Legal requirements - What can I ride?

So Who Can Ride A Scooter?

According to the ‘Highway Code’, Scooters (Mopeds) are up to 50cc with a maximum speed of 30mph (50kph). If a moped is modified to go faster than 30mph then it is no longer a moped and a different licence is required to ride it - a licence which cannot be obtained until the rider is 17. It is illegal for a 16 year old to ride a moped that has been modified to make it go faster. Insurance also becomes invalid.

To ride a Scooter, learners MUST:

• Be 16 or over
• Hold a provisional licence
• Complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)*
• The CBT certificate (DL196) is only valid for a period of 2 years. If the rider does not pass a full motorcycle test within that period the CBT will need to be retaken.

Learner riders must observe the following rules:

• The rider must display full size L-plates front and rear
• The rider is not permitted to carry pillion passengers
• The rider is not permitted to ride on the motorway.
• At 17 or older riders can ride a Moped, Scooter or Motorcycle up to 125cc with provisional entitlement. Alternatively de-restricting a Moped-Insurance & DVLA will need to be notified.

I have a full car licence, what can I ride? *

With a full car licence having passed pre-2001 you are eligible to ride a moped (50cc Scooter) without the need for any test or training (C.B.T). You are also allowed to carry a passenger and do not need to display ‘L’ plates. Having past your driving test post-2001, a C.B.T will need to be carried out.

Documents

The rider is required to know the legal requirements for riding, including which documents they must have (these are described below). Although it is not a legal requirement to carry these documents a rider must be able to produce them when requested to do so by a Police Officer. The rider has 7 days to comply with the request after being stopped.

Registration Document

Sometimes known as the ‘Log Book’, this contains information about the registered keeper of the vehicle, make, colour, engine size, modifications and previous owners.

Tax Disc

A valid tax disc must be displayed on the front left hand side of the machine.

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The C.B.T. (Compulsory basic training)

The C.B.T. course involves five elements:

1. Introduction
2. Practical on-site training
3. Practical on-site riding
4. Practical on-road training
5. Practical on-road riding

The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

When all five elements have been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of completion, called the DL196, is issued. This is a legal document which validates the relevant entitlements on your driving licence. It is important that the holder of a DL196 considers the following points:

• a DL196 certificate validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts for two years - CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life
• for moped entitlement only, if you pass your car driving test whilst your DL196 is still current or complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 after passing your car test, the certificate is not subject to expiry, you will therefore need to keep your DL196 certificate safely. Please note that this applies to mopeds only, for riding motorcycles as a learner the DL196 remains valid for two years

Once you have your certificate you are advised to take additional training to pass your theory and practical tests and qualify for a motorcycle or moped licence. You must take the DL196 certificate with you when you go to your practical test.

The other stuff you need to know

If you wish to use your own bike you must remember to bring the following.

1. Driving Licence both parts Card and Paper
2. MOT if bike is over 3 years old.
3. Valid Road Tax
4. L plates front and rear

The CBT course is essentially good fun - do not think that you are doing a car driving test. The atmosphere will be very different to that, you might even make a friend or two! Some students who do the course begrudgingly because they have to, have come back to the shop at the end of the day surprised that they learnt something and enjoyed themselves.

Moving on from the C.B.T

The Motorcycle Theory Test & Motorcycle Practical Test

Once you have obtained your CBT certificate, if you wish to gain a full motorcycle licence (any category) you must first take the Motorcycle Theory Test, do between one and four days training then take the Practical Test. We are constantly asked how much this will cost. A lot depends on your ability and therefore how many days training you need - think about somewhere between £200and £750. Your way to a FULL LICENCE

Motorcycle licence categories

Moped Licence

• Light Motorcycle Category 'A1' Licence (125cc machine [max power 11kW] )
• Restricted Category 'A2' Licence (max power 25kW)
• Full Unrestricted Category 'A' Licence (only available to those over the age of 21)

These licences can be gained as follows, but to be eligable to start training, you must have a UK Licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement (A) The Motorcycle Theory Test

If you wish to gain a full licence in any of the above categories, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test before taking the Practical Test. This can be booked online at www.dsa.gov.uk

To obtain a Moped Licence you must be 17 or over. You must first complete your CBT. You must then pass the Motorcycle Theory Test, undertake training and a Practical Test on machine up to 50cc. Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any Moped (up to 50cc) without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger. 'A1' Light Motorcycle Licence (max power 11kW)

'A1' Light Motorcycle Licence

To obtain a 'A1' Light Motorcycle Licence you must be over the age of 17. You must first complete your CBT. You must then pass the Motorcycle Theory Test, undertake training and a Practical Test on machine up between 75cc & 125cc. Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any machine up to 125cc, so long as it's power is restricted to 11kW, without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger. 'A2' Restricted Licence (max power 25kW)

 'A2' Restricted Licence

To obtain a 'A2' Restricted Licence you must be over the age of 17. You must first complete your CBT. You must then pass the Motorcycle Theory Test, undertake training and a Practical Test on a 120cc - 125cc machine (the machine must be capable of 100kph). Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any machine, so long as it's power is restricted to 25kW, without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.The 'A2' Restricted Licence restricts you for 2 years ONLY. After which you can automatically upgrade your licence to a full category 'A' licence without taking any further training or tests and be able to ride any machine you want!This is the only big bike licence option available to those aged 17-20. If you reach the age of 21 whilst still restricted (within 2 years), you may take an Accelerated Access Practical Test on a bike capable of 47bhp or more and then obtain a full bike licence. Full Unrestricted Category 'A' Licence (Direct Access)

Full Unrestricted Category 'A' Licence

To obtain a Full Unrestricted Category 'A' Licence you must be over the age of 21. You must first complete your CBT. You must then pass the Motorcycle Theory Test, undertake training and a Practical Test on a machine with a minimum power output of 47bhp. Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any machine without L-plates and be able to carry a pillion passenger.You can only ride a large machine when accompanied by an authorised Direct Access Instructor.

If you have any other questions, please contact us.