Learn to Ride a Motorcycle or Scooter

Depending on your age and the type of motorcycle you want to ride, there are up to three steps to obtaining your licence.  If you just want to ride a motorcycle as learner, then all you need is CBT.  If you already have a full car driving licence, then you may have full moped and provisional motorcycle entitlement already.  This allows you to legally ride a moped (up to 50cc and 30mph), without completing CBT.  However, we recommend everyone does CBT as it really is essential basic training.  It also allows people 17 and over to ride a learner legal motorcycle up to 125 cc (typically capable of about 65 mph), which will at least allow you to keep up with traffic. CBT certificates are now valid for two years, if after that time you still wish to ride as a learner, then you will need to retake your CBT (every 2 years).  However, most people should aim to pass the full motorcycle test even if they don't want to ride a bigger bike.  Insurance is typically cheaper for a start and you wont need to keep retaking CBT every two years.

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There are basically three types of full motorcycle licence (A1, A restricted and A), depending on the size of bike you take your test on.  All tests are exactly the same and now require a theory test pass before you can sit the test.  Very few people bother with the A1 licence (taking their test on a bike of around 100 cc) as it only entitles you to ride up to a 125cc bike.  If you take your test on a learner legal 125cc bike (see standard training), then you will be able to ride any motorcycle producing less than 33bhp (the restriction).  After two years you will be able to ride any power motorcycle.  If you want to go directly to an unrestricted bike, you will need to be 21 or over and opt for a Direct Access course.  In this course you learn and take your test on a larger bike (typically 500cc).

 If you are 16 and have just received your provisional moped licence, then you will need to do CBT before you can legally ride.  Once you have completed CBT, you could go on to take your full moped licence, but we advice you to wait until you're 17 and do your test on a 125cc bike, as full moped entitlement isn't really worth the effort.

If like most people, you are now confused about all the options, we've summarised the most popular routes below
 

	Age	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3		Result
	16+	CBT (50 cc moped)				You may ride a moped (50 cc capable of less than 50Km/h) as a learner, with L plates provided that you continue to hold a valid CBT certificate.  You may not carry passengers or use motorways etc.
	17+	CBT (moped or 125cc motorcycle or scooter)				You may ride a 125 cc or less learner legal motorcycle (less than 11kW/16.6bhp) as a learner, with L plates provided that you continue to hold a valid CBT certificate.  You may not carry passengers or use motorways etc.
	17+	CBT (125cc manual recommended)	Pass a Motorcycle Theory Test	Practical Test  on a 125 cc Learner legal motorcycle (e.g. Yamaha SR125)		Full restricted licence: You may ride a motorcycle restricted to 25kW / 33 bhp for 2 years.  You may carry passengers and use motorways etc.  Most bikes can be restricted to 33 BHP.  After 2 years you can ride any bike.
	21+	CBT (125cc manual recommended)	Pass a Motorcycle Theory Test	Practical Test on a 47 bhp motorcycle (e.g. Honda CB500)		Full licence: You may ride any sized motorcycle without power restriction, carry passengers and ride on motorways etc.

Don't forget to apply for a provisional licence first or check that you already have it on your current licence. All training covers the same elements, no matter which route you take - lightweight, restricted or direct access.  For more informaiton about the licence and the test, see our Frequently Asked Questions Page.
 

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

Obtaining your Compulsory Basic Training certificate is a legal requirement.  It will enable you to ride your motorcycle, moped or scooter on public roads as a learner.  The course introduces you to basic riding skills and road craft.  We run our CBT every Saturday and have a maximum of 4 pupils to each instructor.

If you are worried about not having ever been on a bike before, then don't.  Our  CBT starts from scratch and we assume little or no motorcycling experience.  The main focus of the day is getting you used to controlling the bike, for this reason a large portion of the course is spend in the safety of our off-road facility (local school play ground).  This enables you to learn and practice the techniques without having to worry about other traffic.  During the day we will cover the following:

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Basic road safety Everything from what to wear and what to expect. Introduction to your bike Brakes, clutch, gears (manual), and most important the start button. Manoeuvring & Parking Walking with the bike, getting it on and off the stand. Slow control Learn to balance your bike at a snails pace without wobbling or falling off. Road Practice Practice approaching junctions and the correct procedure for turning left and right. Compulsory Skills Includes learning the emergency stop and 'U' turn techniques. The Real Thing Out on the road in radio contact with your instructor, putting it all together. Finally Further training assessment should you want to go on to take your full test.

Includes: Compulsory Basic Training & Certificate Geared motorcycle or automatic scooter hire Comprehensive insurance Radio Equipment Fuel and refreshments Helmet, gloves & high Vis vest Max. 4 riders per instructor £130.00WITH BIKE HIRE £110.00WITHOUT BIKE HIRE   £60 deposit required at time of booking

Standard Training (Restricted)

 

If you are under 21 or don't mind being restricted to a 33 BHP* bike for 2 years, you can train and take your test on a 125 cc bike.  Our standard training takes place in class sizes of no more than 3 students and will cover everything you will need to pass the Standard (Category A- Restricted) licence.  We know the local test areas like the back of our hand and can show you most of the roads you will be required to ride on.  Before starting your course you should study for and pass the DSA's Motorcycle Theory Test. You also need to have completed CBT too.  We recommend that you take your test on a 125cc geared motorcycle, rather than an automatic scooter.  This is purely (as with a car licence) due to the fact that your licence will only be valid on automatic bikes if you sit your test on one.  This will severely limit your choice of bike.  However, if you really want to train and take your test on an automatic, then we can organise this, provided you give us advanced warning. All our prices include use of a school motorcycle.   Please note, however that some race replica style 125cc bike's do not always comply with the learner legal power restriction and often have a wide turning circle, which can make it tricky to do a U turn on.  You should check that your bike is suitable for the test before you opt to use it.

Includes: Training, Test booking & Fee 125 cc motorcycle hire Comprehensive insurance Fuel & Radio equipment Helmet, gloves & high Vis vest Max. 3 riders per instructor 2 Day - £299.00 3 Day - £399.00 4 Day - £499.00 £150 deposit required

We have bikes to suit most people (big or small).
*A typical 33BHP bike will be a modern 250cc, although all bikes can be fitted with a restrictor see our bike guide for more info.

Accelerated/Direct Access (DAS)

If 33 BHP is not enough and you are over 21, why not go for our Direct Access course?  This will allow you to train and take your test on a large capacity bike (minimum 47 BHP).  We use typically use 500 cc Hondas and Suzukis CB500 which have approx. 50-58 BHP.  Once you've passed you can ride any bike you want without waiting the 2 year restriction period.  Before starting your course you should study for and pass the DSA's Motorcycle Theory Test. as well as taking CBT
 

We typically find that 3 days is enough for someone who has had recent riding experience (e.g. passed CBT and currently riding a 125 cc bike) and 4 days can often be enough to train a novice (1st day is normally on a 125 cc).  We will advise you how many further days you need at the end of your CBT and we will also tell you if we think you need an extra day before taking the test (we strive for 100% pass rate, so we want you to pass as much as you).  Our Direct Access course usually takes the following form: Day 1: Getting used to the bike - You'll start by riding around the quiet back streets, to allow you to get used to the bike.  The CB500 has 5 times more power than a typical learner legal 125 and weighs nearly twice as much.  Once you have the basic control skills, you will progress to a normal ride.  If you're up to it this may include a tour through country lanes, to get you used to cornering and braking.  The focus of day 1 is to make sure you are comfortable on the bike. Day 2: Honing your road skills - This is where we start to focus on the test.  You'll typically spend the day riding the test routes and getting used to riding at test standard.  We will also spend some time focusing on the exercises you'll have to do for the test. Day 3: Preparation and the test - Depending on the time of your test (we try to get afternoon test times), we'll perform a mock test and give you the chance to brush up on any of your weak spots before the test.

Includes: Training, Test booking & Fee 500 cc motorcycle hire Comprehensive insurance Fuel & Radio equipment Helmet, gloves & high Vis vest Max. 2 riders per instructor   2 Day - £399.00 3 Day - £499.00 4 Day - £599.00 5 Day - £699.00 £150 deposit required

All our large capacity bikes are comfortable, fairly forgiving and easy to learn on. If you are under 5' 4" we will need to check you can physically manage the bike, as the seat may be to high.

One to One Training

In addition to our standard courses we are happy to offer one-to-one exclusive training (subject to availability) to students once they have completed their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).  This can often be useful for students who can't spare the whole day for training or just want a couple of hours of intensive tuition.  We can arrange one to one training any day except Saturday and can also do evenings when required.

Rusty Rider - Returning to Biking

If you passed your test a few years ago and haven't been riding for a while, then our rusty rider course may be just what you need.  Having recently had huge demand for a relaxed course for rusty riders to bring their skills up to date, we decided to include one in our training schedule. We are keen to understand what you are looking to achieve and will tailor each course appropriately. During the day will start of with the basics skills that all riders need and then progress at your pace to cover techniques which will enhance your riding pleasure.

We'll Start by taking the opportunity to find out about your riding skills and previous experience, while giving you the chance to tell us the kind of things you want to focus on.  If you're riding one of our bikes and haven't ridden for a long time, we may start you off on a lighter bike.  However, we'll stay local, so that as soon as you are ready to progress we can swap over to a larger bike.

 

	Safety First - We start the day with a short ride to make sure you are comfortable with the bike and allow our instructor to plan a suitable route.  Basic road safety is always vital when re-learning to ride, so our minimum aim is to make your riding safe.  We'll concentrate on machine control and general road sense, before looking to enhance your riding ability.
	Improving your skills - The key to improving your riding skills is in the ability to plan ahead.  We'll look at the steps required to plan overtakes, corners and general hazard avoidance.  This will cover everything from positioning to use of gears, brakes and counter steering.