried out riding a bike with a power output of at least 35kW (the standard test is taken on a 125cc motorcycle). Lessons and practise before the test on a larger motorcycle can only be performed under instructor supervision.
The majority of new bikers will only be in the position to take the standard test, giving them two years to get used to small engined motorcycles. A great range of these smaller bikes can be found amongst 125cc motorbikes.
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More info on the bikes available to young riders can be found at 125cc bikes, with information and resources from motorcycle specifications to 125cc bikes for sale.
