Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: 125cc Licence Requirement, motorcycle practical test, 125cc scooter

Question
Hi,

When I was 16 I purchased a moped and completed my CBT.

At 17 I gained my Full Driver's Licence.

Now at 25 I am looking to purchase a 125cc scooter and wondered if I need to do another CBT or whether I am now fully covered on anything lower than a 125cc?


Many thanks,

Ari

Answer
Ari, as far as I am aware, your car license entitlement (I assume that's what you refer to) allows you to continue to ride a 125cc scooter as long as it is less than 11Kw in power output. It does depend though on what size and power of machine you used for your CBT. I would recommend that you check with your local riding school for confirmation.
On your car license it should state whether or not you have class A entitlement or A1. Class A is up to 11Kw (14 hp) and 125cc A1 is if you have passed your motorcycle test and can then ride up to 25Kw (33 Hp) for two years after which the restriction is lifted. Below is a portion of the regulations from the DSA web-site regarding full licences. I hope this helps, if not, get back in touch and I will try to clarify the situation further.
Andrew

Full motorcycle license
The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75 cc and 125 cc. There are two types of full motorcycle license:

•a light motorcycle license #A1#, which restricts riders to any bike up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW
•a standard motorcycle license #A#, is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120 cc but not more than 125 cc and capable of at least 100 kilometres per hour #km/h per hour#..
After passing the standard motorcycle practical test, you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After this you may ride any size of bike.

Riders age 21 or over, or those who reach 21 before their two year restriction ends, have other options.
Direct access
After taking Compulsory Basic Training #CBT# and the theory test, the practical test may be taken on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW. A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. All or part of the CBT course may be taken on either a learner bike or a large bike. To practice for the practical test on bikes larger than the learner bike specification you must:

•be accompanied at all times by an approved instructor on another bike and in radio contact
•wear fluorescent or reflective clothing
•follow all other provisional license restrictions
Accelerated access
Riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum 25 kW machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW. They may practice on bikes over 25 kW under the same practice conditions for direct access riders. You will revert to learner status while practicing #on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW) although test failure will not affect your existing license.