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New Rider Guide for Under 21s
So you want to learn to ride a bike but don’t know where to start?
If you are over 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:
- You need to be 16 years old to be able to ride a 49cc moped and over 17 years old for a 125cc motorcycle.
- You must hold a provisional license Cat P for a moped (16 years old) and Cat A for a motorcycle (17 years old)
Click here to obtain the relevant license. - Check before booking your CBT that you have one of these (its on the paper part, left hand side - click here to see an example.)
- If you hold a car license it may still be found on the paper part.
Once you have checked 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 a 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.
Please note:
We do not hold or reserve dates without a £50 deposit being paid 7 days in advance. Only refundable with a minimum of 48 hours notice.
Once completed the CBT lasts for two years before having to be retaken (if you have not passed both theory and practical motorcycle tests during this) and entitles you to ride a 49cc motorcycle at the age of 16 and up to a 125cc motorcycle at the age of 17 and above.
Once you have completed your CBT course and if you are over 17 you are eligible to take your full motorcycle test through the accelerated 125 course. You will learn and take your test on a geared 125cc (33.6bhp) 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.
Books and training material are available from DSA bookstores.
Accelerated 125 assessment
Whilst doing this your next step is to book your Accelerated 125 assessment where we will be able to gauge how many lessons you are likely to need and allocate you one of our pre booked practical tests so we can work out an evenly spread training schedule tailored to your needs and give you an idea of the costs and the time it will take.
After this we will book you in for further 2hour lessons between then and your test date and we advise to 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 first practical test so you don’t lose money from an unfortunate fail).
Once you pass the test
Once you have your full motorcycle license you will be entitled to ride a bike up to 33bhp for the first two years and after which you will be free to ride whatever size you choose.
Note:
After this 2 year period elapses you must send your license away with a D1 form to the DVLA. To have the restriction lifted costs £17.50.
If you turn 21 during these initial two years and do not wish to wait for time to elapse then it is possible for you to retake your practical motorcycle test on a Direct Access Scheme (DAS) to entitle you to ride whatever size bike you may choose. It is recommended but not required that you undertake the minimum of a 2hour lesson on the new larger bike to ensure your safety and ensure you are still up to test standard.