Getting a bike license at 36; what's needed?
Discussion
I'm starting to get tempted even though I've never been that bothered in the past about bikes. But I'm getting older and now's the time to do this I feel. I have read that I can do something called Direct Access, but do I still need CBT or anything else or do you just do the Direct Access?
Are you better off buying your own bike to do this on?
Are you better off buying your own bike to do this on?
You will need a theory test pass and a CBT before doing the DAS course. Far better using a school bike than you're own. By the time you've completed the course and had discussions you'll probably have a better idea what you want too.
I passed my test in 2014 and was a little older than you. The road craft you already have should come in very handy.
I passed my test in 2014 and was a little older than you. The road craft you already have should come in very handy.
You should have a bike school fairly local, just contact them and they should be able to guide you.
Initially you need to do your CBT - 1 day course and they should provide everything you need, kit, bike etc. Two main parts, in the morning, lots of riding round cones and basic handling and then once they feel you have got it and on road assessment.
Bike Theory test - just get it booked, this is slightly different from the car theory and you have to do a hazard perception section these days too.
CBT & bike theory are valid for two years for you to lean an take your main test.
Probably taking a week off work and doing your DAS is the best way to go, I did a series of lessons every Saturday morning until I was test ready.
Then, do your test on a 500cc bike and you will have a full license to then go out and buy a Ducati superleggera
Initially you need to do your CBT - 1 day course and they should provide everything you need, kit, bike etc. Two main parts, in the morning, lots of riding round cones and basic handling and then once they feel you have got it and on road assessment.
Bike Theory test - just get it booked, this is slightly different from the car theory and you have to do a hazard perception section these days too.
CBT & bike theory are valid for two years for you to lean an take your main test.
Probably taking a week off work and doing your DAS is the best way to go, I did a series of lessons every Saturday morning until I was test ready.
Then, do your test on a 500cc bike and you will have a full license to then go out and buy a Ducati superleggera
TroubledSoul said:
Are you better off buying your own bike to do this on?
My girlfriend bought a 125 for pottering about on and generally getting a feel for a bike for about six months before taking her Direct Access test.She used the riding school's Kawasaki (ER6?) for her Mod 1 and Mod 2.
To be honest, the 125 was probably not necessary. They are generally pretty nasty to ride, cost quite a lot to insure and are always being nicked.
She sold it as soon as she passed her test. The 500cc bike she replaced it with was, ironically, cheaper to insure than the 125.
Lots of good advice here around doing your CBT (1 day) then going straight to full bike licence lessons. I liked having a week or two between each lesson just to absorb everything I learned but everyone is different.
Learning on the riding school bikes is a good idea just in case you drop it.
I also wouldn't bother with a 125cc. My riding school Yamaha 125cc with 20k on the clock felt like an old push bike with an asthmatic engine. After a couple of minutes on a 600cc you don't think about the extra weight; it's easier to ride and more stable on the manoeuvres.
I enjoyed my lessons but you may just want to get the licence and go off on your own. I waited until I passed my test to buy my own bike but it's worth starting the hunt now to see what you fancy.
Have fun and ride safely!
Learning on the riding school bikes is a good idea just in case you drop it.
I also wouldn't bother with a 125cc. My riding school Yamaha 125cc with 20k on the clock felt like an old push bike with an asthmatic engine. After a couple of minutes on a 600cc you don't think about the extra weight; it's easier to ride and more stable on the manoeuvres.
I enjoyed my lessons but you may just want to get the licence and go off on your own. I waited until I passed my test to buy my own bike but it's worth starting the hunt now to see what you fancy.
Have fun and ride safely!
When I learnt to ride I had a 125 and couldn't wait to get on a bike! I'm not sure there was such a thing as direct access back then but at 19 I'd have been too young anyway. I don't regret it, but my Mrs had a 125 and she felt so vulnerable once she did her CBT she never set foot on a bike again. So while it worked for me, I think maybe just doing your DAS straight off would be better in your position.
Do a CBT before you commit to DAS to see how you get on. Some schools offer taster sessions for DAS too.
I did my tests over a few months due to test availability. I basically did 1 day practice before mod 1. 1 day of practice before mod 2. Some of the experience was riding to the test centre for mod 1 (car park and cones) and 2 (road practical). It just made it less stressful for me knowing that I had to pass mod 1 or I would lose my mod 2 test fee. I wish I had done both the same day as I passed both first time comfortably and didn't have to wait months for an exam due to examiner absence.
Mod 1 is probably a bit more difficult as there's a routine to remember but it's not difficult if you stay calm and have a basic level of bike control. Mod 2 should be familiar with your skills. Just pay attention to your observations and road markings.
With summer coming up I would just get the lot done asap over a week if your cbt goes ok.
I did my tests over a few months due to test availability. I basically did 1 day practice before mod 1. 1 day of practice before mod 2. Some of the experience was riding to the test centre for mod 1 (car park and cones) and 2 (road practical). It just made it less stressful for me knowing that I had to pass mod 1 or I would lose my mod 2 test fee. I wish I had done both the same day as I passed both first time comfortably and didn't have to wait months for an exam due to examiner absence.
Mod 1 is probably a bit more difficult as there's a routine to remember but it's not difficult if you stay calm and have a basic level of bike control. Mod 2 should be familiar with your skills. Just pay attention to your observations and road markings.
With summer coming up I would just get the lot done asap over a week if your cbt goes ok.
No. You need a CBT. But many DAS courses include the CBT as part of the costs.
Also research the school that you plan to use through google and facebook and see what the reviews are like. Ask on here also. Instructors can be a bit hit and miss in their teaching styles.
Theres another thread about failing mod 2 three times to give you an idea about some of the instructors that are out there. But don't let that put you off.
Also research the school that you plan to use through google and facebook and see what the reviews are like. Ask on here also. Instructors can be a bit hit and miss in their teaching styles.
Theres another thread about failing mod 2 three times to give you an idea about some of the instructors that are out there. But don't let that put you off.
The order is
1, CBT
2, Theory Test
3, DAS (Comprises MOD 1 and MOD 2)
MOD 1 is the manoeuvring test so (similar to the morning of the CBT but on a bigger bike) riding around cones and the doing the emergency stop etc. on a special playground area.
MOD 2 is the road ride.
AT your age when you pass you can ride any bike of any size you can get insurance on
1, CBT
2, Theory Test
3, DAS (Comprises MOD 1 and MOD 2)
MOD 1 is the manoeuvring test so (similar to the morning of the CBT but on a bigger bike) riding around cones and the doing the emergency stop etc. on a special playground area.
MOD 2 is the road ride.
AT your age when you pass you can ride any bike of any size you can get insurance on
I did my test 10 years ago, so slightly different rules, in that I could only ride <33 BHP bikes for the first 2 years following the test.
CBT & road test were all done on borrowed CG125 from BMF training outfit. I went out & bought a WR250X, which was a laugh, but I got bored of the limited power in no time....
So: do DAS, then get the most powerful bike you can realistically get insured on. I'm guessing you've driven for the last 20-odd years, so acquired road craft will stand you in good stead.
CBT & road test were all done on borrowed CG125 from BMF training outfit. I went out & bought a WR250X, which was a laugh, but I got bored of the limited power in no time....
So: do DAS, then get the most powerful bike you can realistically get insured on. I'm guessing you've driven for the last 20-odd years, so acquired road craft will stand you in good stead.
Don't be put off by the CBT. Riding around on a crappy 125 in between being told the numerous ways you can die on a bike isn't much fun but it gets better quickly.
Its a cliche but the real learning happens after you've passed the test. Do what you need to do to get the pass and take it from there.
I did my CBT then DAS nearly 10 years ago at 34 and apart from the MOD 1 & 2 practical now the requirements were the same.
i bought a V twin 1000 Aprilia Tuono as my first bike after passing (which I didn't really get on with mainly due to the vague cornering feel) and have had a great time. The only thing that has spoiled my fun is the crap weather.
I've found learning the maintenance of a bike good fun too. To start with even adjusting the chain will be a challenge but pretty soon you'll be rebuilding brake calipers and looking at checking valve clearances and fitting your own tyres.
Its a cliche but the real learning happens after you've passed the test. Do what you need to do to get the pass and take it from there.
I did my CBT then DAS nearly 10 years ago at 34 and apart from the MOD 1 & 2 practical now the requirements were the same.
i bought a V twin 1000 Aprilia Tuono as my first bike after passing (which I didn't really get on with mainly due to the vague cornering feel) and have had a great time. The only thing that has spoiled my fun is the crap weather.
I've found learning the maintenance of a bike good fun too. To start with even adjusting the chain will be a challenge but pretty soon you'll be rebuilding brake calipers and looking at checking valve clearances and fitting your own tyres.
TroubledSoul said:
I'm starting to get tempted even though I've never been that bothered in the past about bikes. But I'm getting older and now's the time to do this I feel. I have read that I can do something called Direct Access, but do I still need CBT or anything else or do you just do the Direct Access?
Are you better off buying your own bike to do this on?
My experience went like this:Are you better off buying your own bike to do this on?
Decided to do my test at age 50 (5 years ago) so did the CBT on the Hambrook training school's 160,000 mile CG125! and the theory test which was booked at the same time.
I also used a CG for running around a few months before I started 3 days training for the MOD1 & 2 using a CBF600. I did find that CBF easier to ride than the 125, the extra weight made it feel smoother and more controllable.
The last day of the training was spent running around all the test routes (6 in total) around Bristol which was useful as it brought some familiarity to the test day.
Past the test and bought a Yamaha XT600E which made a good stepping stone to bigger stuff later on.
You quickly get used to any extra performance and just want more, though at my age and relatively limited experience (dry days and no commuting) I feel i would never need more than 100HP.
Being a car driver and cyclist for nearly 40 years has also helped put in perspective some of the potential issues bikers can have around junctions & roundabouts.
I did the same at 36 and went from never been on a bike to full license in a week (I did the theory test the previous week).
I then bought a GSX-R600 and rode it around for 2 years. The bike is an absolute pussycat below 6k and goes quite well after that, in fact I found it easier to ride than the schools ER6-n bikes.
I didn’t enjoy riding the bikes on my CBT nor on the bigger bike but did once I spent sometime riding alone and then fell in love with it. I do not think using CBT as a measure of if you’ll enjoy it is valid. In the first instance you’ll be concentrating hard and not get to enjoy the good bits of biking! I also hated the 125 which was flimsy and underpowered. It was just too slow to even keep up with surrounding traffic.
I love it now when the weather is good! (Fair weather rider here)
Oh and you’ll be a far better car driver once you get experienced on a bike!
I then bought a GSX-R600 and rode it around for 2 years. The bike is an absolute pussycat below 6k and goes quite well after that, in fact I found it easier to ride than the schools ER6-n bikes.
I didn’t enjoy riding the bikes on my CBT nor on the bigger bike but did once I spent sometime riding alone and then fell in love with it. I do not think using CBT as a measure of if you’ll enjoy it is valid. In the first instance you’ll be concentrating hard and not get to enjoy the good bits of biking! I also hated the 125 which was flimsy and underpowered. It was just too slow to even keep up with surrounding traffic.
I love it now when the weather is good! (Fair weather rider here)
Oh and you’ll be a far better car driver once you get experienced on a bike!
Edited by Scobblelotcher on Friday 30th March 23:44
In my mid 30s I decided to try a 125 scooter as a commuting option. This required a CBT and when I was offered a geared bike to take it on, I thought why not. Loved it so immediately sold scooter and bought a 125 bike. It was just before the rule changes so I was then able to get a restricted licence through much practice and watching YouTube videos.
Even with that option, with hindsight should have gone for the DAS route as the novelty of riding a 125 bike very quickly wore off.
As said above yo have the real bonus of road experience before learning to ride a motorbike.
Even with that option, with hindsight should have gone for the DAS route as the novelty of riding a 125 bike very quickly wore off.
As said above yo have the real bonus of road experience before learning to ride a motorbike.
ncjones said:
As said above yo have the real bonus of road experience before learning to ride a motorbike.
I couldn’t agree more.I did my CBT on the first day with 3 young lads and they were utterly clueless about roads and didn’t understand what most of the signs meant which led to 2 of them performing very dangerous manoeuvres.
I actually think if the rider has passed a theory of some sort (either car or bike), they should be required to do one before the CBT.
Being experienced on the roads is critical for safety before the DAS.
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