If you’re from Stirling and are looking to pass your motorcycle license, it can sometimes seem like a confusing process, but here at RideTo, we aim to make the journey to getting your full, bike licence as smooth as possible. Our rider training schools in Stirling will help you get your full motorcycle licence in no time, and below we will set out exactly how you can gain your motorcycle licence in Stirling.
The Different Motorcycle Licences
The route to gaining your full motorcycle licence can seem a little complicated, depending on your age and the engine size of bike that you would like to ride, but we’ll break it down the best we can, so it’s easy to understand...
First off, the easy bit… If you’re 24-years-old or older, you will only have to take one practical test - as well as your theory and hazard perception test - after which you will be able to ride any motorcycle you like.
If you’re not 24 don’t worry, you can get on two wheels from the age of 16 by taking the CBT test. The CBT itself only takes one day, but the CBT qualification runs out after two years. After those two years you’ll have to retake it or move onto a full motorcycle licence.
If you choose to complete the CBT you’ll be restricted to either a 50cc machine with a top speed of 28mph when you’re 16, or a 125cc bike with a maximum power output of 11kW 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 get rid of those L-plates, as well as the passenger and motorway restrictions, you can take your AM and A1 licence tests at the ages of 16 and 17 respectively. You’ll need to pass the theory and hazard perception tests first, but these licences 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. Once again you will need to have taken - and passed - your theory and hazard perception tests within the last two years. The practical test 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 a set number of maneuvers and ride specific courses marked out by cones - all of which will be covered in your motorcycle training prior to the actual test, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. 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. You will also be required to perform certain maneuvers while on the road, such as pulling away from behind a parked car and a hill start - if possible.
Once you have passed your A2 licence, you will be able to ride any motorcycle or scooter, so long as it has a maximum power output of 35kW. This restriction lasts for two years. Whether you choose a bike that makes 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. If you don’t pass your test until the age of 24, you will be able to to ride any bike, with any power output straight away.
The best way to get started is to get in touch with one of our Stirling-based, recommended motorcycle training schools.