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Testimonials
"Don't get put off about the Part 1 and 2 tests as they are not as bad as you think! Just remember to chill out.. its only Rock n' Roll!"
Lee Lackford
New Rider Guide for Over 21s
So you want to learn to ride a bike but don’t know where to start?
If you are under 21 years old, please click here.
At first, becoming a motorcyclist can be a bit confusing. This guide below is intended to make it a little clearer. It is not intended as an exhaustive guide, more so as a 'quick start' check list for those new to, or relatively new to motorcycling in the UK.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us on 01933 274794 or click here to send us a message.
First things first. You need:
- To hold a driving license that allows you to ride motorcycles (Category A), such as: A provisional License available to you from the age of 17 by getting a ‘D1’ form (Driving license application form) from your local post office or by applying online through this link.
- A Full car license: depending on when the license was issued this may give you category A or P entitlement (If you’re unsure feel free to bring it in for us to check prior to booking). Click here to see an example.
Once you have both of these your next step is to contact us to book your CBT.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
The CBT is a single day course starting at 9am and finishing between 4pm and 5pm at the cost of £125. It is not a test but merely a training day (although we may recommend a further lesson if we feel it is necessary to ensure your safety) so there's no need to worry about not passing! For more detailed information about the CBT day click here.
Once completed the CBT lasts for two years before having to be retaken (if you don’t pass both theory and practical motorcycle tests during this time).
Once completed the CBT lasts for two years before having to be retaken (if you don’t pass both theory and practical motorcycle tests during this time) and entitles you to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle.
Click here to learn more about the CBT.
Theory Test
Your first action in this step should be to book your Motorcycle Theory Test as there can be a wait of up to several weeks and booking early will give you the option of finding a second test should you fail the first time. Theory tests can be booked over the phone by calling 0300 200 1122 or over the internet by clicking this link at the cost of £30.
Direct Access Scheme Assessment
Whilst doing this your next step is to book your DAS assessment which is a two hour lesson at the end of which we will be able to gauge how many lessons you are likely to need and allocate you one of our pre booked practical tests at an appropriate time based on lessons needed and frequency of lessons so we can ensure you have an evenly spread structured training schedule* tailored to suit your needs and give you an idea of the costs and the time that is likely to be required.
We will book you in for lessons in 2 hour blocks between then and your test date and strongly advise you have your Theory test passed 3 weeks before the date of your test (so we can change your test date if need be or you can hopefully find another theory test prior to your practical so you don’t lose money from an unfortunate fail).
Click here to learn more about the DAS.
The Test
On the day of your test you will have an hour lesson before hand to get you into the swing of things and we will accompany you to the test centre at Kettering and then wait while you take your test to take you back afterwards.
Our lessons are in 2 hour blocks and currently cost £70 which includes everything you need (bike hire, petrol, insurance etc.) with the exception of yourself and suitable clothing. Helmets can be rented at £5 a lesson and we have helmets starting from £50 in our showroom downstairs along with competitively priced clothing.
Once you pass the test
Once you have your full motorcycle license you will be entitled to ride whatever size motorcycle you choose and be free to enjoy your time and effort on the open roads!
Please note:
At NVMC we are committed to creating safe confident riders. With this in mind, although we can tailor fast track courses (aka 4 days from start to finish), we have found, and believe them to lead to poor long term skill retention and produce less confident riders.