The Motorcycle

Ensure that the motorcycle or moped is in a safe and legal condition, including being properly registered, taxed and MOT'd. It is a good idea to have it checked and serviced before starting private practice.

L Plates (or D Plates in Wales) must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle whenever the learner is riding.

If buying a second hand motorcycle, get it checked by a qualified mechanic before buying to ensure it is legal and in a safe condition.

Reduce the risk of buying a stolen, or previously written off, motorcycle by using the DVLA's online vehicle enquiry service at www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla to check:

V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate ('log book')

Check that the V5C vehicle registration certificate ('log book') has a 'DVL' watermark, is the latest issued and the details in the log book are correct at www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla.

MOT

Check if the MOT certificate is genuine and that the motorcycle's MOT history is correct at www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle.

Vehicle Identification Number

Check the vehicle identification number and engine number match the DVLA records at www.gov.uk/vehicle-identity-check.

HPI Check

It is also very worthwhile to do an HPI check to ensure there is no outstanding finance on the motorcycle.