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 license you can apply for.
There are three types of motorcycle licence available in the UK and each
type of license 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 license. 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 licence 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 less than 33bhp 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.
‘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 3bhp 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.
