First steps to obtaining motorcycle licence...

[D1on]

In the coming new year I want to go in for my bike test.. I currently hold a car licence so will I still need to get a provisional for a motorcycle? And is it worthwhile me starting to revise the theory test now?...
I'm 36 years old and preferably don't want to be restricted by engine size when I pass...

[Semmelweiss]

1. CBT
2. Provisional Theory Test
3. DAS
4. MOD 1
5. MOD 2

That is the recommended path.

[V12GT]

All details here. As you are over 24 you can go the route to a big bike directly.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621...

[PistonRings]

You do the cbt which gives the ability to ride a 125 on L's, and as said, best to do direct access scheme of mod 1 and mod 2 ASAP.

The bike theory is easy and common sense. Use the ofifical website for revision, think it was about 15 quid

[CoreyDog]

As has been said :-

CBT - Basic Training, can’t really fail this and it’s just a one day course pootling about on a 125cc.

Theory - if you’ve been driving more than a couple of years, it’s easy. Couple of motorcycle specific questions but mostly common sense.

Mod 1 - off road test. Basically a big open area and you’ll be asked to do slow speed manoeuvres through cones, u-turns, hazard avoidance etc. One that most people fail on.

Mod 2 - On road test, same as you’d have done on your car test. Follow a route directed by the examiner as he follows on another bike.

It sounds a lot but once you get the basics down on a bike, it’s fairly simple. Don’t let the CBT on a 125 put you off. Those bikes have had hard lives and riding a bigger bike is a lot easier than a 125.

[Steve_H80]

I would add to that book yourself in with a training school now.
The schools will be busy and they will have a waiting list which will grow after Jan 1st as the Ne w Year resolutions start.
With a bit of luck you will have a license by Spring

[poo at Paul's]

Steve_H80 said:

I would add to that book yourself in with a training school now.
The schools will be busy and they will have a waiting list which will grow after Jan 1st as the Ne w Year resolutions start.
With a bit of luck you will have a license by Spring

THIS!

Scary how big the wait lists are, took 5 months to get my daughter booked in and done, one cancellation due to the weather, but only 3 weeks from the end.

Enjoy biking, it's awesome, but be careful over winter.

[Tam_Mullen]

Semmelweiss said:

1. CBT
2. Provisional Theory Test
3. DAS
4. MOD 1
5. MOD 2

That is the recommended path.

'DAS' isnt a step, its what you call the whole thing, the Direct Access Scheme. Which is what a 36y.o will be doing.

OP I'd recommend doing the theory first, it shows commitment and although you're a car driver it helps you brush up on the rules of the road (along with motorcycle specific stuff) before you get on a bike.

[trickywoo]

poo at Paul's said:

Steve_H80 said:

I would add to that book yourself in with a training school now.
The schools will be busy and they will have a waiting list which will grow after Jan 1st as the Ne w Year resolutions start.
With a bit of luck you will have a license by Spring

THIS!

Scary how big the wait lists are, took 5 months to get my daughter booked in and done, one cancellation due to the weather, but only 3 weeks from the end.

Enjoy biking, it's awesome, but be careful over winter.

I'm guessing more a lack of schools than demand itself?

[TurboHatchback]

I'm mid-process now.

• CBT: done.
• Theory: done.
• 125cc bike bought for getting some miles in: done.
• Big bike course and tests: provisionally penciled in for March.

The theory test is easy, a couple of evenings revision is more than enough to ace it. The CBT was easy enough on a scooter, on a manual bike it would have been a lot to think about if you've never ridden before (like me). I'm absolutely loving my 125cc so far, it may only be a tiddler but it can top 70mph, gets to 40mph faster than most traffic and for a new rider getting used to going fast on 2 wheels it certainly doesn't feel lacking.

[nute]

trickywoo said:

I'm guessing more a lack of schools than demand itself?

It’s very seasonal, I did mine in November / December, didn’t have to wait and test slots available. The downside it it was fecking cold and tests got cancelled due to ice etc.

[RazerSauber]

TurboHatchback said:

I'm mid-process now.

• CBT: done.
• Theory: done.
• 125cc bike bought for getting some miles in: done.
• Big bike course and tests: provisionally penciled in for March.

The theory test is easy, a couple of evenings revision is more than enough to ace it. The CBT was easy enough on a scooter, on a manual bike it would have been a lot to think about if you've never ridden before (like me). I'm absolutely loving my 125cc so far, it may only be a tiddler but it can top 70mph, gets to 40mph faster than most traffic and for a new rider getting used to going fast on 2 wheels it certainly doesn't feel lacking.

Congrats. Mod 1 is a lot easier than people make out. I was so concerned with putting a foot down on the U turns that I focussed too much on it. The hardest part for me was actually the slalom. It's worth noting that the surface used on the Mod 1 area is high grip stuff, too. Sliding out is nigh on impossible in the dry and I believe it has more grip in the wet than regular tarmac does in the dry. So my instructor told me, anyway. Remember, it starts from the second you turn the bike on until the second you step away from it. Don't let your guard down until you're walking back into the test centre. Otherwise, it's literally observations and basic bike control. The schematics are available online if you want to buy yourself a few plastic cones to practice somewhere. An industrial estate on a weekend should provide ample space.

[TurboHatchback]

RazerSauber said:

Congrats. Mod 1 is a lot easier than people make out. I was so concerned with putting a foot down on the U turns that I focussed too much on it. The hardest part for me was actually the slalom. It's worth noting that the surface used on the Mod 1 area is high grip stuff, too. Sliding out is nigh on impossible in the dry and I believe it has more grip in the wet than regular tarmac does in the dry. So my instructor told me, anyway. Remember, it starts from the second you turn the bike on until the second you step away from it. Don't let your guard down until you're walking back into the test centre. Otherwise, it's literally observations and basic bike control. The schematics are available online if you want to buy yourself a few plastic cones to practice somewhere. An industrial estate on a weekend should provide ample space.

Thanks. I do intend to do some practice of the Mod 1 maneuvers before the course to get a head start.

One thing I forgot to mention, since I did my car theory test the theory hazard perception has changed to using CGI video clips instead of poor quality real ones which makes it much easier. The environment is much more sanitized and the clarity is hugely improved so the hazards they are looking for are fairly blindingly obvious.

[Krikkit]

RazerSauber said:

Congrats. Mod 1 is a lot easier than people make out. I was so concerned with putting a foot down on the U turns that I focussed too much on it. The hardest part for me was actually the slalom. It's worth noting that the surface used on the Mod 1 area is high grip stuff, too. Sliding out is nigh on impossible in the dry and I believe it has more grip in the wet than regular tarmac does in the dry. So my instructor told me, anyway. Remember, it starts from the second you turn the bike on until the second you step away from it. Don't let your guard down until you're walking back into the test centre. Otherwise, it's literally observations and basic bike control. The schematics are available online if you want to buy yourself a few plastic cones to practice somewhere. An industrial estate on a weekend should provide ample space.

Not true everywhere about the tarmac, mine was on completely normal tarmac.

The answer is practice, confidence and relaxing

[LosingGrip]

Tam_Mullen said:

'DAS' isnt a step, its what you call the whole thing, the Direct Access Scheme. Which is what a 36y.o will be doing.

OP I'd recommend doing the theory first, it shows commitment and although you're a car driver it helps you brush up on the rules of the road (along with motorcycle specific stuff) before you get on a bike.

I know a few riding schools that won't book you on any lessons for DAS until your theory is passed.

[D1on]

So do I need a provisional licence if I hold a car licence? Or can I go straight in for my bike theory?

[vindaloo79]

D1on said:

So do I need a provisional licence if I hold a car licence? Or can I go straight in for my bike theory?

Your (full) car licence is ample to get started.

Though cbt doesn’t require it, I’d also get the theory out of the way if you’re committed. It’s ste weather now so makes sense.

[MintyUFB]

Did my Das in june at age 57. 5 day course was plemty. As far as theory test. Pretty easy but do practise the hazard perception before because as a driver you may find that you spot the hazards too early. I spent about 10 months on the 125 but didnt really need that long. Good luck. It is so much easier on the big bike.

[trickywoo]

D1on said:

So do I need a provisional licence if I hold a car licence? Or can I go straight in for my bike theory?

You have a provisional licence for a bike with a car licence. You'll need a CBT to ride on the road.

[ghibbett]

This was me last year.

New Year's resolution to get off my backside and do my bike license.

Booked CBT for mid-Jan, Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Booked Theory for end of Jan. On the way home, having passed, ordered a new bike

Started MOD1 training in early Feb.

Failed MOD 1. Twice.

Eventually passed MO1 late Feb.

Passed MOD 2 early March.

Collected bike mid-April.

Been loving it ever since.