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  Helping Learner Drivers

Helping L Riders : Legal Requirements


Mopeds

A moped is a motorcycle which:

  • has a maximum design speed of 50km per hour (31 miles per hour)
  • has an engine capacity no larger than 50cc
  • can be moved by pedals if first used before 1st September, 1977.

The Learner must:

  • be at least 16 years old
  • have a valid provisional moped licence
  • have completed a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Course and gained a DL 196 Certificate
  • be insured to ride the moped
  • meet the legal minimum eyesight standards
  • only ride when displaying L Plates (or D Plates in Wales)
  • not carry a pillion passenger or ride on a motorway.

Anyone who obtained their full car driving licence on or after 1 February 2001 must complete their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before they can legally ride any type of motorcycle or moped on the road. People who obtained their full car driving licence before 1 February 2001 do not need to take a CBT test to ride a moped, but must do so in order to ride any other motorcycle. However, CBT and/or motorcycle training is still strongly recommended.

To gain a full moped licence, the learner must pass both the theory test for motorcyclists and the moped practical test.

Motorcycles

The Learner must:

  • be at least 17 years old
  • have a valid provisional motorcycle licence
  • have completed a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Course and gained a DL 196 Certificate
  • be insured to ride the motorcycle
  • meet the legal minimum eyesight standards
  • only ride when displaying L Plates (or D Plates in Wales)
  • not carry a pillion passenger or ride on a motorway.

To gain a full motorcycle licence, the learner must pass the theory test for motorcyclists and either the A or A1 practical test.

A1 – light motorcycle licence
The A1 Test is taken on a machine between 75cc and 125cc and if passed entitles the holder to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output up to 11kW or 14.6 bhp, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.

A – standard motorcycle licence
The A Test is taken on a machine over 120cc but no more than 125cc and if passed entitles the holder to ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW or 33 bhp, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. After 2 years (not counting periods of disqualification) the rider qualifies to ride any size of motorcycle.

However, there are two ways the 2 year waiting period can be shortened:

Direct Access Scheme (DAS)
The Direct Access Scheme allows riders over 21 years old take a test on a machine of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp), and if they pass to ride any size of bike. Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle specification must be supervised at all times by a certified motorcycle instructor who should be in radio contact with the learner. All other provisional licence restrictions apply.

Accelerated Access
Riders who reach the age of 21 years during the two year period, can become entitled to ride larger bikes by passing a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). They may practise on bikes over 25 kW (33 bhp) under the same conditions as Direct Access, but revert to learner status while doing so. Failing the test does not affect their existing licence.

Insurance

The learner rider must be insured to ride their moped or motorcycle.

Eyesight

The learner also needs to meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving. In good daylight, they MUST be able to read :

an old style A111ABC number plates from a distance of 20.5m

or

a new style AB11ABC number plate from a distance of 20m.


If the learner needs glasses or contact lenses to read these number plates then they must wear them when they ride. If in doubt, visit an opticians for expert advice.