Can I start learning to ride with an instructor before passing my theory test?

Yes. It is recommended you take practical lessons while preparing for your theory test. The combination of practical experience along with theory study should help you perform better at the theory test.

Can I use a foreign licence to take CBT (compulsory basic training)?

No. You must either obtain a UK provisional, or, if you hold an EU licence, obtain a UK counterpart licence.

Do all learner moped and motorcycle riders have to complete CBT?

If you passed a car test before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete CBT to ride a moped but you do have to take a CBT to ride a motorcycle.
However, if you passed your car test after 1 February 2001 and you wish to ride a moped or motorcycle you will need to complete CBT.

How long is the CBT certificate valid for?

Certificates issued since 1 February 2001 are valid for two years. However, if you passed a car test on or after 1 February 2001 you will receive moped entitlement on your licence but will need to hold a valid CBT certificate on the date you passed your test or subsequently take CBT. In this instance your moped entitlement will be validated for your driving career.

I want to take a car test and I already hold a full motorcycle licence. Do I need to pass a theory test?

If you obtained a full motorcycle licence before 1 February 2001, you are exempt from passing your car theory test (but not practical test). If you passed your motorcycle test after 1 February 2001, you will need to pass a car theory test before taking a practical test.

I want to take a motorcycle test and I already hold a full car licence. Do I need to take a theory test?

Yes. Your car licence does not exempt you from taking the motorcycle theory test.

What is compulsory basic training (CBT)?

CBT is a course of basic motorcycle training which must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride unaccompanied on the road with L-plates.

What does compulsory basic training (CBT) involve?

The course involves five elements:

1. introduction and eyesight check

2. practical on-site training

3. practical on-site riding

4. practical on-road training

5. practical on-road riding (you will go out on the road for a period of not less than two hours in radio contact with your instructor)

The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can vary. You will only move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

What is accelerated access?

Accelerated access is a scheme that allows a person who has passed a test on a standard category A machine to avoid the two year qualification period on machines of 25 kW (33 bhp) with a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg. To qualify, a person needs to be over the age of 21. Passing the test gives access to any size of machine.

What is direct access?

Direct access is a scheme which allows a person over the age of 21 to avoid the two year/25 kW restriction by taking a test on a machine of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle specification must be supervised by a certified motorcycle instructor.

What restrictions are there when I first pass my motorcycle test?

A standard motorcycle test pass restricts the full licence holder to machines of 25 kW (33 bhp) with a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg for two years.

Who can sign a photograph to be used as identity on a driving test?

A bank official, a certified motorcycle instructor, a commissioned officer in her Majesty’s Forces, an established civil servant, an ADI, a local authority councillor, a Justice of the Peace, a doctor, a Member of Parliament, a minister of religion, a police officer, a solicitor, a barrister or a teacher.