Why I Have To RETAKE My Bike Test!? UK Motorcycle Licensing Rules & Laws Explained.

[@marcusrichardson3472]

What I find ridiculous is if you do a Bike Safe day with the police they’ll try and teach common sense roadcraft to unlearn all the bad training you pick up doing the UK bike test.

[@Grahamvfr]

I fully understand your point, but sadly a lot of novice riders/drivers simply don't have common sense.

[@tchan279]

Of course, there are multiple ways of riding safely including how bikers ride in Indonesia, Phillipines, Malaysia etc but our bureaucrats always know better.

[@markellott5620]

We don't teach bad training. We teach at a basic level. You wouldn't teach someone to play piano and then put the Moonlight Sonata in front of them before they have learned the keyboard layout. I don't teach dynamic road positioning at DAS level for example, for the simple reason that the candidate will fail for getting too close to oncoming traffic. People are simply not ready for advanced techniques at that level. When they have some miles under their belt and can handle the bike without thinking about it, I'll happily teach more advanced stuff and will tell them that much of what they were taught can now be left behind. People taking their test are at a very basic level of machine control and roadcraft, so we don't overload them before they are ready. As for the progressive testing regime, this is absurd. After two years on the road, riders have developed their machine control and roadcraft, so a more sensible approach would be appropriate. Certainly going through modules 1 and 2 on the same machine with the restrictor removed is pointless. A better approach would be assessment at a higher level, closer to the advanced assessment. As for the police safety days, well they aren't dealing with novices are they? So apples and oranges.

[@markellott5620]

@@Grahamvfr Tell me about it. Far too many have very poor machine control skills yet think they are better than they are. That said, I see a lot of so called experienced riders with poor machine control... And don't get me started on roadcraft skills.

[@Grahamvfr]

@@markellott5620 Couldn't have said it better myself, although I'm no lover of dvsa (car adi), training the majority of pupils who just want a licence (ie they have to train) is totally different from teaching someone who voluntarily seeks to improve their riding/driving.

[@dondle2]

I passed my test at 16 in 1970. You could ride a bike up to 250 or up to 650cc with a sidecar on a provisional licence ie L plates. After passing the test, which amounted to correctly identifying a few road signs, then riding twice round the block followed by an emergency stop when the examiner stepped out into the road and held his hand up, the world was your oyster. Still riding bikes, happy days. !!!

[@derekp2674]

@@Desmo900SS I passed a similar test in 1976.

[@carlberg6918]

same as you ......passed on honda cb 100 april 1970... as you said happy days 😎😎😎😎

[@gazt8239]

I passed my test in 1976 like the rest of us we had up to 250s still riding 66 now and still doing the miles. ride hard and ride safe.

[@adam-qf2vz]

like others I did it in 78.......i remember the instructor stepping out and raising his hand for the emergency stop and as I was on a TS185 in the wet the back came to meet the front..... stayed on and passed...great days the 70's

[@derekp2674]

@@adam-qf2vz Passed with bonus points for a nicely controlled slide :)

[@les3rdkyu]

50cc law is completely daft. You have enough power to get into trouble, but not enough to get out of trouble. Bike licensing laws are actually discriminatory in the fact that the same restrictions aren't applied to car licences. If you pass your car test there is no law stopping you buying a Lamborghini or Ferrari, if the same restrictions were in place you'd be limited to a ford Ka for 2 years.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Completely agree!

[@FreqyBiker]

I've been saying that for years - they'll never make the car rules harder though, where's the money in that?

[@Philo-Rides]

650cc in New Zealand. Learners

[@markellott5620]

I'd go further and say that the 28mph restriction is dangerous. When out with these people on a CBT road ride, I am frequently getting tailgated and overtaken dangerously by impatient road users. Bring back the Fizzy.

[@simoncaddick9085]

@@markellott5620 I've always said restricted mopeds are dangerous and they simply instil disregard, even contempt in poorly driven traffic attempting to push past, but then, there's the real issue isn't it?

[@bally632]

And this is why the average age of a UK motorcyclist is 57 year's old!!! You would have to be a real dedicated to motorcycle's youngster to put yourself through all that hassle and expense! Bloody ridiculous!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Absolutely right!

[@MaaZeus]

Thats why the most efficient way to do it is get the "moped" license first when you are teen to get a feel on two wheeled motor vehicles and get the skills ingrained into your spine, get a car license when you are adult and then wait until you turn 25 (or 24 in UK) and drive the full A license straight away without unnecessary steps. That said if you do want to get into motorcycling the moment you turn adult then sure, do drive the A2 license. There are plenty of bikes that do fit into the limits of that license and still do not feel underpowered. And you can travel long distances with them too.

[@arsenvokrug4198]

It was back in the 80s, when all this hassle and expense was first mooted by government. Straightaway, it was obvious that it was simply an attempt to put young people off motorcycling for good. Kudos to anyone who wasn’t put off by this nonsense, but I’m just happy to be too old to have had to suffer it!

[@waynenelson7723]

Is this a true figure? I wonder how they calculate the average age - is it from when they got their motorcycle license (but may not have been constantly riding since) or is it the average age of active motorcyclists currently on the road from say insurance policies? I'm not disputing the figure just curious where it has come from. I'm 64 and been riding constantly since 1976

[@johnsumser9743]

46 percent of US motorcyclists are over fifty years old and we have a very simple licensing system. In the US, you can get your license at 16 then go out and buy a BMW S1000RR. You never have to retake the riding test (I had to retake the written test, which is a bit of a joke.) Younger people just do not seem as interested in riding as earlier generations.

[@stevebandit1964]

As a 59 year old ' Road Warrior ' and having passed my ' Test ' back in 1981 on a Yamaha DT175 my sympathy goes out to all you guys and girls trying to navigate your way up to a full licence today ! 😮

[@MaxUtley]

Same as me - 1981 - before that I had a 50cc moped that I rode every day I was 16

[@steamboatwillie7344]

To be quite honest.....I fell off on my test, but he didn't see me. We just did a figure 8 around Holdsworth mill, in reddish, and the chap wandered around the 8, watching you from different places. On the at walking pace section, I wobbled and fell off. I'd borrowed a honda 50 from a mate ( as it was more reliable than mine) and had the auto clutch too. Soon as I'd got the slip, I bought a James 125. Cold but happy days

[@shardlake]

Your comment about "Putting people off" seems to be exactly what the intention was, I did my test in the 80's - full licence after 2 laps of the block and correctly identify a few road signs, on an Yamaha RD250... Still riding 42 years later :)

[@MeYou-yz2yz]

Yeah I had an RD250 with L plates as a 17 year old. Them wert'days. 😁

[@MyKharli]

Well obviously if you were dead you would not be posting ..bias or what !"

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Sadly, I feel it's designed to limit the numbers of new riders. For some strange reason we seem to be part of the modern transport problem as opposed to the opposite being true, that we're part of the solution. The other bit I don't get is why someone who passed a cbt and rides a 125 continuously needs a retake every 2 years even though they can demonstrate continual riding throughout 🤔

[@lilynorthover8378]

Having to redo your CBT is money making pure and simple.

[@MrQuakeroat]

What possible reason could there be for the gov't to want to limit the number of new riders? Beyond some weird conspiracy theory that is.

[@Princep555]

Motorcycle’s are symbolic for freedom, doesn’t really fit into the whole green new deal agenda 2030. Their goal is to dissolve away with the traditional automotive industry by discouraging our efforts. You can’t really control people upon the current system as to why the rapid push to bring in EVs and new regulations.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

@@MrQuakeroat probably my weird conspiracy theory? 😁

[@carlarthur4442]

Seems like it's a money grab , I can understand why someone starting off riding a bike needs a C B T , but once you've done it why have you got to do another one after 2 years , by the way it used tobe every 3 years , at one point if you hadn't passed a test in that time they were thinking of stopping you for 12 months from riding but that got knocked in the head , crazy laws for bikes, it's all designed to put you off all the rig ma roll , think it's about time it was reformed into something more practical like it used tobe , more simplified.

[@johnludmon510]

As someone who passed their test over 40 years ago I have watched as the licensing legislation has worked in a completely counterproductive way as to what it was initially intended. The stepped licensing at the bottom end doesn’t incentivise passing the tests or taking training beyond the CBT as passing the tests doesn’t allow you to ride a bigger bike and taking a pillion or riding on a motorway isn’t really what a 125 is about.The original reason for the CBT running out after two years (with a one year delay in being able to take it again)was to incentivise people to take both training and pass their test and stop them riding forever on a provisional license this was for me a positive thing. When I passed my test I could have gone from a 125 any bike but what stopped me was insurance which even in the eighties was expensive for the young my first big bike a 500 was over £300 (my niece is paying over £2000 for a VW Polo ) this would be very much the same now . Personally I would like the A1 and A2 license to be combined as this would give a 17 year old some incentive to pass the tests and 47 hp is about the same as my 500 had when I was 20. The direct access A license at 24 and the ability to take the A license after 2 or 3 years of holding the A2 should stay the same but with possibly a streamlining of the tests so you only did one.

[@Isochest]

Gen Z who ride will do forever on L plates taking the CBT every 2 years. Vielen Dank....nicht Herr Bangemann 🤬🤬

[@francomartini4328]

In late 1972 when I turned 16, I got my provisional license and purchased my first ever motorized transport, a pale blue 125cc Lambretta. Then in 1973, the British Government in its wisdom introduced two new laws. The first made the wearing of crash helmets compulsory on motorcycles (except for Sikhs) and a new age restriction was introduced for learner riders. Up to that time, the limit for someone on a provisional license was 250 cc but the new regulation upped the minimum age for that displacement to 17 and limited 16 year olds to 50cc which forced me to park up my scooter for about six months until my next birthday. (Thanks a bunch Mr Heath!) However, it didn't end there. For some odd reason that nobody has ever understood, the new regulations made it compulsory for 50cc bikes to be _mopeds,_ that is to say they had to have bicycle pedals fitted rather than footrests regardless of whether they were Honda Cub-type step throughs or a proper motorcycle like the Honda SS50 which looked just plain weird. Why? No-one has ever explained this uniquely British quirk to me. All I know is that it is a strong contender for stupidest motorcycle regulation ever.

[@maskedavenger2578]

The standard Honda C 50 was always classed as a motorcycle I owned one & it would do 45 mph on clock on flat & on some days in more favourable conditions down inclines could reach higher speeds . Later on some different variations were sold that were classed as mopeds & limited to 30 - 35 mph . Some of the so called sports mopeds were just versions of existing 50cc motorcycles with a set of pedals added by manufacturers to get around the moped laws . There was no top speed restriction on mopeds just a 50 cc limit . Even some standard pedal & pop mopeds could reach speeds of around 40 mph . When the government brought out the law for 16 year olds ,it was the standard pedal & pop mopeds they envisaged the 16 year olds riding ,not 50 cc geared motorcycles that could reach higher than pedal & pop moped top speeds . Once they realised that mopeds like the Fizzys & AP 50 Suzukis & some of the Italian sport mopeds could reach 45 - 60 mph ,they brought in the top speed restrictions to 30 mph & removed requirement for pedals . Existing mopeds with pedals ,before the date are not restricted to 30 mph as long as the pedals are not removed . You can still ride an original sports moped that was manufactured with pedals ,that is not restricted now on a moped licence . They reduced the 250 cc limit for 17 year old plus learners to 125 ( 12 hp ) because the likes of Suzuki & Yamaha ,were knocking out 2 stroke sport bikes that could be capable of reaching speeds near or above 100mph . You could still ride a 125 with more than 12 Hp if you had passed the motorcycle test ,you can still ride a 125 cc now with more than 15hp ,if you can find one & you have passed your test to cover A2 . The motorcycle media have encouraged governments to bring in more restrictions ,by hyping up & encouraging more & more horse power & speed ,ranting on about track days & wheelie schools . This is like a red rag to bull giving governments more excuse to limit & control our motorcycles & use .

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Yes, I remember that too 😂. I had an SS50 and an AP50. Both had these pedals. To bring them into use you pulled a spring-loaded cotter pin and rotated one of the pedal cranks by 180° I tried it once just for fun. The pedal cranks were so long that you had to move your legs in a ridiculously large arc. It looked ridiculous. But then they were only a fudge to comply legally and never really expected to be used "in anger".

[@terrystratford1235]

Wasn't there a sidecar rule also?ie if your bike had a side car you could ride it as a learner? I've heared many put a stinger(small piece of wood/metal with a wheel,on a larger bike!?

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@terrystratford1235 Yes you could ride a larger bike ,if it was attacked to sidecar & had no reverse gear . A three wheeler car below a certain weight ,could also be driven on a motorcycle licence in the U.K. . I did hear that a learner could also drive a three wheeler car on their own with ‘L ‘ plates with reverse gear blocked off ,unaccompanied by full licence holder ,but not 100% sure about that .

[@kev.j.goodwin8612]

@@maskedavenger2578 In the early 1960s my dad had a full motorbike licence that fully covered him to drive a three wheeler with passengers and no L plates, providing the reverse was blanked off. I think you could drive a three wheeler on a provisional licence on your own only, but with L plates as if it was a motorcycle combination. I remember him taking the blanking plate off when he passed his car test but couldn't afford a car at that time and kept the Reliant for a bit longer, although now with reverse gear! In the early 70s, as a sixteen year old you were allowed to drive a three wheel invalid carriage (hideous blue Invacars) with L plates - stories of kids tuning the small Villiers two strokes in them and going crazy speeds. Got caught by the sixteener law in '73 myself so went for a Fizzy. Wish I still had it £££s The current bike licencing regs are just nuts - overblown, drawn out and far too complicated, just what bureaucrats love. Very little about safety and more to do with control as with so much these days.

[@karlhoward2737]

Very informative…thank goodness I took my full license test back in 1979……crazy thing is, I had a hiatus of 42 years….since a drunk driver almost ended me….now I am 61 and enjoying riding my big bike…..amazing just how much I remember…..for me it’s so important to look ahead, have good stopping distance and life savers a must…..funny thing is…..you don’t forget these….oh and practice very slow riding…it comes back for sure…..crazy UK nanny state laws…

[@LeedsRider]

Crazily restrictive licence rules. When I passed back in 2013 I thought it was awful having to stick with 33bhp for two years, but this is another level. After two years I'm sure people are plenty experienced enough to ride a larger capacity motorcycle. It sometimes feels like they're actively trying to kill off the industry!

[@chopdog]

My GF was surprised to see I'm not the only one who stops and talks to cows. Your softail sounds great btw!

[@glynharper1066]

I was a bike instructor for over 10 years, a rider from 16 years old and now in my 60s and still riding. I can see why the CBT came into effect as at 16 I had very little road sense, machine control or experience, just a learner who was lucky not to be in an accident in the first months of riding.

[@paullee6663]

@glynharper1066 I guess like all of us back then you learnt on a moped and 'trained yourself' and your 'Test' consisted of a couple of trips around 'the block'..?? I think you 'sell yourself short' if you had a moped at 16 you probably did a lot of miles on that thing until you were 17 years old, I know I did! I bought my brand new Yamaha RS100 on the 1st July and passed my test in August. On the same day I took my sister on the pillion to collect my 'O' level results/ reset results....🤣 She would have been ...12....😲😯 There's more....It was '76... so it was hot and sunny! 🙂 So, I took her to Rhyl. Which even today Google maps says is a 'round trip' of 5 hours from our house. 😎 I didn't ride after '76 until I think '79 or '80 when two mates took me along to a BMW Open Day in Dorchester....The frost was on the ground...☹ 'What's the smallest bike you have'? That will be the R65...'I'll take it'.... I was out for 10 minutes....'Have you got something else...? Folks had started to turn up as it was sunny.... I've only got this...an R100RT. It was too tall for me really....and heavy......'OK I'll give it a try...' Those things had a 'barn door' fairing and you 'could' be doing speeds in excess of motorway speeds...without even realizing....just sayin...I didn't take it back to 'swop'. One of my friends purchased a R100RS as a result of the 'Test Day'...he had it less than a week before he exchanged it for a R100RT 😐

[@glynharper1066]

@@paullee6663 yep those were the days, I was lucky my Dad was a biker and my uncle had a bike shop, it was obvious I would get a bike as soon as I could, 16th birthday racked up at the shop to find a Yamaha FS1E in purple with my name on it, got the bike gear on and proceeded to get instructions from them on how it worked, out on the yard learned the basics, and 10 minutes later out on the road, rode home with dad following in car, had that bike for a year. Moved up to a Kawasaki KE175 as I had started trial riding, girlfriend came along so Kawasaki 250 was next, passed my test like you said round the block, moved up to a Z650 a year later, couple of years passed still on Z650 but now with sidecar as first daughter came along. Had that for a couple of years, passed my car test and sold the bike & sidecar. And within a year had a trials bike again along with a Honda C90 for work, over the past 40+ years I have always had a bike of sorts and have a couple in the garage now FZ6 and NC750.

[@johnoconnor7402]

I took my bike test in 1963 on my James 197cc . No traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, or one way streets where I lived. A 15 minute drive with an emergency stop, 3 questions on the highway code, with a little help from the examiner, and that was it. Different world... I can understant CBT but not the rest. Much too complicated...

[@bobman7881]

You Brit’s need to rise up and throw these tyrants out of office

[@233kosta]

I mean yeah, but this isn't the reason

[@MrQuakeroat]

@@233kosta This made me smile. You're so right.

[@simongilbert2704]

correct

[@motorbikerscosmeticcompany1594]

Still too many with their head still up their a*se too scared to admit the truth to themselves. Looks like the fluorine in the water is having the desired effect.

[@SurreyAlan]

But we're not allowed to have guns which despite your problems with them are a guarantee against the state getting above itself though sadly now a gun is not much use when they've cancelled your bank account for having the wrong views.

[@chrispigott6913]

I passed my test in 1961 when I was 17 and rode an AJS 350cc the law changed to 250cc a bit later but by then I had bought a Norton 600cc Dominator. Happy days !

[@Kevin97587]

Its exactly the same here in Belgium. Its completely ridiculous. I took a test at 18 (theory + driving) then again at 21 then again at 24. Everytime i needed to pass the exams again and do atleast 4 hours of certified course. I think overall it costed me atleast 3000-4000€. (I failed twice) . Its stupid, overpriced... and thats putting it nicely.

[@aceofspades5786]

good to see in your country that stricter controls are reducing the number of fatalities archive.etsc.eu/documents/copy_of_Presentation%20by%20Heike%20Martensen.pdf

[@scottfinlayson5446]

Here in Queensland we have a curious system.You must hold a car license fir a year then take an off road course enabling you to ride a restricted bike M7 for example.You must display L plates and be accompanied by someone with an open license, who may be in a car. When you're ready you take another test on a full powered bike to obtain an open license. My Son lives in Victoria and is ridinga restricted 650 on L plates unsupervised for 2 years but can't cross the border as all the states have different regulations. Seems to me that Governments world wide go out of there way to discourage motorcyclists.

[@silkycherry]

Good luck! Its a nightmare to get your motorcycle licence in the UK. But worth it in the end. 👍😀

[@Rob-cv3vh]

Thanks for sharing this, much love to you both. There is little incentive for young riders nowadays, thankfully I got my full bike license when I was 19 in the early 90s. A lot of my parents' and grandparents' generation never bothered with car licenses. They used motorbikes in good weather and drove around on their bike license in Reliant 3 wheelers in autumn & winter. It was cheap motoring. Motorcycling seems to be an overlooked solution to congestion, imagine our cities with far more people commuting on 2 wheels. Why the ship is being steered towards traffic jams made up from 2 ton EV SUVs is beyond me.

[@flesz_]

I did my A licence in Poland in 2001 when I was 18. There was no other category, you could ride any bike you wanted. I had a bike for a year, crappy MZ 250 which I repaired more than I rode. Now I'm 40 living in UK and finally looking to buy my second motorcycle, I think it will be Vulcan s 650

[@patmaher5500]

Agreed, the process is far too expensive and unreasonably staggered, I rode first as a teenager, no CBT required just road legal, 2 stroke's we're fun and affordable, practicality dictated I had a car for family life, finally this year at 54 and a handful of suckass life events threw myself into getting it done and passed, hopefully getting my son to get it done very soon too, but it's not designed to be easily accessible without substantial cost, especially with the multiple stages of category which oddly aren't applied to power restrictions on car's.

[@233kosta]

After your first year on a CBT (i.e. when you turn 17), you can just go for the A1 test, there's no requirement to be accompanied by the instructor, so it's a fairly cheap way of taking the L-plates off if you want to do that.

[@seismic6402]

I did the CBT, bought a 125cc scooter and did the mod 1 and mod 2 by booking directly with the DVSA. I had to laugh when my CBT instructor was afraid to attempt the u-turn on the scooter in case he didn't manage it. It is actually probably a touch more difficult than with a geared bike. To explain, there is a slight delay with the throttle, which could be enough to cause a foot down. The only answer is to keep the throttle on and use the brake, which takes a little getting used to.

[@markellott5620]

@@seismic6402 Which is the method we teach and what we demonstrate when students struggle with it. It's really not that difficult as you are manually controlling the automatic clutch using the rear brake. However, most schools only offer 50cc scooters, because the automatic A1 licence is too small a market to keep such machines on the fleet. If people want Module 1 and 2 training for their A1, we always advise booking the test directly and taking themselves to test precisely because it is more cost effective.

[@redhedhair]

Thank you ! Im 52 and past my bike test in the uk back in the late 80`s. ( when it was easier ) . When im out on my bike, people ask me " How do I get into motorcycling?" I didn`t know what the new laws are ! Thank you Mr Darcy for making it clear. I may not remember all of it , but I will recommend your channel to everyone. ❤

[@mitvelkez]

These extra licences that have been introduced since I got my bike licence in the 90s are insane. A better way to reduce biker injuries and fatalities is to raise the age limit on driving and insisting that all new drivers must have passed at least 1 of these bikes licences. Just my opinion.

[@JamesBond-is5du]

Correct

[@GK1976A]

I consider my greatest achievement in life, getting my full motorcycle licence. My car licence, degree(s), marriage, house ownership...... everything else pales into insignificance.

[@elemar5]

One of my best achievements was knowing how to spell licence.

[@GK1976A]

@@elemar5 ha ha! I’m getting old mate. That’s what happens when you’re down to your last few brain cells.

[@motocafe7636]

I understand the safety aspect of your licensing system, but yeah it's so much easier over here in the US. I went last year and took a written (computer)test and received a 45 day permit with little restrictions like no night riding etc. I then bought an Interceptor 650 and used that a few weeks later to take my parking lot cone test, the entire process took under an hour and cost me less than $75....

[@operator0]

I took an accredited basic rider's course that gives me a certificate to present to the DMV to get my full license with no tests. The course costs $250 and lasted two and a half days.

[@melfzs]

The whole licensing system in the uk is discriminatory against Motorcyclists, it puts people off getting into motorcycling and the cost some of the training schools charge is prohibitive , varying between £900 to £1250! The government and some of the greedier training schools need a kick up the arse!

[@racheltaylor6578]

I think I spent over £3000 on training and test resits at two different training schools.COVID lock down didn’t help.

[@melfzs]

@@racheltaylor6578 my wife had a problem with an issue with one school whereby they changed the bike the day she was doing slow manoeuvres, from a Z400 she'd gotten used to ,to a z650 , it completely affected her confidence on the day and she didn't carry on with it , she almost called it a day but I convinced her to carry on riding after she gave it a break for a couple of weeks, regained her confidence and is happy with renewing her CBT and keeping with a 125 for now .

[@markellott5620]

Okay, you think the cost is prohibitive? Motorcycle instructing is an expensive job. There's the cost of providing our own bikes, equipment insurance and so on. Then there's the cost of premises hire, fuel (it's gone up recently in case you hadn't noticed), candidate bikes, maintenance, depreciation and insurance. They don't grow on trees - a DAS bike at around £7k a pop plus having to have a small fleet of 125s and mopeds, and replacing them regularly so that the student is always on a well maintained, new(ish) machine in good condition is a significant investment. For multi instructor ATBs there's a wages bill to include - or do you think that instructors should just devote their time and effort for nothing? Land to have an approved training area is hideously expensive in a major city and isn't always easy to source. Frankly, a grand to get your full licence is cheap. As usual, people think we should just give it away. At best, this is a marginal business and if we didn't enjoy what we do, you would be hard pressed to find anyone daft enough to put up with the costs of running the business, the bureaucracy of dealing with the DVSA and unrealistic expectations of people who want something for nothing. But of course, we are greedy and need a kick up the arse. Yeah, that explains it.

[@melfzs]

@@markellott5620 I am aware of the cost of what go's into running the business , but thanks for the patronising comments , I am aware bikes don't grow on trees ,people do need wages , and I don't think people should work for nothing , as for fuel it's levelled out lately (in case you hadn't noticed ) and people don't think you should just give it away , and as I said SOME of the training centres need a kick up the arse, particularly the ones that think the trainee could do with another three hours back at the compound at another £180 because they haven't quite got the hang of the figure of eight slalom yet , because they touched a cone ,and yes I am aware its a fail in the test ,yet another unnecessary obstacle to make it more difficult that's bugger all use on the road . the training centre my wife used was more persistent in getting her bank details first than setting up and discussing the training plan as in "well lets have your card details first eh, then we can talk about the training after " . and I have spoken to other people that said they felt that their training was unnecessarily dragged out for the upsell of more training hours . Yes a grand is cheap to get your full license but when some schools eke another couple of grand out of trainees then it isn't cheap is it ?

[@markellott5620]

@melfzs if I sound patronising, it's because I'm tired of ill-informed garbage from people who clearly have no idea what is involved. Given that you have seen fit to repeat it, I stand by my response. You are not being ripped off. You are being charged a realistic fee for the time, effort, and costs involved. We don't set the standards, the DVSA do, so go and whine to them if you don't like it. As for 'bugger all to do with riding on the road', basic machine control is essential for riding on the road, and some people struggle with this, so it costs more. That's life. I don't work for free, although I did have an enquiry from one chancer who expected ERS training for nothing. Taking someone out onto the public highway who hasn't mastered machine control is downright petrifying. When you've had to deal with impatient drivers and a terrified learner who can't manage clutch throttle and brakes, you can sit in judgement of those who have. That's why we insist that people come back. Because we don't want to get them killed. But you think it's all about upselling. What ignorant ill informed nonsense. If you saw a similarly ill-informed comment about your own profession by someone claiming that you are greedy for wanting a realistic fee for the work you do, I suspect your response would be as acid as mine. I make no apology. You deserved everything I said. In fact, I was remarkably polite considering.

[@adrianmercer5393]

Passed my test in early 80's , when I say test it was laughable. Ride up the road , turn left , then left again . When examiner raises his hand do emergency stop . Well done sir you've passed . Took all of 15 mins

[@sproutandkidneysoup2296]

Mine was similar in 1976, but as it was raining I only saw the examiner 3 times, at the start, when he told me to ride round the block in the opposite direction, then when he put his hand up for the emergency stop. I was riding round looking under cars and up trees, wondering where he was hiding. It never occured to me he would be siiting inside away from the rain.

[@Katabatic]

Exactly the same for me. 1975, Suzuki GT250 Hendon test centre, around the block, then opposite direction, emergency stop. Job done.

[@RussRyan7713]

Agree it will put a lot of people off. I passed my bike test before my car test at 17 on a tzr125. No CBT. One practical test like mod2. When done I could ride what liked. Now I wasn't stupid and got a tzr250 and rode that for a while. Then life happened bikes went away and I am now 30 years later getting a new one. Again not stupid so getting zx4rr probably. Not mental but fun. Also will do my advanced riding course and test like I did my car one. Always keep learning, keeps you safe. Interesting video on the process these days. 👍

[@rickconstant6106]

From what I've read, with test fees and training courses, to progress through CBT, A1, A2 and A tests would cost almost as much as I've paid for all the bikes I've owned in my life. I'm so glad I passed my test when I did (1974, total cost £3.50, I think).

[@richardwestwell4902]

Well done you. Took my test in December 1963.

[@carsandstuff365]

I’m 37 did my das direct access in 2023, CBT theory , mod 1 then 2 , cost me £900 in total to get my A category

[@grant1133]

Id love to get into motorcycling but clearly theyre just trying to make it as painful as possible. Why cant they simplify it like car tests? One thorough test and done.

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

Just as ridiculous over here in Belgium. Thinking of buying my first motorcycle at age 31 and now going through all the hassle of the theory-exam, the practical lessons and the practical exam. Getting the license costs around 1300€ over here. No wonder nobody rides anymore.

[@jameswilliams5590]

Germany as well. Going through the course at age 52! Started this almost a year ago. Stopped during the winter months and started up again a couple of months ago. Finally I'm just about finished.

[@Angeloflight444]

Love the footage from the rider's perspective! I was writing a huge comment on the laws and my experience in Greece but I decided to erase it. Just ride safe and enjoy and be responsible. Cheers! :)

[@Sidistic_Atheist]

As a 58 year old with a FULL Car, Class 1 HGV and Bike license.. This sounds completely INSANE.. It's clearly and purely, a DVLA or now a DSA moneymaking issue and not a safety issue.

[@AF-O6]

Here in the U.S., at age 16 I took an easy written test and performance test on my 250 Honda Elsinore in a parking lot, and got a license. Nothing stopped me from buying a 1,000cc performance bike other than being a broke 16-year-old. One would have to really want to ride to endure the nanny state in Europe. I’m glad you persevered.

[@796andy2]

or safety course (which is free and fun) and off you go

[@just_a_quick_ride]

Yep, I did a two day course in a shopping mall car park in Colorado in 2004, and bought a Tiger 955i. Good times!

[@giocrypt5148]

They dont call it the nanny state for nothing

[@just_a_quick_ride]

@@giocrypt5148 To be fair, I think colorado could be more nannyish. Around that time there was a newspaper story about a teacher in Denver, who started his retirement by fulfilling his ambition to buy a Harley and start riding. He picked it up from a dealership in the mountains and was riding home down I-70, when he "failed to negotiate a turn" on the freeway. Dead on day 1. Maybe someone told him that counter-steering was a myth, which a lot of HD riders seemed to believe, but some more nannying could have saved his life.

[@just_a_quick_ride]

And I guess being allowed to ride a Tiger 955i on day 1, that was crazy. That bike still scares me now ... 100hp, no ABS, no traction control ...

[@PyramidHead76]

I'm 46 and did a CBT for the second time in my life last year & a theory test even though I've had a full car license forever. At some point before the CBT expires I'll do a Direct Access, but that requires 2-3 days of expensive instructor time & bike hire for most people in addition to the two tests. It'd make a lot more sense if I could get my A1 on my own & then ride an A2 class bike on L plates & pass a test on that, then the same deal again for full A license...

[@marknalliah9053]

I passed a direct access course when I was 21 giving me a full licence (didn't realise the age had changed) im now 45 and getting back into motorcycles. Great video and channel.

[@MrMandelsohn]

Us oldies who passed the old test can ride any size bike even if you havent ridden for decades. After just car driving for decades I am a born again biker with two bikes - a 1200cc and 1800cc - must say it was nerve racking getting used to them but survived!

[@davidbrooks1971]

Bit different when i was young. Did my Part 1 (now a CBT i guess) in a carpark, borrowed a 125 from a mate and passed my test to get a full license. Rode 125 back to my mates house and after a quick call to my insurance company, hopped on the GPZ900R i had in my garage. 12 BHP to 115 in half a day! Weirdly, after 40 years where the smallest cc bike i had was 865, i have now bought a CRF300L which at 27BHP is A2 compliant. Just as much fun especially in Wiltshire!

[@charliedrake247]

I re done my bike test at the age 60 all parts and the theory passed all so iam now been riding agian for 8years happy man .wife worries but still ride with a smile 😊

[@Tainted-Soul]

I am so glad I got my bike Licence 40 years ago just a CBT and test . on my 100cc then I waited to pick which bike to have trying some out and finally when for a 750 a GPZ 750 Turbo LOL which was one of the fastest bikes on the road at the time. now some years later Im changing my zx12r to a slower bike H2sx se LOL what no test teaches you is that every car driver is trying to kill you and most dont know what they are doing as they have their thoughts someplace else. the key is to stop the risk and take action just in case. ride with your fingers on the brakes. good luck with the test I hope you have not forgotten too much

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Crazy rules in the UK. Glad I did my 125 with L plates, Then 250 L plates, then my one off test years ago. It would make more people look at riding bikes for a start. I've done 'all' the advanced training over the years and recommend that to any rider of ay age or experience. Bike safe courses are great, ERS, IAM, RoSPA...all good. 🏍️💨👍

[@Willenium2k4]

I took my test in 2005 at the age of 18. At the time I think the two worthwhile options were 'Restricted Access' at 17 or 'Direct Access' at 21. Taking the path with restrictions meant a power limit of 33hp/25KW for two years and then you would attain full Category A automatically afterwards. Having completed the restricted test, I bought a 600cc bike at 19 years old and still have it now 🙂

[@helgeschneider4417]

It's similar to this in Germany. We don't have that CBT thing though, as far as I know. You can get the AM license (50cc) at 15, A1 (125cc) at 16 (not sure if you can easily "upgrade" from AM to A1), A2 at 18 (you only need to take the driving test if you've owned A1 for at least 2 years) and then A at 20 if you've had A2 for at least 2 years (only need to take the driving test in that case) or at 24, if you're new to bikes. There is also an "A mit Schlüsselzahl 80" license which you can take at 21. It's like A2, but you automatically get A as soon as you're 24, without a test. For some reason people who get into bikes at 18 need to take the test though and have no way around it, which is bullshit.

[@Anderzander]

I had no idea what it had become. I passed my test sometime in 96 - so I did a CBT - but took my test before the direct access thing came in. It was also pre theory test. My daughter is 12 and rides a dirt bike on private land - she’s actually ridden since 4 years old, so I watched this to get an idea of what her route to getting a licence may look like … And I’ve come to find out that it’s ridiculous…

[@tomoates8568]

Wow! There are some things about Europe and other parts of the world that I wish we did better in the US, but the motorcycle licensing system isn't one of them 😂

[@jag1963]

When I moved to the U.S from England back in 2019 I had to retake my car and bike test. The bike test was 2 day course on a playground and people who'd never ridden a bike in there lives went from no experiance to test pass in 11 hours. Anyone who passed the test and they all do even those who fell off a lot could go out and buy any bike after that. The car test was even easier. It's crazy how little training you need out here to ride or drive and it shows when you are on the road.

[@duncanjowett5575]

Thanks for explaining that. I'm 57, riding for 20 years. Knew it was complicated now but the situation you've outlined is mental. I totally get taking folks up in steps - safety is good but WHY so bloody complicated???? Oh yeah - £££ 😡😡😡 I work on a tree nursery and the number of tests we have to do for fork lifts, tele-handlers, pallet trucks, spraying with a back pack, tractor mounted spraying blah blah (a lot of these tests then have to be re-taken after so many years... Ker-CHING!!!

[@PJD_55]

Passed my motorcycle test at 16 in 1971 on a Vespa GS160. Not long after that I bought a BSA 650 Thunderbolt. Had a few close calls on the BSA and looking back I’m surprised I survived my teenage years. I do think now that the test needed stiffening up but it’s gone from one extreme to another.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

The licence system is the way it is to put people off altogether .its so convoluted.

[@antonoat]

Very well explained, glad I passed mine thirty years ago, lol. The Harley sounds and looks epic! 👏👏😀👍. Good luck with the test! 👏😀👍🏍

[@BlakesPipes]

All this sounds like crazy. Fly to US and get lic for motorcycle and use US lic over in Europe. I am sure I am an idiot. But they make it way to long and to expensive . I think a weekend course is around 150 dollars and pass the class and get endorsement. Crazy

[@johnludmon510]

Apart from the fact that a none EU/UK license has visitor status and you need to get a UK license after 12 months of residency ( you have to pass the test ) your plan is perfect.

[@BlakesPipes]

@@johnludmon510 so what your saying, there's a chance. Like I said, I am an idiot!

[@jimf671]

What a carry on! I think I was probably the last person in Scotland to do old old test back in mid-1982. Twice round the block and three questions. A-licence. Mad as a box of frogs and not dead yet!

[@Boxer1250RT]

50 cc and max 28 mph speed limit is plain dangerous and stupidity!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Certainly is! Especially riding down a dual carriageway. Scariest thing I ever did!

[@paullacey2999]

I got my licence not long ago,it was a very expensive and cumbersome process.Wish I had done it years ago when you literally rode round the block,if came back unscathed you got your licence...

[@BlakesPipes]

I don't think people bought big bikes and killed themself at great numbers and the government has told that story to make you guys pay so much. Out death toll is low here in America and you can buy a Bussa, the day after the weekend course. Just saying. But you guys do get to lane split

[@Deacon_biscuits]

I started on a moped back in the 1970s and did my test on a 125cc Honda, when I moved to Australia 20+ years ago I had to go and take a test much like the mod1 you mentioned, I hired a 250cc Honda for that, I past that and the instructor then got me to ride the course again on my HD Roadking i had ridden there on to demonstrate to the yougsters who had failed that day that the course was passable on any motorcycle. I live not to far from one of Australia's iconic bike roads and see some truly dumb riding and accidents most weekends, more education and training can't be a bad thing.

[@GregorisDassios]

Hi Darcy, in France the CBT (BSR in french) is at 14 years and the 125cc at 16. At 18 the A2 and at 20 the A. If you are more than 22 you can go straight to A without having to go through the previous levels, however, difficult to get assured if you go directly to a super-sport or a Hayabusa (even impossible). So even if you have your A license, you have o have at least 2 years of experience prior to get assured for a super-sport

[@Pete-ba253]

At last . Someone who no s the facts about a bike license . Thank you . Pete , 2 months passed 👍🏻

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Can vividly recall my test. The instructor talked me through the route that l was to take, a route where he'd never see me on, then on my return he'd step out into the road & l'd do an emergency stop. Couple of questions and bingo no more moped, 250cc's of fun at 17! Failing your test was a great shame & you'd be viewed as borderline retarded.😂

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Both my sons (24 & 28) loved being on & around my bikes as kids but both could never be bothered to jump through the hoops to get their own license. My license gave me freedom, along with my mates we rode to Monte Carlo, at 17 on 250's, we stop kids from growing up with rules like this....

[@iallso1]

Here in New Zealand we have the LAMS scheme which I feel is a sensible halfway house between Europe and the US, after passing a basic handling skills test the rider then must pass a theory test before getting a learners licence. At this point they can ride a LAMS approved bike, the primary criteria of being between 251cc and 660cc, and less than 150 kilowatts per tonne. You do have restrictions of an L plate, zero alcohol no pillion and a curfew. As a sixteen year old you must have your learners for 6 months before you can sit you restricted test, once passed you loose the L plate. 18 months after this you take a full licence test and on passing you get your full licence and can ride any bike. For older riders you can take your restricted as soon as you feel confident to pass after getting your learners and then only have to wait 12 months to go for your full licence.

[@davidpalin1790]

Motorcyclists have been victimised since the early 80s. Motorcycles can play a significant role in reducing congestion

[@a.borovinskih]

I ought to inform you, sir. You have got a very beautiful motorcycle.

[@letni9506]

I've no doubt you'll pass but it's a pain in the bum and unnecessary. I mean you can take your car test in an Aygo and then buy a BMW 330i. I passed on my own 125 and had to stick to 33bhp for two years but then I could ride anything. I don't feel like riding a 125 or 600 is much different. I mean they only go as fast as you twist the throttle. Seems pointless making you take it again. The two year bhp limit seemed fair enough to me.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Would be fine if they limited it for 2 years and then you can automatically ride what you like after 2 years

[@Ukuleleal]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan That's what it was when I did mine. Passed on my 125 then after 2 years I could ride what I like.

[@flybobbie1449]

I started in 1977 with Honda C50. Means of transport. You learnt roadcraft, but was flipping scary trying to get across some junctions, lack of power. But survived.

[@BlakesPipes]

Thank you from the US to see what a crazy (DMV) department of motor vehicles makes you guys jump through. Control!

[@SteveM109r]

Im glad I took my test back in the 1980's. Straight to A license. Been riding for 39 years. still totally love it.

[@Jagshemasher]

Quite interesting. I am certainly closer to "Ol' Man" vintage. I started riding in the UK in 1978 at 17 years old on a 150 cc Lambretta Scooter which would do about 60 mph downhill with a tailwind but the vibration was intolerable so 45 mph was reasonable practical limit which was okay for around town. At 18 I passed my test and got my full licence and a few months later I bought a new RD400 which was shall we say a tad faster than the Lambretta especially after a few mods to the ports, intake air filters and reed valves. In 1981 at the ripe old age of 19 years old I entered the Motorcycle News Star Rider competition which was all about safe riding and came joint first place in the regional final and ultimately came 12th out of 30 in the national final held at the NEC in Birmingham. Despite being a two stroke hooligan I was aware that you needed to ride safely at least on busy roads. I emigrated to Canada in 1990 and converted my car licence but as I had sold my motorcycle in the UK a couple of years earlier I never bothered to convert my motorcycle license (probably a mistake). Fast forward to 2021. My wife persuaded me to get back into motorcycling. The system in Canada is "graduated" like the UK but with a few key differences. I did my M1 test (written) and then signed up for an M1-M2 course with a reputable local training organization. This was a 2 day training course that can take anyone from raw novice to having an M2 licence which allows you to drive on the road (insured - very important). The training was very good however certain things taught were factually incorrect - e.g. tires maintain the same level of grip in the wet as in the dry (which is total BS) but they were saying that so complete newbies would not get nervous. The training was very good and pretty well everyone passed the test at the end giving them an M2 licence. In Canada with an M2 you can basically ride anything you want provided you can afford the insurance. As my son (who took the test with me and is about your age) was also going to be riding I end up purchasing a Ninja 400 - couple of reasons - 1. light and fast enough to have fun but not so fast you will get into serious trouble and 2. my son liked the look of sports bikes. A year later I bought an FJR 1300 as the Ninja was simply not appropriate for taking passengers (at least in any type of comfort) and my wife wanted to go touring. The FJR is a great bike - took a bit of getting used to its weight more than anything and in 2023 we went from Toronto down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Tail of the Dragon and Cherahala Skyway in Tennessee (great trip). To get a full (M) motorcycle licence in Canada you need to wait a minimum of 16 months from getting your M2 to being able to get a full licence but I signed up for the M2-M course in Sep 2023 with the same organization I had trained with before. This experience was totally refreshing. It was run by the lead instructor (not a young guy) and he had been riding many years. He basically told us he was concerned only with our riding safely and safely meant that if the traffic on the highway was going 10 kph over the speed limit we were to ride at that speed - not adher strictly to the speed limit and he would not fail us for that. This was music to my ears and honestly the best training course I had attended because it was focussed entirely on the right thing which is all to do with staying alive and avoiding being involved in other peoples accidents. I passed the test with minimal errors. Our instructor said he would be happy to have me join their organization as an instructor and this type of teaching is making me want to sign up to do this. Anyway - how this relates to what you are saying here. My opinion is that learners at least once they reach the age of 17/18 should be allowed to ride bikes that can do 80-90 mph. Irrespective of the motor power output, being able to cruise comfortably at 70 mph is essential and the differences in weight and aerodynamic drag of different motorcycle configurations. Slower speeds can be downright dangerous so maximum speed and not outright power is important although power to weight ratio also needs to be considered as you can accelerate into trouble very quickly even at speeds well below the legal limit. Next I think no government bureaucrats or politicians should be allowed to have ANY involvement in legislation pertaining to motorcycles unless they have held a full motorcycle licence and have been actively riding motorcycles for at least 10 years (keeps the Karen's out of the mix). Congrats on getting your full licence. My son who is insured to ride my FJR prefer to ride the Ninja simply because its smaller and lighter and still quick enough to have fun on. Keep safe . . .both of you!

[@DC_Cha_Cha_Cha]

If you've passed A2, you should be put on a A2 to A conversion course which should be a CBT style day riding a 650cc to 'get used to it'. At the end of the day you either complete the course or you don't. Redoing Mod1 and 2 again is mean!

[@Cryzark]

Precisely.

[@TheBlibo]

Hi Great vid I'm an old git now but thanks for letting us old gits know what you young whipersnappers have got to go through, respect to you foe going through the mill Keep up the good work And keep it rubber side down

[@Michael-dz9vk]

i done my cbt test in 1991,passed my motorcle test in early 1992 ,full licence ,aged 34 ,im now 66 ,things have changed so much since then,not for the better ,motorcyclists do seem be discriminated on,compared to car drivers,but probly will allways be like that sad to say ,im still enjoying motorcycling and the fun and freedom it gives me ,unbeatable ,ive a 1600 triumph thunderbird now which is amazing ,❤ mick

[@keithwilkins1437]

The DVLA is trying to discourage motorcycling .I passed my full test some 65 years ago .Renewed my car and bike license when it was due .Some years later I noticed that the DVLA (in Kingston ,Surrey ) had omitted my bike group of my license renewal.When I queried this I was told I had to retake the test ( I was riding a Kawasaki turbo and a Yamaha v twin ! ) I still had my old licenses with the motor cycle group on them and even my provisional license ,too ,but they point blank refused to reinstate my motorcycle group unless I had my pass test slip from my bike test .Who keeps that ?I even had the post office union lawyer look at it ,but they would not budge .I had to take my bike test all over again . I did see later the some Motor Cycle News readers has the same problems .Too much of a co--incidence ? So beware ,keep ALL documentation involving the DVLA . PS Also they would not give a reason and I was not out of time .

[@evilsanta7424]

Im 49 now, i had a prov with L plates at 17 but i was broke and it expired before i could do my test, so just as i turned 20 i saved up and did, the then, a direct access 3 day course. From cbt to fully licensed rider in less than a week. Cost me £550 back then, but it was, well worth it.

[@MaxUtley]

Bit of a bike training story for you. My missus, (Chinese) never having ridden a bike in her life, did her motorcycle course in Shanghai on a beaten up local 250 and that involved compulsory 6 lessons (in a group - one hour each ) and then a test which was basically just riding around a training road and doing some stop and starts and some cone weaving. With her Chinese licence she converted to a Hong Kong licence which allowed her to get an international driving permit and go anywhere on any bike. Literally 2 weeks after starting she was in South Africa with me preparing to ride around the world to Shanghai on a 1000cc enduro bike. The reality was she didn’t really know how to ride and had a total of a few weeks experience. The same for millions of bike riders across Asia and Africa - which is why there are so many bikes compared with Europe. She got on her new KTM 990 Adventure in Cape Town and rode everyday on every road surface , condition and weather planet Earth has to offer - including some of the worst urban riding in places like Cairo, Rome, Chong Qing, Bangkok and the M25!!! ……and finished two years later in Shanghai. She learned along the way while riding along side me - sort of like a 10 hour a day - 700 day - permanent one on one riding instructor. When she dropped the fully laden bike - which she did often in the sand and gravel trails in early days - I never helped her pick it up. She did it and is now a master bike “picker upperer” My point is the U.K. system is a joke. It’s not training riders effectively and it’s not encouraging youngsters to take up motorcycling. It’s not safe either - look at the little shits in the U.K. on their thieving scooters!! I am not sure how old “the old man” is but he may have started like me on an unrestricted 50cc moped at 16 years old and borrowed a 250 bike on his 17th birthday to do some cones for the test. Not a single day’s instruction … and then immediately after astride a RD 350 or Suzuki X7 to charge about at full throttle and on the back wheel to impress the girls. Unlike some I survived and I did end up riding a motorcycle for a living in the Royal Hong Kong Police and doing the police advanced motorcycle courses, etc.. unfortunately seeing in my time in Traffic division some horrific bike accidents and so the main point of this story is I am a strong proponent of excellent motorcycle training. However I think the U.K. system is not good training. Nor was mine in late 70s which is why many youngsters ended up as organ donors. If I was to devise training it would not be based on age, but on skill, road craft, and a compulsory visit to a mortuary. Amen! www.bigbiketrip.net

[@MrAndrew1953]

The stuff of nightmares. When I went from one state in Australia 🇦🇺, I had to go through the whole thing again. One lap of the City cemetery,ending with a right hand turn into the car park. I practiced my figures of 8, never got asked to do 1. At one stage I was told to speed up as the cop had a big heavy 650 Kawasaki with a batwing fairing.

[@patmays7344]

Ok. Very informative. Keep it up. Good luck with your test. 🤙🏽🏍️

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you I passed 👍🏼

[@FreshlySqueezed]

Hi there… notice you credited EVERYTHING but forgot the star of the show, the HD! Which variant is that? Thanks

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s my Softail Standard, plenty of videos of it if you scroll through our channel 😁

[@FreshlySqueezed]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Will do. Love the subtle badging. Gorgeous bike. Depressing video though, but glad someone explained that muddle! Keep up the good work!

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

In the Mod 1 part of the test you have to ride a figure of 8 then weave through some cones, both of which are illegal on a public road. I also witnessed several spills after the 33mph/Radar trap/ Emergency brake section.

[@seismic6402]

Yeah, the avoidance and emergency brake sections are more difficult on a smaller bike too. Mainly because the focus is on getting up to speed as opposed to what is actually being examined.

[@markellott5620]

@@seismic6402 I agree. The speed is difficult to reach on smaller machines. Also you are being asked to accelerate towards a hazard, which in reality, you wouldn't do because it's counter intuitive. The slow speed stuff is more useful, because it shows that you have the basic machine control.

[@efficacitejm]

It's almost the same here in Switzerland except you must have a A2 (Motorbikes up to 35kW) license to pass the A unlimited (at least 2 years of driving experience in the cat. A2 are required.) regardless of your age.

[@robteskeyteskey161]

Got my first bike AJS Safire 250 in 1970 on my 16th birthday paid 74 pounds for it great bike very heavy for a 250 rode it home, crashed it on the way, no helmet in those days, luckily had a mate with me helped me get the bike of me, straightened a few bent bits, off again got home Dad gave me a few pointers. He never wanted me to have a bike though he’d ridden for years, so he knew how dangerous it could be, but I was determined, over the next year or so I had several spills but I was always lucky. Passed my test after a couple of try’s graduated to a 650 pre unit triton, one of the fastest bikes around in those days, luck and experience means I’m still riding @ 69 still got my Rocket Gold star from the old days, but I ride a 650 Royal Enfield mostly cause it has brakes “that work”! In my day you were just chucked in at the deep end and sink or swim, I can see the sense in some restrictions but these uk Regs seem over the top, I live in Australia now and rules here are much more sensible 🤔

[@gaga140012]

I took my test back in 1970, have full license. Moved overseas returned to the uk last year had my old license reinstated no test, felt for sure they would turn me down, without having to redo the whole testing thing. Now enjoying the open road on my BMW.

[@clanmac66]

I fell foul of the then new laws in 2012 and basically did my test 0n 125 to get the A1 licence. Then in 2014 retook the test (DAS) when funds would allow to get the full A. I had a driving licence since 1985, a bus licence in 2000, I feel your pain!

[@donmaddox8898]

I passed my motorcycle test in the 60s on a 150 Lambretta and was granted a full license and it is still valid so glad I am so old

[@hatchetjack1031]

Here in the U.S. I took my motorcycle test when I was 16. I'm 72 now and it's still there...and so is my Class A commercial license. Even though I retired 7 years ago. I'm not saying we have more freedom but...can you direct me to a saddle bag that will accommodate my sub machine gun?😊

[@jonnyfications]

Good luck Darcy! 🤘😎

[@madeljacky]

Thanks for explaining the modern rules to the bike license, any bit of wonder there are fewer bikers out there, the 50 cc rule is badly outdated now, modern traffic moves too fast for a 50 cc bike, things were a lot simpler when i started at 16 on a Yamaha Fizzy, was a bit scary on the carriage ways when Scania 141's and 142's went past you doing 70 or 80 mph before they had speed limiters introduced. I then did the car licence at 17 and when i was 21 I did the class 1 HGV licence on a Friday and did the full bike test the next morning, i still ride bikes, drive artics and cars, it makes you very very aware of each other when you hold three full licences.

[@charliedrake247]

Retook my bike test and the theory at the age of 60 all passed all 4units cbt theory mod 1mod2 but had been driving riding for 45/ 50 years but the wife wanted me to make sure I was safe and kept all tickets but it was a learning experience.

[@philipbrackpool-bk1bm]

When I took my first test it was a ride round the block with an examiner watching, unfortunately it started pouring rain and he pissed off inside and failed me, I also know of one lad who got out of sight and fell off, got back on and passed. So it definitely needed changing.

[@cookiemonster2299]

Glad i passed my test in 1986, rode my yamaha RS100 around the block, the examiner showed me about 8 different road signs i guessed what 2 of them meant and got the rest wrong, he said don't worry you'll pick them up with experience and then told me I'd passed my test, 100 yards down the road my bike broke down, small end bearing collapsed, i pushed my bike home, took engine apart and replaced bearing and went out for a ride and continued to constantly go out for rides for another 30 years before finally getting bikes out of my system and hanging up the lid, great times. ❤️🇬🇧

[@Pigdowndog]

So glad I took my test in 1960. Round the block once, emergency stop when the tester stepped out in front of you and answer three questions on the Highway Code. I'd never pass nowadays.

[@stanleystone8636]

Passed my test on a Honda 50 semi automatic in 1964 when i was 16 which entitles me, and still does, to ride any bike irrespective of size. Recently came into possession of a Kawasaki 650. My, how bikes have changed, it scared me to death!! Ride a Tuk Tuk now, far more civilised. Reminds me of the 60s. No helmet, no seat belt, no doors. Brilliant!!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes sports bikes these days are death traps really!

[@andydavidson]

When I passed my test in 1980 something? there were 2 parts to the test, the 1st one was on a carpark dodging around cones and the 2nd part I drove around the block while the tester watched from the pavement. I'd hate to have to do it theys days, feel sorry for young people and all the hoops they have to jump through to get the full ticket.

[@martyn6792]

Back in early 80's I took and failed my bike test but rode a Honda 250 (K5 ?) on L plates, then I had a go on a Yamaha LC250 which then caused L plate to only be upto 125, which I down sized to then eventually ar 25 passed my car driving test first time and not been back to bikes since. My experience of bikes was very useful as you become acutely aware of what's going on around you. Had some a couple of narrow escapes on bikes due to bad car drivers

[@chevrierc]

Darcy. How many miles have you put on your softtail standard.. I just clicked over 9000klm and loving it

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Just got to 4000 miles, so about 6500km. Still love mine, got some plans for more power and torque later in the year…

[@chevrierc]

@MrDarcy-theOlMan I put 14 Inch harley fused apes. Also thinking about predator seat 3. Got foward controls on her. May stage 2 kit it. I got 300 elimintors on her. What a wonderfull bike. I love your guys channel and what you do. ❤️

[@ejbh3160]

I got my full bike license when I was 17 (had a moped at 16, a CB250 at 17 and traded up to a T140 Triumph as soon as I passed my test - which was a simple affair of a testing bod standing in a back street watching you drive around - the biggest issue was making sure you looked over your shoulder even if you had mirrors - lol). This was in 1977 mind you.

[@boxercup1]

I think it was 1982…..took my test on a Honda 250 super dream, cost was £15.00, time to take the test was probably less than 15 minutes, I went around the block….it was raining…. the examiner was waiting as I came around a corner… he was holding his umbrella and a pad…as soon as he tapped the pad with his pencil I did my emergency stop……and skidded 😮 but he let me off as the road was wet….a few minutes later following 3 questions about the Highway Code I was ripping my L plates off…..now I had to learn to ride a bike properly…

[@Zodliness]

Thanks for sharing..... I've never owned/ridden a two wheeled motorcycle, but have driven other vehicles for many years, I learned in 2018 that the Piaggio MP3 500cc 'trike' could be ridden on a car license, without the need to pass the CBT, or require a motorcycle license. So I rode it legally for three years trouble free, riding more than 13k miles, but I immediately encountered legal issues, when I looked into getting another 500cc (two wheeled) machine instead. Despite my having acquired three years impeccable exemplary behaviour and riding experience on a 500cc machine, I am still legally required to pass the CBT course, in order to ride a 125cc twist 'n' go scooter. British motorcycle licensing is overly-complicated and has these kinds of absurd legal obstacles to contend with. 🤔😉

[@howardbowen-RC-Pilot]

I did a Direct Access test and got my A1. I had previously done an A2 which allowed me up to 400cc but automatic so I had a Suzuki Burgman AN400. Which is a great commuter tool but I wanted a bigger bike. So while my CBT was still valid I bought a 125 trail bike and rode it around a bit. I was over 40 at this time, passed car test 22 yrs earlier. So I used a school bike passed test eventually then bought 660 cc Yamaha. Then a ST1100 Pan European. And remember all this started from a Korean 125cc scooter. Its an addictive thing. I guess it was a mid life crisis thing for me . Anyway I know how tough it is doing a bike test later in life so well done mate.

[@geordiegeorge9041]

I took my motorcycle and car driving test in on my 17 birthday in 1973. No lessons, but I had been driving and riding cross country and on private roads for years. My HGV I took at 19 with 3 hours of driving and 10 days in the classroom. And my tracked vehicle license I also got at 19 just taking the test.

[@davidmarsden9800]

What a pain! In 1979 at 17 I applied for my full bike test in Harrogate after attending a Police motorcycle team's local Saturday morning training sessions for beginners for a few weeks. After waiting for a few weeks I turned up for the test one morning which consisted of the examiner checked my bike then stood on one street whilst I drove completely around the block. At one point he walked into the road having instructed me to carry out an emergency stop as and when he did so. I did everything and I passed and could have any bike that afternoon. My licence arrived and the end date seemed forever away at the year 2032. It seems only last week. With the amount of traffic and everything that's changed in the last couple of decades I think the new system of licencing is a good thing compared. I wasn't completely happy at the time which is why I was lucky to get Police motorcycle patrol guys really giving us advanced training which probably kept me alive especially during a couple of serious accidents I had early on which were caused by cars overtaking on blind bends when I managed to survive by using the techniques they taught us which reduced the risks.

[@nunnyd69]

So glad I did a direct access course in 1999. Had been riding 125 for for years previously. Ridiculous the hoops new riders have to jump through now to get a big bike when experience on 2 wheels counts for a lot