Completing motorcycle training to gain your motorcycle licence in Walthamstow can often seem like a complicated process, but we’re here to make completing your motorcycle training as easy as possible.
Here at RideTo, we have a number of training schools in Walthamstow and the surrounding area that will see you gain your full motorcycle licence in no time.
The road to your full motorcycle licence can sometimes seem complicated, and depending on your age you may have to take several tests over several years.
To help remove some of the confusion, here’s our little guide to how the whole motorcycle licence process breaks down...
Age 16
This is the earliest you can ride a motorcycle or scooter in the UK. At the very least you can complete the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). This will allow you to ride a bike with an engine capacity no greater than 50cc, and a top speed of 28mph. Your CBT test in Walthamstow will only take a day - sometimes less - and you don’t need to worry because you won’t need any prior riding experience.
The whole purpose of your CBT test is to get you used to riding on two wheels and to controlling the motorcycle or scooter - so even with no biking experience whatsoever, by the end of the day you’ll be riding around the Walthamstow roads in full confidence.
Once you’ve completed your CBT, you will have to display L-plates on the front and rear of your machine, and you won’t be allowed to carry passengers or ride on motorways.
If you desperately want to lose your L-Plates, then you can also pass your theory and hazard perception test and then take a two module practical test (off-road and on-road) -this will then will permit you to shed the L-plates, carry a passenger and to ride on the faster motorways. This is called the AM licence.
Age 17-18
If you’re over seventeen, then once again the quickest way to two wheels is via the CBT, except at this age, you can now ride bikes upto 125cc, with a maximum power output of 11kW - so watch out Walthamstow because there is also no speed restriction. Much like the AM licence, you can choose to shed the L-plates, passenger and motorway restrictions by completing your theory test and two-part practical test to gain the A1 licence.
Age 19-23
This is where it starts to get a little more exciting. From the age of 19 you’ll be able to take your motorcycle test for the A2 licence. As with the other tests, this is comprised of your theory test (which lasts for two years, or until you’ve passed your practical test - whichever comes first) and a two-part practical test spread over two days.
Once you complete those you will be allowed to ride a bike with any engine capacity or motor size. However, the bike must produce no more than 35kW for the two years following your test. Once you’ve completed those two years, you will be free to ride any bike with any power output.
Many manufacturers make motorcycles that can be restricted in power, then - after the two years - destricted to enable more vigorous riding!
Direct Access Scheme
The Direct Access Scheme, commonly known as DAS, is the motorcycle test which can be taken by those 24 and older. The Direct Access test must be completed on a motorcycle with a minimum power output of 40kW, so if you pass your motorcycle test before the age of 24, the bikes you will be allowed to ride will be restricted depending on your age, but with the Direct Access you will be allowed to ride any bike upon completion, with no engine capacity or power restrictions.
The roads around Walthamstow won’t know what has hit them!