If you want to get your motorcycle licence, you will first have to undergo motorcycle training in and around Milton Keynes. Getting your motorcycle licence in Newcastle may seem complicated, but we’re here to make everything simple.
When can I ride a Motorcycle? And from what age?
You can ride a motorcycle on the road from the age of 16, although exactly what motorcycle you will be able to ride does depend on your age.
At 16 the quickest route on to two wheels is via the CBT. This will only take a day, and you don’t need any lessons or prior experience, and once you’ve finished the day, you’ll be free to ride the local Milton Keynes’ roads.
However, once you complete your CBT you will have to display L-plates on your motorcycle, and you won’t be allowed to carry passengers or ride on motorways. You will also be restricted to a machine with an engine capacity of 50cc and top speed of 28mph.
Once you turn 17 though, you will be allowed to ride a bike up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW. If you want to get rid of the L-plates, take a passenger or ride on motorways you can take the motorcycle test for the AM and A1 licences at 16 and 17 respectively. You’ll also have to pass your theory and hazard perception tests, but your choice of bike will still be restricted depending on your age.
Once you turn 19 your options open up. At this age you are eligible to take the test for the A2 licence, which permits you to ride any motorcycle, as long as it produces no more than 35kW. You don’t need to display L-plates and you will be allowed to carry passengers and ride on motorways. The 35kW power limit lasts for two years, so if you pass your test at 19, you’ll be able to ride whatever you like once you turn 21.
If you’re 24 and older you will only have to take one test, after which you will be allowed to ride any motorcycle with any power output. This is what’s called the Direct Access Scheme, or DAS.
The Motorcycle Test
Regardless of your age, the motorcycle test you will take will always be the same, apart from the CBT. The practical test is split into two parts; Module 1 and Module 2. Unfortunately you can only take the second half of the test once you’ve completed Module 1, which means your test is normally spread over the course of a few days.
Module 1 lasts about 15 minutes and takes place on an off-road training area. You will be required to perform a series of maneuvers such as a U-turn and figure of eight. Your instructor will have covered all the maneuvers extensively during your training.
Module 2 takes place on the road, and lasts about an hour. You’ll ride ahead of the examiner, and during the ride will be asked to perform maneuvers such as a hill start, and pulling away from behind a parked car. For a small portion of this module you will also be asked to ride independently, which means you’ll be given a destination and will have to reach it using road signs.
Successfully pass both of these modules - and we’re sure you will, here at RideTo, we have every faith in you! - then you’ll be up and riding around the Newcastle city streets (and beyond) in next to no time.