Supervising a learner

Supervising a learner

Author
Discussion

itcaptainslow

Original Poster:

4,074 posts

150 months

Sunday 19th January
quotequote all
Been doing a bit of searching on this, and I've found a couple of sites that suggest it is possible, but it would be great if someone learned could confirm...

My partner is a current CBT holder and is working towards completing her Direct Access. I'm a full bike licence holder with no restrictions since 2017 (also a qualified IAM Observer, not that it counts in the eyes of the law, but I do have a bit of coaching experience!).

Can she ride an e.g. 600cc bike on L-plates under my supervision (me following on another bike) with us both in radio contact?

This wouldn't be a replacement for any structured tuition with a school, just additional practice to build her confidence.

Biker9090

1,489 posts

51 months

Sunday 19th January
quotequote all
I'd be absolutely shocked if you were allowed to as a non official instructor

jonathan_roberts

541 posts

22 months

Sunday 19th January
quotequote all
No

WarnieV6GT

1,300 posts

213 months

Sunday 19th January
quotequote all
I asked the internet for you....

No, your partner cannot legally ride a 600cc bike on L-plates under your supervision, even if you are an experienced and qualified rider with coaching experience. Here's why:

Legal Requirements:

1. CBT Restriction:
With a CBT certificate, a learner rider is limited to riding a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW (15bhp). Riding a larger bike, such as a 600cc, would breach this restriction.


2. Direct Access Training:
To legally ride a bike larger than 125cc while preparing for a full A2 or A licence, she must be under the supervision of a DVSA-approved motorcycle instructor as part of an approved training course. Private supervision by a full licence holder, even one with advanced riding qualifications, does not meet this requirement.


3. Insurance and Liability:
Any attempt to ride a larger bike without meeting legal requirements would likely invalidate her insurance, leaving her (and you) liable for legal and financial consequences if stopped or involved in an incident.



Alternative Options:

To give her additional practice while building confidence:

Hire a School Bike: Many schools allow students to book extra time with their bikes and equipment outside formal lessons.

Structured Practice Sessions: Some training schools offer flexible, confidence-building sessions with qualified instructors.

Post-Test Coaching: Once she obtains her licence, you could use your IAM Observer experience to mentor her further.


Unfortunately, until she passes her test, she's limited to a 125cc bike unless supervised by a DVSA-qualified instructor.

itcaptainslow

Original Poster:

4,074 posts

150 months

Sunday 19th January
quotequote all
Cheers chaps. I did wonder, but stranger things have happened. Being fair, you can supervise a learner car driver on just a “normal” licence!

Steve_H80

441 posts

36 months

Monday 20th January
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itcaptainslow said:
Cheers chaps. I did wonder, but stranger things have happened. Being fair, you can supervise a learner car driver on just a “normal” licence!
True, but car licences aren't stepped.
Good luck to her on the big test, hopefully she will be fully qualified in time for Spring smile

cliffords

2,506 posts

37 months

Monday 20th January
quotequote all
I think the law has saved you from a whole lot of arguments and stress.
Your partner is quite different to the associates you have been riding with doing your IAM observation.
You don't go home with them afterwards.

iidentifyaswoke

181 posts

33 months

Monday 20th January
quotequote all
Just on a tangent, not relevant to OP's question which was informatively answered above -

I did my CBT on a 500cc bike!