Post by blacksheep on Nov 1, 2012 14:08:40 GMT
I've noticed it's a question asked here from time to time, and things are about to change as of Jan 2013 so, as someone going through the process I'll try and explain here.
So, what changes in 2013?
(scroll down for how it used to be)
Firstly, no one needs to re-take anything if you already have your license.
What they are trying to do is slow down the time in which you can go from never having used the roads to being on a super bike.
Firstly, at any age for any 'bike' you'll need your CBT, it looks like you'll also need your Theory Test (ensure you book it through the correct website, there are sites out there who will charge a booking fee - correct site at time of typing is www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test Make sure you take the motorbike theory test!)
From there, your options depend on your age:
If you're over 24 the only difference it makes can be summarised as, what you take your test on is the biggest engine size you can ride.
If you take your test on a 50cc 28mph (or less) machine, then you'll get a cat AM license. (you can take this at 16)
if you take your test on a 120 - 125cc capable of 55mph (or more) then you'll get a cat A1 license limiting you to 125cc or below (you can take this at 17)
if you take your test on a 400cc or larger bike producing 33-46bph then you'll be on a cat A2 License limiting you to bikes with a lower power than 35Kw and you can't restrict a bike of twice the power down to this (you can put restrictors in to bring a 50Kw bike to within the limit. (You can take this at 19 having held your A1 for 2 years or taking a training course)
And finally, take your test on a 600cc or larger bike producing 54bhp and you'll be on a cat A license, allowing you to ride anything you like, you must be 21 and have held your A1 for 2 years, or be 24 and go through a training centre.
That's what I can understand from the information I can find from the Gov website and other sources.
Hope it all makes sense, I'm happy to be corrected if anyone knows something I don't.
Looks like PX 150's might drop in value if people don't want the cost of a bigger license.
For comparison's sake, how it used to be:
Pre Jan 2013:
1) You need a provisional license (forms from your local post office) unless you have a full car license as this counts as your provisional.
2) Go and do your CBT (certificate of basic training) you must have this in order to allow you to ride on the roads in the UK, you must also display a red L plate (or D in Wales) on the FRONT and REAR of your vehicle, the white boarder should not be trimmed down.
You can only ride up-to a 125cc machine with a maximum power of 15bhp.
Some of you with older licenses may be able to ride a 50cc without CBT, but £100 for how to not get splatted and be in full control of your bike from day 1 isn't a bad idea.
3) Following from your CBT you need to take your theory test - ensure you book it through the correct website, there are sites out there who will charge a booking fee - correct site at time of typing is www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test Make sure you take the motorbike theory test!
Please please please remember to take BOTH parts of your driving license with you as you'll need them.
4 & 5) Next there are two tests to take, the first is the off road bike handling test, (details from DSA website) which involves a number of manoeuvres in what is essentially a car park at the test centre, the next test is actually out on the road. Leave some time between them when booking, as if you fail the first, you must wait before re-taking it. You must pass the first one before you can take the second test.
If you are over 21 you can take them on any bike (remember you can only ride a 125 on your own, you must be supervised by a qualified instructor to ride a bigger bike to and from test etc) If you are not old enough yet, you'll be on a 125cc.
So, what's the difference?
If you pass your test on a 125cc you will be able to ride any bike you like, except it must be restricted in power to 33bhp - this can be done a couple of ways borrowing examples from the motorbike world. You can just stick with a 125cc, you can buy a larger bike that is 500cc but only produces 30bhp but nicer to ride long distances or motorway than a 125 (trust me, i've done long journeys 125's on dual carriageway A roads, it's fun for a bit, but not long!) or you could, if you wanted, buy a bike, say 800cc that produces 60bhp and fit a restrictor kit (check a kit is available before buying a bike if you're doing this) There is paperwork to be sent off to confirm the kit has been fitted - two years later you can take it out again - or take the advanced test to allow you onto the big bikes.
over 21? by going through a training school you'll be able to take your tests on a larger bike allowing you straight onto anything your pocket can afford to insure. You'll still have taken your CBT on a 125cc
So, what changes in 2013?
(scroll down for how it used to be)
Firstly, no one needs to re-take anything if you already have your license.
What they are trying to do is slow down the time in which you can go from never having used the roads to being on a super bike.
Firstly, at any age for any 'bike' you'll need your CBT, it looks like you'll also need your Theory Test (ensure you book it through the correct website, there are sites out there who will charge a booking fee - correct site at time of typing is www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test Make sure you take the motorbike theory test!)
From there, your options depend on your age:
If you're over 24 the only difference it makes can be summarised as, what you take your test on is the biggest engine size you can ride.
If you take your test on a 50cc 28mph (or less) machine, then you'll get a cat AM license. (you can take this at 16)
if you take your test on a 120 - 125cc capable of 55mph (or more) then you'll get a cat A1 license limiting you to 125cc or below (you can take this at 17)
if you take your test on a 400cc or larger bike producing 33-46bph then you'll be on a cat A2 License limiting you to bikes with a lower power than 35Kw and you can't restrict a bike of twice the power down to this (you can put restrictors in to bring a 50Kw bike to within the limit. (You can take this at 19 having held your A1 for 2 years or taking a training course)
And finally, take your test on a 600cc or larger bike producing 54bhp and you'll be on a cat A license, allowing you to ride anything you like, you must be 21 and have held your A1 for 2 years, or be 24 and go through a training centre.
That's what I can understand from the information I can find from the Gov website and other sources.
Hope it all makes sense, I'm happy to be corrected if anyone knows something I don't.
Looks like PX 150's might drop in value if people don't want the cost of a bigger license.
For comparison's sake, how it used to be:
Pre Jan 2013:
1) You need a provisional license (forms from your local post office) unless you have a full car license as this counts as your provisional.
2) Go and do your CBT (certificate of basic training) you must have this in order to allow you to ride on the roads in the UK, you must also display a red L plate (or D in Wales) on the FRONT and REAR of your vehicle, the white boarder should not be trimmed down.
You can only ride up-to a 125cc machine with a maximum power of 15bhp.
Some of you with older licenses may be able to ride a 50cc without CBT, but £100 for how to not get splatted and be in full control of your bike from day 1 isn't a bad idea.
3) Following from your CBT you need to take your theory test - ensure you book it through the correct website, there are sites out there who will charge a booking fee - correct site at time of typing is www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test Make sure you take the motorbike theory test!
Please please please remember to take BOTH parts of your driving license with you as you'll need them.
4 & 5) Next there are two tests to take, the first is the off road bike handling test, (details from DSA website) which involves a number of manoeuvres in what is essentially a car park at the test centre, the next test is actually out on the road. Leave some time between them when booking, as if you fail the first, you must wait before re-taking it. You must pass the first one before you can take the second test.
If you are over 21 you can take them on any bike (remember you can only ride a 125 on your own, you must be supervised by a qualified instructor to ride a bigger bike to and from test etc) If you are not old enough yet, you'll be on a 125cc.
So, what's the difference?
If you pass your test on a 125cc you will be able to ride any bike you like, except it must be restricted in power to 33bhp - this can be done a couple of ways borrowing examples from the motorbike world. You can just stick with a 125cc, you can buy a larger bike that is 500cc but only produces 30bhp but nicer to ride long distances or motorway than a 125 (trust me, i've done long journeys 125's on dual carriageway A roads, it's fun for a bit, but not long!) or you could, if you wanted, buy a bike, say 800cc that produces 60bhp and fit a restrictor kit (check a kit is available before buying a bike if you're doing this) There is paperwork to be sent off to confirm the kit has been fitted - two years later you can take it out again - or take the advanced test to allow you onto the big bikes.
over 21? by going through a training school you'll be able to take your tests on a larger bike allowing you straight onto anything your pocket can afford to insure. You'll still have taken your CBT on a 125cc