MAIDSTONE BIKES AND SCOOTERS - Motorcycles and the Law

Motorcycles and the Law

There have recently been a number of changes to the law regarding the qualifications needed to hold a driving licence. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and the Theory test have been added to the requirements.

Provisional moped licence

You must be at least sixteen years old and hold a valid CBT certificate to enable you to ride a moped with L-plates.

Full moped licence

You must be at least sixteen years old and have passed both theory and practical tests to ride a moped. If you are over 17, you can also ride a learner motorcycle (up to 125cc) with L-plates.

Provisional licence with motorcycle entitlement

You must be at least 17 years old and hold a valid CBT certificate. You can ride a learner motorcycle (up to 125cc) with L-plates. The licence is only valid for two years.

Light motorcycle licence

You must have passed the Theory test and the Practical test on a motorcycle between 75 and 125cc. You are allowed to ride motorcycles up to 125cc and power output up to 11kW (15BHP).

Standard motorcycle licence

You must have passed the theory test and the practical test on a motorcycle between 120 and 125cc. For the first two years from the date of issue of the licence, you are allowed to ride motorcycles up to 25kW (33BHP) or a power/weight ration not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.

After two years, you may ride any motorcycle. Direct and Accelerated access These programmes allow riders over 21, or who reach 21 during the two year limit to take the test and ride on more powerful machines and, under adequate supervision, to learn on these larger machines. If in doubt, you should consult Department of Transport regulations.

Automatics

Riders who have passed the test on automatic or semi-automatic motorcycles are only licensed to ride those machines.

Car licence

Holders of a full car licence are automatically entitled to ride upto a 50cc moped without L-plates. They also have provisional entitlement to ride a learner motorcycle (up to 125cc) with L-plates after completing CBT. Your insurance advisor will be able to help if you are uncertain about your entitlement, but it is your responsibility to make sure you have the appropriate licence for the motorcycle you wish to insure.