Advice
Author
Discussion

SirSimon

Original Poster:

6,811 posts

233 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all

Evening,

Im after some advice here. I've always been interested in bikes, along with cars. My grandad was on the Police bikes for years, and the old man has bikes. But no longer speak to him. Anyway Im keen to start taking my bike licence. But i've never been on a bike in my life, only bike is my cycle bike!! Anyone got any advice for me? I.e what I need, as I know very little. I've always wanted a go on a bike! Do I need to redo a theory test? By the way, im 19.

Thanks Simon.

NorthernBoy

12,642 posts

287 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
The starting point tends to be a CBT, which is a certificate of basic training. It teaches you the very basics, and can be done in a day, starting with zero knowledge. They provide the bike, the expertise, and, normally, a hot cup of tea, too.

It gets a bit more complex after that, with choices about entry route, which depends on age, bike type, and so on, but the guys at the CBT will help you out with some info.

Look up CBT on google to get started. And do it today. There is no time like the present.

Wedg1e

27,041 posts

295 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
NorthernBoy said:
Look up CBT on google to get started. And do it today. There is no time like the present.
Especially not since next year it will get harder and cost more.

hiccy

664 posts

242 months

Monday 29th October 2007
quotequote all
There's a stickied thread with a bit of information for you about your test etc, although to be fair it is more aimed at people over 21 doing DAS. Essentially you will need to aim for a restricted A2 licence, pass this before September 29th and cross your fingers that you wont need to take another test to get rid of restriction in two years as the process stands today. I don't *think* you will.

THe good news is this makes the process relatively simple for you:

Sit CBT and pass in one day.
Get cheap 125 and some basic kit, ride around for a few weeks
Sit theory test
Get a couple of hours instruction from a local training school
Book test a few weeks in advance to give you some more practice
Get a couple of hours instruction a couple of days before your test
Sit test, pass! smile

After this you will be restricted for two years to riding bikes limited to 33bhp IIRC. As things stand at the moment when you turn 21 you have the option to sit the test again on a larer bike and get the restriction lifted, however it automatically comes off after two years anyway.

NorthernBoy

12,642 posts

287 months

Monday 29th October 2007
quotequote all
It all seems pretty comlicated already nowadays. Back when I passed they had just brought in the CBT, but you did that, then took your road test, and that was that. No restrictions on you after that.

black-k1

12,807 posts

259 months

Monday 29th October 2007
quotequote all
NorthernBoy said:
It all seems pretty comlicated already nowadays. Back when I passed they had just brought in the CBT, but you did that, then took your road test, and that was that. No restrictions on you after that.
And back before that you just turned up on your 250 having had no training, did the test (which most passed) then went off and rode whatever you could afford - which for me, wasn't much!