What tests do i need to do?

[Mad Dave]

Im currently toying with the idea of getting a VFR400. I currently have a full car license that ive held for just over 4 years. Im over 21 too.

My question is, what tests do i need to do to get on a 400cc bike? Ive heard mixed reports -

a)CBT, Theory then Direct Access
b)Direct Access plus Theory
c)Direct Access (encompassing Theory and 4 day course)

Which do i need to do?

Cheers

Dave

[Davel]

I think A.

[Tim2100]

Hi

To ride a 400 then you need to do your full test So..

CBT
Theory Test (Whichever order)

Then
do your direct access, it is your choice whether you do it on a bike 44bhp+ or below 33, if you do it on a smaller bike then you will be restricted to 33bhp, whatever engine size) for two years, but if you do your test on a full size bike then you have no restrictions.

All riding schools will do direct access on a 500cc or above bike which will go for the main license.

All of this is assuming that your over 21. If your not then I'm not sure what the rullings are.

Tim.

[d3ano]

I've read that if you have your full car licence that you don't need to re-take a theroy test for a bike. True of False?

[tvradict]

false, a Theory Test must be taken for each category of licence because each test is tailored to each category.

I sat my LGV theory test back in October and need to sit another one for my Motorcycle licence which I plan to sit later this year, but the LGV one I have will still count towards my Class 1 test which I also plan to take this year. Confused Yet?

[Racefan_uk]

d3ano said:

I've read that if you have your full car licence that you don't need to re-take a theroy test for a bike. True of False?

Yup, the post above is correct. I had to take my Theory test before doing my DA.
/enable hint mode/
Go out and buy the DSA official CD-ROM theory test. It's got ALL the questions that might appear in the official theory test and looks identical (apart from not being touch screen) to the DSA theory test. Almost all of the questions in my test had come up time and again in the practice CD.
You can buy decent Hazard Perception CD-Roms too, which are good practice for that part of the theory test too. That was the bit I was least looking forward to, but it was easier in the test than practicing!!!
/end hint mode/

I also thought you had to do your theory test before doing your CBT? Or is it that I just did them that way around anyway?? ;-)

Sorry, edited to say that I maybe hadn't made myself clear that it was tvradict's post that I was reffering to being correct. You do have to do a seperate theory test for your bike DA.

>> Edited by Racefan_uk on Monday 2nd February 00:16

[Tim2100]

Hi

The bike thoery test is different to the car theory test.

Also the theory test is only valid for 2 years, so even if the tests were compatible, it will be unlikely that you will have done both tests within 2 years.

Tim.

[t-c]

The CBT is the first thing that has to be done in order to be allowed outn on the road either on a 125 unsupervised or Direct Access.

All test candidates have to take and pass the theory test in the category appropriate for the test they intend to apply for, so motorcycle test = motorcycle theory test. Whether the theory is done before or during the training matters not, providing there is a valid CBT certificate (DL196) and theory certificate (both of which are valid for 2 years) then fine.

Without either these two certificates the test will be terminated and the candidate loses their test fee.

I will take my instructors hat off now

[Mad Dave]

Thanks guys. Its starting to sound even more expensive than i thought!

CBT = £95

Theory = £50?? (a complete guess)

Direct Access = £450 including 3 day course and kit hire


Ouch - i was struggling to justify the £450 DA fee!

[mechsympathy]

Mad Dave said:

Thanks guys. Its starting to sound even more expensive than i thought! CBT = £95 Theory = £50?? (a complete guess) Direct Access = £450 including 3 day course and kit hire Ouch - i was struggling to justify the £450 DA fee!

Check with the bike training firm - The tests are (IIRC) normally all included in the DA course.

(YHM btw)

>>Just realised it's most of 8 years since I did mine, so I could be talking bollox

>> Edited by mechsympathy on Monday 2nd February 11:12

[Mad Dave]

Thanks mate - ill check the mail now

[t-c]

You should find that for £450 that should include your CBT, your test fee and your theory test, together with bike hire (if required). If not then it is an expensive course, so you need to shop around.

[Mad Dave]

Thanks very much


<getting all excited at the prospect of big ownership>

Dave