My license and its categories?

[Suzuki Lilly]

Hi.

I'm looking at buying my first motorcycle but wasn't sure if my current full UK driving license covers me to ride

My driving license categories includes category A and the DVLA website states that category A is licensed for

"Motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg"
"Motor tricycles with a power output more than 15kW"

So.. does this mean I could ride a motorbike bigger than a 50cc?
Even tho I have a full driving license, would I need to take a full motorbike test or would a CBT suffice.?

Can you guys shed some light on this as Ive had conflicting answers from many people.

Some say I can only ride a bike upto 50cc and some say I can ride anything I want?

Thanks

[jambo]

Catagory A should be a full bike licence, however there are also A1 A2 and other sub categories with limitations. A full uk car licence no longer entitles you to ride many bikes and hasn't done so for some time but the categories have been reworked a number of times over the years. It is unlikely you have full motorcycle entitlement without having passed a specific motorcycle test.

The official overview is here:
https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/overview

A flow chart shows the current routes:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-routes-to-your-motorcycle-licence

Jambo

Sent without a real keyboard

[ollies41]

I was in your position last year, and had to take my CBT to ride a 125 with L plates, then after a year decided to take my A test. I'm a little....lets say....mature in age so could go for A test straight away after CBT if I'd wanted. Thought it best to get some experience under my belt first. Hope that helps


Sam

[Suzuki Lilly]

Thanks for those links, defiantly the best info I've been given..

I have category 'AM' & 'A' but not 'A1' or 'A2', does this mean I have to gain the 'A1' and/or 'A2' licenses before the 'A' category becomes valid.

I'm 34 btw

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/QuOrTz/AllansDL001.jpg

[Suzuki Lilly]

I was in your position last year, and had to take my CBT to ride a 125 with L plates, then after a year decided to take my A test. I'm a little....lets say....mature in age so could go for A test straight away after CBT if I'd wanted. Thought it best to get some experience under my belt first. Hope that helps


Sam

I've sen a beautiful SV600 S and I want to ride it..

[timwilky]

That category A with note 79 means you can ride a trike. You do not have a two wheel full power entitlement

[Suzuki Lilly]

That category A with note 79 means you can ride a trike. You do not have a two wheel full power entitlement

Thank you for clearing that up ;)

Looks like I'll be booking a couple of lessons and a test to have the full entitlement..

My friend has a GSF600 and after spending the day with her and the bike, I want to ride my own ;)

[Red Herring]

You need to observe the restriction code that you have against your A entitlement. 79 means "restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence" so you can only ride a motorcycle if it has three wheels. That's quite unusual, in fact I think that's the first time I've seen that. Given it was added so recently can you remember how it came about?

[Suzuki Lilly]

You need to observe the restriction code that you have against your A entitlement. 79 means "restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence" so you can only ride a motorcycle if it has three wheels. That's quite unusual, in fact I think that's the first time I've seen that. Given it was added so recently can you remember how it came about?

I passed my test back in 2007 but never did any test or examination for a bike at the time, guess its just randomly added.. :D

[Red Herring]

Found it! It took some digging but at least it explains why I haven't come across it. From the DVLA website.

"If you hold category B1 entitlement (trikes and quads), when you renew or replace your licence after 19 January 2013 it will show categories B1 and A. The A entitlement will be limited to tricycles and you won’t be able to ride motorbikes you weren’t previously allowed to."

[Suzuki Lilly]

Thank you for this info.. Really appreciate everyones help..

[arfoll]

Yeah my license was the same, was a bit dissapointed all that DVLA did when I passed (full cat A) was remove the 79 note. Looks the same!

However SV650 cheered me up.

[goodgumbo]

You first get an A2 license, which is restricted to something like 50bhp. This involves 3 exams: a written test, an obstacle course and street riding.
After having that for 2 years, you can do a 9 hour course to upgrade to an A.

http://www.visordown.com/learners/a2-motorcycle-licence-explained/22034-2.html

[timwilky]

You first get an A2 license, which is restricted to something like 50bhp. This involves 3 exams: a written test, an obstacle course and street riding.
After having that for 2 years, you can do a 9 hour course to upgrade to an A.

http://www.visordown.com/learners/a2-motorcycle-licence-explained/22034-2.html


Don't think this the only route. You can still do DAS as you are over 24 and get a full licence without faffing about.

[goodgumbo]

Don't think this the only route. You can still do DAS as you are over 24 and get a full licence without faffing about.

True!

http://www.biketrainwales.co.uk/direct-access-training.php

"What do you need to be eligible to take a DAS course?
You need to be 24 or older, holding a provisional bike license or full car license (giving provisional Cat. A entitlement). You must also hold a valid C.B.T. and Theory Test pass certificates and be able to present both parts of your driving license if you have the photocard style or the "old" paper license and a valid passport, to under take the Direct Access Scheme."

[Heorot]

I was 61 when I first started with bikes. 18 months on a Honda CG125 then the written test and hazard test. Followed by lessons on a 600cc bike and DAS. I can guarantee that you won't pass your test without either a set of lessons or an expensive DAS course. I thought I knew how to ride but had to change my riding style to pass the test.

[goodgumbo]

I was 61 when I first started with bikes. 18 months on a Honda CG125 then the written test and hazard test. Followed by lessons on a 600cc bike and DAS. I can guarantee that you won't pass your test without either a set of lessons or an expensive DAS course. I thought I knew how to ride but had to change my riding style to pass the test.

Similar story here. Had been riding for 2 years when I got my full license and had to do the obstacle course. Spent 3 sessions of an hour practising until I could get it done consistently.