Training
Want to ride? You need to train. Almost every motorcyclist's journey has to start with Compulsory Basic Training. The experts at Bike magazine introduce you to the training you'll need to get you through your bike test and beyond. Follow the links for training schools
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If you're 16 or over and want to give riding a try
You need to have:A provisional motorcycle licence (£38 from DVLA)
You need to do:A CBT course (£80-100 from a local instructor, see course providers, below)
You don’t need to have:Your own bike, insurance or kit (offered with CBT for around £20)
If you don’t have your own helmet, gloves and waterproofs, almost all training schools can lend them – make sure you ask before you book your CBT.
Legal requirements for training
You need to be:16 years old (to ride a 50cc moped or scooter) or 17 years old (to ride a 125cc+ motorbike).
Between your CBT and your test:Get some training with an instructor. Budget £450-£600 which will cover the hire of a 125cc bike, helmet, gloves and waterproofs, a course of training sessions and a mock test.
Need to know:
Provisional Motorcycle Licence:To get your licence, you need to fill in a form which can be obtained online (www.dvla.gov.uk) or from a Post Office. The application costs £38. You will need two passport-approved photographs and have an approved person (doctor, policeman, teacher etc – full details online and on the forms) witness your application.
Motorcycle Theory Test:A two-part test designed to test your knowledge of the Highway Code and hazard awareness. The first part is a multiple-choice 35-question test, and the second part consists of 14 video clips where you click when you see a potential hazard. The test costs £21.50 – free online samples are available from www.theory-tests.co.uk
CBT:A Compulsory Basic Training certificate entitles you to ride a 50cc or 125cc motorcycle for two years, depending upon your age (50cc at 16 and 125cc at 17+). During this time you cannot take a passenger or ride on a motorway. At all times you must also display L-Plates to the front and rear of the motorcycle. After two years if you have not taken your test. Your CBT will cost £80-100 from a local instructor including helmet and bike hire Find training centres here.
If you are over the age of 21, you can take your test on a motorcycle with 46.6bhp and bypass the 2-year 33bhp restriction. Find training centres here.
Track Training:Training events designed to teach road-based skills at a track are available. Also, you can attend a Track Day: an event held at a race track where you can ride around and get advice from instructors.
The day is typically broken into three groups: Novice, Intermediate and Expert – which go out in rotating 20 minute sessions. You will normally need a full motorcycle licence to ride, as well as one or two piece leathers and an ACU Gold approved helmet.
Off-road Training:A day spent riding trials bikes on a test track. Off-road days give you a chance to try something different, as well as get used to the feeling of a bike losing and finding traction – and many other skills that will improve your road riding and confidence.
Advanced training (after your test):While the motorcycle test ensures that you can safely operate the bike and have a basic level of road awareness and knowledge of the Highway Code, advanced tuition will help you build on this, helping you become a faster, safer, more skilful rider. Progressing to one of the advanced motorcycle tests can also lead to insurance discounts. For information see www.bikesafe.co.uk, www.IAM.com, www.rospa.co.uk/roadsafety or www.driving.org/diamond
Find training centres here.
Under 16?
On-track:Ron Haslam’s Race School at Donington Park accepts students from 12+. Courses cost £159 for the day, which includes all necessary kit and personal accident insurance. See www.haslamraceshool.com for more details, adults and experienced riders also welcome.
Off-road:Schools such as Track Sense offer all-inclusive days for £199 which includes bike, kit and training. Beginners and more experienced riders are catered for, and the emphasis is on having fun and keeping safe. Contact www.tracksense.co.uk for more details, adults and experienced riders also welcome.