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Motorcycles you can ride.
A moped has a maximum design speed not exceeding
50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). It has an engine capacity no greater
than 50 cc and can be moved by pedals, if first used before 1
August 1977. A learner motorcycle has an engine up to 125 cc and
a power output not exceeding 11 kW.
Full motorcycle licence.
There are two types of full motorcycle licence:
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a light motorcycle licence (A1), which restricts riders to any bike up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW. The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75 cc and 125 cc.
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a standard motorcycle licence (A), is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120 cc but not more than 125 cc and capable of at least 100 km/h per hour. After passing the standard motorcycle practical test, you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After this you may ride any size of bike.
Note: The BMW C1 motorcycle is not a suitable
machine for a practical test.
Direct and accelerated access.
Riders aged 21 or over, or those who reach 21
before their two year restriction ends, have other options.
Direct access.
After taking CBT and the theory test, the
practical test may be taken on a motorcycle with a power output
of at least 35kW. A pass allows you to ride any size of bike.
All or part of the CBT course may be taken on either a learner
bike or a large bike. You may practice for the practical test on
bikes larger than the learner bike specification provided:
Accelerated access.
Riders who reach the age of 21, while still
within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum
25 kW machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a
further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW. They may
practice on bikes over 25 kW under the same practice conditions
for direct access riders. You will revert to learner status
while practicing (on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW) although
test failure will not affect your existing licence.
Sidecars.
Learners who wish to ride with a sidecar can
practice on a combination with a power/weight ratio not
exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. On obtaining a standard licence, you will
be restricted to a combination with the same power/weight ratio
for two years. At age 21 learners may, only within direct or
accelerated access, practice on a larger combination, but the
test must be taken on a solo bike (although physically disabled
riders can use a combination).
In this section...
About compulsory basic training
(CBT).
Motorcycle practical test.
Clothing and weather protection.
Information for moped riders.
Returning to motorcycling.
Motorcycles you can ride.
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