Motorcycle licence - all change please

LStacey writes on January 23, 2012 1:13 PM

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In January 2013 it will be "all change" with regards to the motorcycle licence due to the EC 3rd Driving Licence Directive. Unfortunately there's no escape from this because the decision by our government at the time of inception (Thanks Tony) decided to abstain rather than veto the changes.

Thanks to Get On community stalwart Nigel Osborne of Channel Rider Training for providing the following guide to beating the the new motorcycle test laws.

Your options now

* At 17: Take your test on a "125"
- - Ride any bike you like but restricted to 33 bhp (100mph) for 2 years then ride any bike you like.
* At 21: Do Direct Access & take your test on a "500"
- - Ride any bike you like.

Your options next year

* At 17: Take your test on a "125"
- - Ride a "125" - yes that's all - for 2 years to qualify for the next test and/or:-
* At 19: Take your test on a "400"
- - Ride a bike up to 46 bhp (at least that's an improvement) but only if the original (unrestricted) bike was less than twice that - 92 bhp ??? so no R6 or CBF or.... Yes - that's all - for another 2 years to qualify for the next test - or wait until:-
* At 24: Take your test on a "600"
- - Ride any bike you like.

Take your test NOW!

If you take your test now on a "125", from age 17 and upwards you can ride any bike you like up to 33 bhp (1 00 mph) and after 2 years you automatically get a full (any bike you like - unrestricted ) licence.

If you're 21 or over and you take your test on a 500, you can ride any bike you like.

A licence once given can't be revoked so get in there while you can and take your test now... it's that or wait 4 years to get your full motorcycle licence.

If you're completely new to riding but don't know where to start, you can book a free motorcycle ride with Get On at a test centre near you. Don't hesitate... there isn't time to waste!

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daniellebutcher on 18/03/2012 at 1:44pm said:

Its a good job I have set my self a goal for this year. To go for my full licence. I already started practising for my theory so once that is done, on to the training for my mod tests. I will complete this goal by the end of the year......maybe way sooner but I said the end of the year so can feel more comfortable.

manicon on 09/03/2012 at 6:52pm said:

iam 50 so i guess this does not apply to me or does it i mean if i wait till next year do i have to take my test on a 600cc ,, i dont really want to ride a big bike maybe around 400 or 500 at the most si ifi take my test this year on a 125 the i can ride what ever i want yes

pascalewright on 28/01/2012 at 12:00pm said:

now what about a young driver passing his driving test and after learning in a small car he then drives his dads jaguar or porche shouldnt there be a law to stop that .some thing to thin about\!

iainrobertson on 27/01/2012 at 11:50pm said:

As a very much older 'L' biker planning to sit 125 test in April or soon after what then? Assuming a pass I will want to buy a higher powered bike. What rules?

steven cooke on 25/01/2012 at 9:03pm said:

so if i pass my test next year on say a 125, thats it i stay on a 125 or do i have to retake to get on another cc machine, i mean i'm 39 this year!

chnl10 on 25/01/2012 at 11:18pm said:

Yes, next year if you pass your test on a 125 that's what you've passed; that's what you get - a licence for a 125 only. After 2 yrs that does, however, qualify you for the next step up the ladder. But:- It's 2 yrs OR at age 19 and so on. There's going to be (in effect) 2 Direct Access schemes. At 19 take your test on a "400", at 24 take your test on a "600", otherwise it's the 2yr "steps" from 125 to 400 then 600. You are 39 next year? you can do the post 24 direct access. The new laws will really only hit the under 24's Sorry, they've made it complex haven't they. Hope that helps, Nigel

steven cooke on 26/01/2012 at 9:23pm said:

errrr ummm yeah it helps, gulp i best get me bike sorted then lol

stevenemeth on 25/01/2012 at 4:53pm said:

If my 17 year old son does his car test in a Nissan Micra he can still, in theory, drive a Landrover or a Subaru Impreza (300hp). Best practice those theory tests on this site (they helped me pass mine!)

LStacey on 25/01/2012 at 5:08pm said:

"If my 17 year old son does his car test in a Nissan Micra he can still, in theory, drive a Landrover or a Subaru Impreza"

This is a VERY good point!

chnl10 on 25/01/2012 at 11:04pm said:

Yes a superb point, hence the "they're anti-bikes" feeling. I think there's a valid arguement that car drivers vote but there's not enough bikers to matter. What keeps little Johnny out of an Imprezza though is insurance - cars are almost self-regulating; bikes aren't. Politicians are pragmatists (and liars etc.......)

ROO on 23/01/2012 at 6:44pm said:

What joy. How the hell am I supposed to find £400+ before the end of this year. :( But I really do not like the sound of the new changes, it will rinse everyone dry, might as well pay for a car and insurance (which is too expensive) at least it would then only be one test! Bloody government.