If you want to get your full motorcycle licence in Hounslow you will first have to complete your motorcycle training at one of your training schools in Hounslow.
From the age of 16-18 taking the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is the quickest way to get on the road. There’s no test to pass or fail, it’s just a single day of on-bike training, where you will learn the basics of controlling a motorcycle. Once you complete the CBT you’ll have to display L-plates on the front and back of your machine, and you won’t be allowed to carry passengers or travel on the motorway. The CBT only lasts two years, after which point you will need to complete your full test or retake your CBT.
From 19-23 you will be eligible for your A2 licence, which also means you will need to pass your theory test and hazard perception tests first. With the A2 licence you will be free to ride on the roads (including motorways) without L-plates, and with a passenger. You will only be allowed to ride a bike with a maximum power output of 35kW for two years. Once those two years are up, you can ride any bike you desire.
If you’re aged 24 and above then you have the quickest route to your full motorcycle licence. You’ll still have to take the same test as for the A2 licence, but upon completion you’ll be allowed to ride any type of motorcycle, no matter the engine size or power output. This is called the Direct Access Scheme, or DAS.
When it comes to choosing your first motorcycle the decision may not be as hard as you think, as your choice may be limited depending on your age. At 16-years-old - regardless of whether you have only taken your CBT or gained your AM licence - you will only be allowed to ride a motorcycle or scooter with an engine capacity of 50cc and top speed of 28mph. Once you turn 17 your choice will widen to include machines with a maximum engine capacity of 125cc, and a maximum power output of 11kW.
When you turn 19-years-old the motorcycles and scooters you can ride increases greatly. You will be able to choose whatever bike you fancy - regardless of the engine capacity - as long as it produces no more than 35kW. You can either buy a bike that makes this much power as standard, or you can buy a more powerful motorcycle and have it restricted. If you go for a motorcycle that already makes 35kW then it will be light and easy to handle. If you opt to restrict a more powerful bike it may be heavy, which will be more noticeable due to the power restriction. You will only be restricted to 35kW for two years, after which point you can choose any bike you want. Either you can buy a more powerful bike, or remove the restrictors from your bike. If you pass your test at 24 or older you will be able to ride any bike you like straight away.
