How to pass your UK motorcycle licence! CBT, A1, A2 & Full A explained | MCN news

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

What's your best tip for a new rider?

[@5tevieb954]

When you get to your mod 1- don’t count the figure of 8’s- I lost count then put my foot down. Just keep doing it until the instructor says stop.

[@8Jacob2]

There is just so much to learn - keep on learing all your riding life!

[@witchdoctor6502]

anticipate - change of lights, cars switching lanes, possible road hazards

[@Treker-yv7nz]

Every car driver is blind and stupid stay away from stupid people in cars 👍

[@MrD-moto]

Always assume and ride as if you are "invisible" to other road users. And every ride is an opportunity to learn and improve. After 4 decades of riding, still learning and improving.

[@francishughes3017]

One of the last things my instructor said to me was “Congratulations on passing your test. Now you can learn how to ride”. That has really sat with me. Every time I get on my bike (even years on) I think about it and remind myself that I need to treat every ride as a learning experience. Have fun and enjoy, obviously, but look to improve my craft as well. Too easy to think you know it all, when you really don’t, especially when newly qualified.

[@bammyjastard]

I definitely learn as I go. A lot more than when I have an instructor bellowing at me through the com speaker! Mod 2 stuff in a couple of days. Really hope to pass, get a bigger bike, probably a 650 as I'll still only really use it to commute, and then learn how to ride as your instructor told you.

[@ianwarren8316]

Never a truer word than on the Front End Chatter podcast when one of the guys said the more you learn about motorcycling the more you realise how much more there is to learn!

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

why don't you get some advanced riding done, my recommendation is ROSPA.

[@JaklinStoyanova-nn1tg]

Now it stuck with me too

[@CurtF94]

Hi mate,how much did it cost you start to finish and how long did it take to get it? Just I work so I don’t know when il get time

[@dreamcrusher112]

I did my CBT in 2022, and waited until 2023 to be 24 for the full A license. 3 faults on mod 2 and bought a Tracer 900 GT. It's life changing getting that license. First Wales trip last week, and off to Germany solo in July! I was shouting into my helmet after I passed, similar feeling of success to my degree!

[@Unvoltingz]

What would you recommend to do on the A2 or the full license course ?

[@Unvoltingz]

@teamcoalhapcharcoal sounds just up my alley

[@Alan_Anderson]

A great piece, thank you! I did my CBT at 49 as what turned out to be a very expensive dare with a friend! I was hooked and went on to do my direct access, getting my full A licence. The cost of motorcycle training is quite high, especially on top of the cost of your own equipment that you are (hopefully) going to need, so getting started in biking is not cheap in the UK. My first bike, despite having a full A licence, was an A2 compatible Honda CB500X - I cannot praise this bike highly enough, and I enjoyed riding it for about five years (and never really thinking it was slow!) until I purchased my first "big" bike - a Ducati Multistrada. I would encourage all new riders to make sure they are comfortable riding before buying a bigger bike. The only point where I might correct your piece is on the theory test - it is different for motorcycles from cars, partly because some of the laws are different, e.g. legal minimum tyre tread depth. Small point, but may help people to understand why you must do a separate theory test for car and bike licences. Keep up the good work!

[@davetaylor4741]

Wow Things have changed so much. In my day you rode around the block. Then tried to avoid the tester on the emergency stop. He was on foot. Then I was straight on a 600 Kawasaki. Still learning over 40 years later. Never forget bikes can bite.

[@MrD-moto]

Not only has the test changed but the bkes too. 1984 was my test and the fastest machine was GPz900R @ 115PS and 220kg, seems very tame by today's standards.

[@AhamedAli-vj9xv]

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[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

My first bike after I passed was a ZXR400 in 1998 (purple and black version) and I also had Suomy helmet. Good choice of bike and good advice.

[@ianwarren8316]

Good luck with all the questions! So many different rules depending on age and history etc. As an old git it was relatively simple. CBT then ride a 125 for a bit then full unrestricted A license theory, hazard perception, mod1 and then 2. Now riding a Panigale V2 😄

[@chrishart8548]

How old ? I thought mod 1 and mod 2 was a fairly recent thing. I'm 44 I was restricted to 33hp for 2 years but didn't have to do any extra testing it automatically upgraded to A license.

[@bammyjastard]

I've been using 125s to get to work and back for years. Redoing my cbt when it's run out. Turned 50 in Feb and decided to get on the road to a full licence 😂. Passed the theory (just!) And a couple of weeks later I passed my mod 1. Got mod 2 training in 2 days and mod 2 3 days later. Really nervous (as I was for mod 1😂) because the test site isn't in my area where I'll do the training. I'm near Stoke and mod 1 was in Shrewsbury. Just got to keep telling myself to breathe and relax into it as though its just another ride!

[@bammyjastard]

I passed my mod 2 with 3 minors. So I managed to get all 3 done first time thankfully. Cost around £900 which I think is money well spent. Although I'd rode 125s for years I learned a hell of a lot. Saying goodbye to my 2019 ktm duke 125 tomorrow, and hello to my 2019 kawasaki z650. Can't wait. 😬

[@bikersquest]

I wouldn't say the theory test is exactly the same as the car one, the structure is the same but I do recall getting some more motorcycle specific questions. I used a motorcycle specific practice app to pass it not a driving one.

[@lexuser-re7rl2qe5o]

Hi what was the app name you used please ??

[@8Jacob2]

Hi, Im from Czech Republic and Im a motorcycle instructor. We get almost the same system, but the required age is one year less (15 - AM - 45km/h), (16 - A1 - 125cc, 11kW), (18 - A2 - 35kW) (20 with 2years of A2 or 24 - A - full license). We dont have the Lplates system at all. You do your full course (full price): theory + usually 13 school hours (2 per day and at the end 3) or less when upgrading (and I can follow the learner on a bike or in a car) Then you get all exams in one day - theory test on PC at the city office: 20questions max 50points (43 to pass), then the pre-riding check, then the testing ground with 10 parts (manouvering - parking, slow straight at walking speed, figure 8 3times, slow slalom, stop and go one feet down - 4 switches and then the quick part: avoiding at 50km/h at 7m, 40km/h slalom with cones 9m apart, precision braking exactly at 17m from 50km/h and emergency braking in less then 12m from 50km/h) and then at least 20min in normal traffic (random path).. A state certified commisioner is to decide whether you passed (at the exam we always use a car to follow)..

[@petewatson9866]

After being on a 125cc in my teens I never did pass my test, CBT was just newly out and even my dead plant could pass it. Now in my 50’s I want that two wheels freedom again, instead of the 4 wheels I have now and craved so much for then. Away next month on a DAS🤞🤞🤞

[@chrishart8548]

I did my CBT in 1996 it only came In December 1990

[@chucky2316]

Pete I'm 43 and I have the same yearning I'm doing it full a1 😅 is it like a midlife crisis thing going on right now in my life I don't know I just wanna get on a big bike

[@chrishart8548]

@chucky2316 The Full licence is A. A1 is the 125cc A2 is 47hp

[@alanhall7213]

Originally had my UK bike license then had to sit it again when I moved to Canada. Different Provinces have different rules but from what I've seen it now looks similar to your video... except for the age / capacity / power restrictions. Theory... Testing skills with cones etc...then road test with examiner following. If you don't sit the road test within a specific time, you have to go back and re-do the skills training. Like most countries the level of testing has improved. I was an instructor for a while... I'm thinking of getting my recertification and getting back into it. Really enjoyed seeing new riders improving their skills... and having fun. I'd always recommend good training even if your local laws don't require it.

[@BlackArroToons]

Cool to learn about what it takes for a UK M license. Thanks. In the US, the test in the early 2000s was part written, and then the road test was in a parking lot for me, a figure 8 over two parking spaces was the toughest part, but aced the test on the first try, so it's basic and easy enough with a lighter bike like my prior Ninja 250R back then. A heavy cruiser doing a figure 8 would be a challenge.

[@dorianfinkelstein]

Great explanation of your experience, thanks.

[@burrito-town]

That’s a lot of steps! The U.S. will just about hand you a license if you have a heartbeat. There’s only one license for riding a motorcycle and getting it simply requires a weekend in a classroom, a weekend in a parking lot, and an easy multiple choice test. While I appreciate the simplicity, I wish we had more training resources available. Finding any classes in the San Francisco Bay Area is remarkably difficult.

[@bob-c1u5g]

I'm in Australia and I started riding a 1980 GSX 1000 a long long time ago now after all the fast big bikes I have owned I decided to buy a second hand Beater bike which is a FZ6N and it really is true you have more fun on a smaller bike and now it has become my go-to bike even though I have a BMW S1000RR and a Ducati Diavel absolute fun bike to ride, so you do not need a big bike after all and it took all those years and a bit of luck to find out.

[@jeffestrada6857]

It seems as though the UK has a much better and comprehensive training program then here in Australia 🇦🇺 Its been many years since I passed my introduction into motorcycles but I do know a little about the training here. Its quite good and isnt easy to pass, but from what I understand nothing as comprehensive as you have in the UK. Thank you for the video and good luck in your riding future 👍

[@MrDeepseadweller]

There is next to no training here in Australia. It’s very easy to pass, but having passed does NOT mean you are a competent rider. It really is left up to the individual to continue learning through paid courses and practice. Sadly, not everyone does.

[@somatyk]

Thanks for the captions Joseph🙏

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I am about to go to school to become a Riding Instructor .

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Great stuff

[@paulcarruthers2431]

I remember doing my bike test we did not have all this hassle you did one test . Mind you it was 30 years ago .

[@chrishart8548]

2009 the 2 part modular test came in. So up until that it was one test. I did mine in 1997 stuck with 33hp for 2 years. That isn't far off 30 years ago

[@Fractal379]

Good job & Congratulations, Jason!

[@RichO1701e]

I got into biking at 35 in 2019, did my DAS training to get my full A licence. Theory and Hazard Perception CBT MOD1 & MOD2 to get full A licence. I fully agree with the licence restrictions and tests. Car licences should be the same. Too many young lads crash with a car full of passengers bcos they're not ready for the BHP

[@MrAdambinnie]

Great video, so helpful

[@pixiemoto3673]

You have a Great Bike.

[@luc1ferblack]

If you have ridden 125cc bikes for a while you can take the tests yourself for £100. Find the big bike you want and buy it. Go on a insurance comparison site and select under licence havent passed yet. Go poundland and buy cones or bottles. get a mate who has a full licence and a motorbike to ride your bike to private land or a closed car park. layout cones as they would be on the test and practice. Slow speed work is important. bay to bay push can be done as a 3 point turn push straight back stop turn steering push forward in a half circle stop push back into other bay. A bike with abs with help on the test. When you feel confident book part one its about £15 and get the mate to ride your bike to the test. For part 2 about £75 take L plates and attach at the centre before the test. In part one every time you pull away do big shoulder checks boths sides every single time. do the same on the test. avoid filtering on the test

[@PrinceRules64]

Detailed advice and I want to agree, but for mod 2 at least wouldn't you need to be insured to ride on the roads? Can you be privately insured to ride a bike of capacity for which you don't yet have licence? Normally when you rent it from a training centre they have provided the collective insurance instead.

[@steve00alt70]

Cbt riders will need to do their theory test to ride with L plates soon. You will do the mod 1 and mod 2 together in the same day soon.

[@ukvamp]

I spent between £1500 to £2000 all in, that's lessons and tests and doesn't include me building up some of my own gear as well. I failed mod 1 and 2 first time but passed both second time round. I also didn't bother getting a 125cc to ride about on as i wanted to keep the cash for training and buying my big bike. I was 41 at the time and did a full access course but added extra lessons as i had never ridden before which really helped. Had so much seat time with the SV650 that i rode in training that i bought a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 for my first bike, love it! My advice to new riders is everyone learns at different paces so give yourself extra lessons if you feel it'll help! Don't rush, even consider a 125cc for practice if you think that'll help too

[@KaiisKlips]

So this course helps people who would just be nervous on the road in general

[@stickytoth5103]

I failed mod 2 at a junction I was positioned on the right not in the middle and on a dual carriageway I followed a fan too closely and it also cut into my lane with out indicating

[@Elmantukas]

Almost filled my pants when i saw the need to pass mod 2 within 6 months of passing mod 1 😆 thats for people who are exempt from taking the theory, mod 2 can be taken as long as your theory is valid so within the two years. Brilliant video tho!

[@tonyciriello6872]

The UK cares about young riders. In the States, no restrictions exist. At least not in the early 70's. At 15.5 years old I had my motorcycle licence and a brand new 1973 Norton 850. What a beyond awesome thrill. My training was on 450cc two stroke motocross bikes so the power to weight ratio experience was somewhat similar. I survived, the Norton did not. Had to buy a 74 to replace it. Wish I still had it. Did the UK restrictions exist in in the early 70's?

[@stichupman]

No they didn't my uncle said he did his test and the examiner didn't even follow you round he'd just pop up in locations around the route to check your riding.

[@tonyciriello6872]

@@stichupman nice. To many restrictions these days.

[@RichO1701e]

@@tonyciriello6872 no there aren't. Young riders are idiots and without the correct licence limitations, we'd have MORE deaths! In fact, car licences should be the same.

[@ianwarren8316]

Back in the 70’s it was 16 yo and you could ride a 50cc moped with a provisional license and no test or training at all (just a powered pushbike was the theory I think!) Then at 17 do a very basic test where the examiner watched you at a couple Of points on your route and would step out in front of you to trigger the emergency stop! The. You could ride anything!

[@tonyciriello6872]

@@ianwarren8316 I think you learn better when you're young. Like a language. I believe I'm a better rider now (67) because I learned so young.

[@mattknowles2140]

The system is just a money making scheme and it made me fall out of love with motorbikes. i Passed my A2 in 2017 on a throttle-restricted bike. I now have to pay £700 to do the same test, on the same bike but no restrictor. In what world is anyone doing a test ever going to hit a throttle restrictor! I completely agree with the progressive route and not having a 1k as your first bike. But why should i have to do the same test and pay through the nose for it

[@junitoortega8656]

Is funny where Im from, you can just take the MSF on a 250cc then go buy a Superbike, an H2 or a Hayabusa. Personally I rode a Honda Rebel 250 for 2 years and moved on to a CBR600F4i. Currently eyeing a Ducati V2, a CBR1000rr or an S1000rr since I recently went through an advanced rider course.

[@lozpoo3975]

Heads up. Car and motorcycle theory are NOT the same. I’ve done both recently, there are specific vehicle questions on each version of multiple choice.

[@alexandrual2782]

Hi! Thanks for the video, I got my A1 in 2010 and the B in 2012 back in Italy. I moved to the UK in 2014, and I changed my licence in a UK licence. Do you have any idea how I could avoid redoing the theory test if I want to get the full A? I'm 30. Thanks !

[@yeeee7145]

Will/has MCN endorsed the proposed changes to the licence?

[@MillerMotoring]

So if you get into riding at 17 in the UK you would need 3 ? Or 4? Bikes to graduate through the licenses before you could end up with a big bike/bike you may wanted from day 1? Who passed these laws.. Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki/Suzuki.. Etc 😁

[@zeeshanfraz3603]

Rookie question, with cbt do you need to own a bike or can you use one from the training provider to pass the cbt?😅

[@alexandraocean6756]

All cbt training centers will have their own bikes for you to use!

[@huberttarganski2095]

Hi. I'm 45 and valid CBT. Can I pass road test exam on my Honda Lead 110?

[@andrewshore262]

Jesus H Christ this is mind boggling, I got my sports moped at 16, my 250 at 17………passed my test (took about 40 minutes)……signed up for a new Honda 750 at 18…… Still here aged 63, sorry but I just think this is overkill, at 18 if you’ve done enough training you should be able to ride anything. Insurance will be the limiting factor, maybe this is why when I rock up to bike meets they’re mainly old farts like me riding GS’s and Tiger 1200’s.

[@MenTz_Evil]

ive always wanted a bike, got a car licence what whould yall recommed me do? CBT test so i can ride a 125cc and get comfortable with motorcyles and then full A, or just go for a full motorcycle licence?

[@ImJordanPatrick]

If I pass A1 on an automatic bike, can I still get an IDP for my A1 license to use bikes abroad? Thanks!

[@Tunis7444]

Do you need to read the license plate from Distance at the start like a car test?

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Yes mate. Just before the Show me/tell me questions on mod 2

[@acmdv]

1:47 I am 48 years old and have had a full driving licence since 2007, as I understand it after the CBT & theory I only need to take one practical 2 part test to be able to ride ANY bike. As I already have a full driving licence which included taking a theory test does that mean I don't need to take it again? Is that right?

[@andylongbottom7790]

Yep, your learning and practical tests would have to be done on bikes of about 595cc though. If you pass on that size bike you'll be able to ride anything. You're only restricted if you go for the lower power options to pass the tests on. Age doesn't come into it then, if you've only ever done a CBT on a 125cc (eg takeaway drivers) your age wouldn't be a factor, you wouldn't have passed on a larger capacity bike so you wouldn't be able to use them. Hope that helps!

[@stichupman]

I had to take a thoery test when I done my bike and hgv even though I had a full car licence.

[@RichO1701e]

No. You definitely have to take another theory/hazard perception test. I passed my car licence in 2004, did my DAS bike course to get my full A licence at 35 in 2019. Theory/HP CBT Full A licence via MOD1 and MOD2 tests Bcos you're over 24, you don't need to do A2 and A1 licence tests, just A.

[@acmdv]

@@RichO1701e 👍

[@rockafella1690]

Having a car license doesn't have any impact.

[@josephcabral3755]

If i have 2 years of cbt A1 do I still need to do the theory test for cbt A2?

[@QAMARSOSAD]

I'm 40 years old, can I get my full license directly?

[@Daletwaz]

Do the cbt and theory. Then mod1 and mod2. Just Google DAS course

[@kaugurid1608]

Hi , thanks for video but I have full car driving license do I need start from cbt and all same way how you explain ?>

[@gfusion]

Yes. For you would be CBT, theory, then Module 1 and 2 straight to full A license if youre old enough.

[@ditz2998]

I'm 36 and passed my driving licence (car) in 2018. Do I still have to apply for a provisional to do my cbt for a 125cc?

[@alexandraocean6756]

Check the back of your current license, it should allow you to just go and do your CBT

[@danbraniff850]

Do you need a provisional license?

[@SanyChowdhury-k8t]

Is it possible to get license as a foreign student. 🤷🏼

[@aryankarki5800]

Should i need to get bike to test centre

[@mugstore99]

*So i don't need to do theory test if i want to get 125 cc motorbike?*

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

No, you don't.

[@dougthebuilder1]

What if you're 37 and have driven a car for over 15 years?

[@getslammednerds]

can anyone help me? i wana know if i pass my cbt at 16 and turn 17 can i drive a 125cc

[@josephnicholson1819]

I haven’t done my cbt yet but I’m 17 in August. I’m 99 percent sure you can get a 125 if u pass at 16 because it’s just a age limit thing when I googled it and check on forums it said it’s fine if u pass at 16 to get a 125 at 17 without needing a resit.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Not to sure but I think you have to pass a motorcycle theory test before you do anything. May be wrong.

[@neevesybikes]

You don’t need a theory test for your CBT…

[@rickggrick778]

What's the cheapest way to get to A2?

[@bammyjastard]

I paid £800 for 4 day das and £80 for a 2 hour lesson prior so the riding instructor could see if I had a chance at passing. This price includes test fees. Mod 2 training on Friday and test Monday 😊

[@bammyjastard]

Typo it's a 3 day das

[@Metal5678]

Its £190 for a cbt .

[@345seadog]

This is all just to make lots of money. Bike tests are just like car tests; once you've passed, just about everyone drives totally differently from how they were taught. You couldn't continue riding as they taught you because you would never get anywhere. This is all just to make lots of money.

[@elithegreat6463]

Ride safe 👍, But please remember, no motorcycles should be Green or yellow 🤮

[@chrishart8548]

For younger people is it best just to wait until you're 24 then do the A license

[@alexandraocean6756]

Not necessarily. There’s nothing wrong with just having a 50 or 125cc until you’re old enough for a full license, gives you a better chance of passing first time

[@chrishart8548]

@alexandraocean6756 but you can only do it for 2 years then the CBT runs out. My wife had a 125 until the cbt ran out. Then had a 50cc but it was dangerously slow so sold it. Obviously she would love her dream bike and a full licence. I wish she could have just obtained a full licence on a 125 like I did in 1997. She will have to also do another CBT and another theory test.

[@dardobartoli]

The UK bike licensing is the epitome of everything wrong with this country (along with battery/electric cars). It's embarrassing that anyone could have even come up with this nonsense. It's not AI we should fear, but the fact there is little human intelligence. The diagram shown in this video reminds me of the 'Swing' when designed by various departments.

[@BenBennnis]

Or even a helmet……have you booked your funeral ?

[@MrMArsenal]

The UK motorcycle licence laws are completely ridiculous! At 17 people do their car licence and can buy a Ferrari! 😂😂

[@billybigbollox]

Yeah but a 17 year old in a Ferrari is unlikely to splat his head over the road, lose limbs and probably pull more girls.

[@MrMArsenal]

@@billybigbollox you've never had a motorbike have you?