Motorcycle Licence

Unlike your car test, the motorcycle test has a number of different options that you must consider and decide which route you feel is best for you.  Depending on your age and they type of bike you wish to ride will depend on which type of licence you can apply for.

There are three types of motorcycle licence available in the UK and each type of licence enables you to ride a different type and size of motorcycle on the public highway.  The three types of motorcycle licence are as follows:

‘A1’ – Under 17 Years Of Age

If you are under 17 years of age, the licence you can legally obtain is the A1 licence.  This allows you to ride a motorcycle with a power outlet of no more than 25kw, normally this will be a motorcycle of around 50cc and will be classed as a moped.  Many bikes can be obtained with this restriction or alternatively a larger motorcycle can be restricted to fall under this bracket and ensure you remain within the legal limit.

‘A’ Restricted

When you begin to learn to ride a motorcycle you will be able to take your restricted licence test at any age, however if you are under 21 this type of license is the only option you have and you cannot undertake your ‘A’ Unrestricted Licence.  This test means that you will be examined whilst riding a motorcycle of 125cc and as such you will be restricted to a motorcycle not exceeding this size for a period of 2 years.  If you are aged over 21 you can still undertake the Restricted Test as many feel that a smaller motorcycle suits them better or they do not intend to ride a larger motorcycle from the offset.  Once this test is passed you can then ride a motorcycle not exceeding 33bhp, this could be any motorcycle as long as it is restricted to this bhp.

‘A’ Unrestricted

If you are aged 21 years of age or above, you are able to take your unrestricted motorcycle test meaning that upon passing your test you can legally ride any size of motorcycle.  The test you undertake will be on a larger bike of over 33bhp and will usually be on a motorcycle of around 500cc.  Many people opt for this test as it enables you to purchase any bike without any restrictions, also many people find that a larger bike is safer on the roads and is more sturdy, however this is down to personal preference.

Whichever type of licence you opt for it is important to understand the restrictions that each licence brings as if you are caught riding a motorcycle above the specified power then you will be liable for prosecution and a large fine.

 If you have just passed your motorbike test, then make sure you get a quality insurance policy to cover you out on the road. Visit The Carole Nash website today to get a quote in minutes.