What licence do i need

[swoosta]

hi
I have a full uk driving licence since 1986 and was thinking of getting a 150 cc Vespa. What test and licence do I need?
cheers
Paul

[Robjack]

It's a bit of a minefield, but you will need Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), a theory test done on a computer at a test centre, then a practical test.
There are a few options, but if you just want to ride a 150cc, then the A2 restricted access licence is the one you want. You have to pass the test on a 125cc bike or a T5 or LML 125cc scooter. This then restricts you to, I think, 33bhp machines for 2 years, a 150 is well within that limit. After which you can ride anything.

It is some time since I did mine, but as far as I know this still stands, hopefully someone will correct me if it doesn't. It is all changing though, so do it soon.

[blacksheep]

Robjack is correct,

to ride more than a 125cc at 15bhp or less you need your A2 which is CBT, module 1 and module 2. This restricts you to 33bhp for two years

if you are over 21 you can, after passing A2 you can do direct access which allows you to ride anything you like.


it all changes again in Jan 2013...

[r55kot]

What's the changes coming in January ?

[blacksheep]

The main change in Jan is that if you take your test on a 125cc machine - geared or not, you are only licensed to drive up-to 125cc at the moment I have no idea if you are restricted on bhp, if not then I can see a bunch of high performance 125cc bikes being produced (i'm a motorbiker myself)

To ride a larger bike, you need to take the test on a larger bike, which you can only ride pre-test in the presence of a qualified instructor.

so for a full license the route is CBT on a 125cc, couple or rides under instruction on a 125, then under instruction on a bigger bike.

not sure what the age brackets would be as I'm old enough to not worry and hoping to get through by Dec of this year.