What Do You Need To Do First?

Scooter 50-125cc 

To ride a scooter you need to be at least 16 years of age and preferably be able to ride a bicycle. To ride this type of vehicle one days training is required. It's not a test but is a way of introducing you to the road. On completing the course you will be issued with a 'Certificate of Completion of an Approved Training Course (DL196). You will be able to ride with 'L' plates without passengers and excluding motorways.

Need More Information? Read On:
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) was introduced on 1 December 1990 for all new provisional license holders of both mopeds and motorcycles. All learner riders are required to complete CBT before riding on the road (with the exception of riders who have passed a full moped test since December 1990). Full car licence holders qualifying after 1 February 2001 must also complete a CBT course before riding a moped on the road.
Motorcycle test candidates are exempt from the Motorcycle Theory Test requirement if they hold either:
- A full license for another class included in category A (e.g. light motorcycle - subcategory AI) or
- A full moped (category P) license held as a result of passing a two part moped test.
(A rider who holds either a full car license or a full moped license (gained prior to 1 December 1990) may ride a motorcycle as a learner after first completing CBT as these licenses provide provisional motorcycle entitlement. A full car license issued before 1 February 2001 automatically provides full moped entitlement for which CBT is not required.)
From 1 February 2001, DL196 certificates issued will be valid for a period of 2 years. DL196 certificates issued prior to 1 February 2001 are valid for 3 years. The flexibility for learner riders to take CBT and the theory test in any order is available. Riders will have to retake CBT if they have been returned to provisional status as a result of convictions within 2 years of obtaining their full license under the New Drivers Act or if they have received a disqualification.

Bike Up to 125cc

To ride a bike of less than 125cc very similar regulations apply to that of riding a scooter. The option open to those riding this type of motorcycle is that they can take the A2 or 'standard' motorcycle course. The bike needs to be of between 121cc and 125cc and capable of at least 62.5mph.
This category of license restricts the rider to operate machines of 33bhp, ride without L plates, carry passengers and ride on motorways. The restriction to full motorcycle entitlement is automatically removed after 2 years.
The A2 Standard courses are designed for people who have passed their CBT and wish to progress onto larger bikes, carry passengers and ride on motorways. A2 training is of particular interest to riders under 21 years of age who are not eligible for the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
There are variations on the theme of the practical test - options include an automatic test and a 'scooter' test (restricting you to less than 125cc but lifting the other restrictions). The majority of customers do, however, choose to do the full test or the CBT. If you go the trouble of taking the one test it makes sense to invest in the whole thing rather than restricting yourself later.

Anything whatsoever…
To ride anything whatsoever then we suggest the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
The Direct Access Scheme (DAS) is designed for riders over 21 years old, who wish to ride bikes of unlimited size and power. Training is initially conducted on 125cc bikes, and progresses to 500cc bikes that are used for the practical test.
Course lengths are determined by the individual's level of skill and competence - novice riders will naturally require more training than experienced riders! The number of days spent on training is advised by our instructors after a free assessment of your riding skill. As a rule of thumb an experienced rider will require 2-3 days whereas a beginner will require 5.
The courses supplied will include details of the theory tests and begin with an initial CBT.