Getting your motorcycle licence in Cardiff can sometimes be a daunting and confusing experience, but here at RideTo, we’re here to make the motorcycle training process as easy as possible. We have a number of motorcycle training schools in the Cardiff area that will help you get your full motorcycle license in no time, and below we will set out exactly how you can gain your motorcycle licence in Cardiff.
The Different Motorcycle Licences
Unlike your car licence - where you only need to take one test - the route to gaining your full motorcycle license is a little more complicated, depending on your age. If you’re aged 24 or over you will only have to take one test, after which you will be able to ride any motorcycle you fancy.
You can, however, get on two wheels from the age of 16, by taking the CBT test. The CBT itself only takes a day, and runs out after, two years, after which you will have to retake it or move onto a full motorcycle licence. If you go down the CBT route, you’ll be restricted to either a 50cc machine with a top speed of no more than 28mph when you’re 16, or a 125cc bike once you turn 17. You will have to display L-plates, and you won’t be allowed to take a passenger or ride on motorways. If you want to shed the L-plates and gain more freedom you can take your AM licence and A1 licence at the ages of 16 and 17 respectively. You’ll need to pass the theory test first, but these will allow you to carry passengers and use motorways, although the machines you can ride will still be restricted depending on your age.
At the age of 19 you will be eligible to take the test for the A2 licence. You will need to have taken - and passed - your theory test within the last two years. For the A2 licence the test itself will be split into two parts; an off-road test and an on-road test. For the off-road test you will be required to complete certain maneuvers and ride set courses marked out by cones - all of which will be covered in your motorcycle training prior to the actual test. Once you pass the off-road module, you will move onto the on-road section, where you will be assessed on your ability to ride on the road, with other traffic. Because you need to pass the off-road module before you can take the road test, the entire test usually takes place over several days, although there isn’t that much riding involved - around 15 minutes and 50 minutes respectively.
Once you have passed your A2 licence, you will be able to ride any motorcycle or scooter with a maximum power output of 35kW for two years. Whether you choose a bike that makes no more than 35kW as standard, or a bike that needs to be restricted is entirely your choice. Once the two years are up, you can ride any bike with any power output.
Preparing for your Motorcycle Test
Taking your motorcycle test can be a daunting experience, so it pays to be as prepared as possible. Of course, you will take lessons with instructors from our training schools in Cardiff to prepare you for your test, but it doesn’t hurt to do some extracurricular preparation. If you haven’t completed your CBT in the last two years, or completed one of the other motorcycle licence tests, then you won’t be able to ride on the road. But don’t worry, we have plenty of articles and guides to help you prepare, and YouTube is full of videos to help you with your practical and theory tests.