There are a number of motorcycle training centres in Bristol that will be able to help you learn to ride a motorcycle, and here at RideTo we have several great training centres within the area that will help you to gain your full motorcycle licence.
If you are looking at getting your A1 licence, A2 licence or full A licence in Bristol then get started by understanding how the full licence training works and how you can get started. Remember, to take full licence training you need to have a valid CBT and theory certificate.
You have to first pass a theory test and hazard perception test before you can take your practical motorcycle tests. Then, you’ve got two years to complete your practical test - or you have to take the theory tests again. If you’re taking your CBT Training in Bristol however you don’t need to take any theory tests and the Compulsory Basic Training will get you on the road and riding around town immediately - although you will have to adorn your bike or scooter with L-Plates.
When the time comes for you to take your full, practical motorcycle test it will be split into two parts, Module 1, and Module 2. You cannot progress to Module 2 without first passing Module 1 so these will usually take place on different days.
Module 1 will take place within an off-road training area (think lots of cones and road markings) and it will usually take around 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
For this you will be asked to complete several different manoeuvres, all of which are there to show that you possess basic motorcycle control.
To start with, you’ll have to push the motorcycle around while you’re off the bike and you’ll need to show that you can use the stand correctly. After that, you will need to perform a series of manoeuvres while riding; a slalom and figure of eight, a slow, controlled, ride, a U-turn, cornering and controlled stop, cornering and emergency stop, and the cornering and hazard avoidance manoeuvre.
Don’t worry, you will cover all these in your motorcycle training before you take your test. The, once you’ve completed them, you will be able to move onto Module 2.
Module 2 is the on-road portion of the test, and is a lot more involved than Module 1. It usually involves riding around your local roads for around 50 minutes or so.
You will head out onto the road in front of the examiner, who will give you directions through a one-way radio (you can hear him, but he can’t hear you!) - this will be something that you would already have gained experience of when taking part in your motorcycle licence training around Bristol. The road ride will include stopping, pulling away at an angle from behind a parked car, and a hill start where possible. For a portion of the on-road test you will have to show that you can ride independently, so the instructor will give you a destination, and you will have to reach it by following road signs.
Once this has been completed you’ll be able to hit Bristol town centre with full confidence and with the knowledge that you’ve had the best training available.
If you’re under 19 then you’ll only be allowed to ride a 50cc machine (at the age of 16), or a 125cc machine (17 and over) so your choice is narrowed down somewhat. But once you turn 19 and pass your motorcycle test to gain your A2 licence you will be able to choose whatever motorcycle or scooter you like - as long as it has a maximum power output of 35kW. You can buy a motorcycle that produces this much power as standard, or you can opt to buy a more powerful motorcycle and have a restrictor fitted. You will only be restricted to 35kW for two years, after that you can ride a bike with any power output.
There are many different things to consider when it comes to buying a motorcycle; What’s your budget? WIll it be for fun or commuting? What engine size do you want? Of course it’s down to you, but we’d recommend staying away from larger and heavier bikes if you’re inexperienced. We’d also recommend staying away from bikes with unnatural riding positions, such as sportsbikes. They may look cool, but the riding position can make them tricky to handle, especially at lower speeds. Take your time, do your research, and shop around.