Rider moving to NW UK from Charlotte, NC
 

I hope this is an ok question to post here. I am an SV rider in the US and will be moving to the Manchester area in early 2005, on a several year work visa. No offence, but I wont be moving there permanently! I have has a liscence here for 20 years. I want to bring my bike, but have no idea where to find info on liscences, max cc requirements, insurance, inspection, etc. Any suggestions on where to start? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Gabby :)

Try here first Gabby - This is our Driving & Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) :wink:

Also Motorcycle news is a good general resource for bikes in britain.

Moving to Manchester? 8)

Don't forget your waterproofs, you'll need 'em :lol:

My understanding of UK requirements is that you must pass a UK test within 12 months. However during that time you are not subject to learner restrictions, which means you can ride any bike unaccompanied without learner plates and on motorways etc. However, after 12 months you step down to a learner.

Should be interesting as in order to pass test you must have undertaken a compulsory basic training course (1 day and is training not a test) plus a theory test (extreamly easy) then the practical test (approx 40 minutes ride accompanied by an examiner, who is looking for safe riding you demonstrating observation, compliance with road regulations, etc.)

Only silly part is a requirement to do a uturn on a narrow road without putting foot down (exercise in slow speed manouvering really clutch/brake) and an emergency stop where you must not lock up . But I can imagine their faces when you turn up at test centre on own bike bike without L plates etc. Even better if you should fail you still can get on bike and ride away.

Might be advised to borrow a bike for test due to SV crap ability to turn in a slow tight circle


There are a few of us here from the Manchester area and some good biking roads once you leave the city. But avoid north wales as the police there are facist *******s.

See you on the rideouts early next year then!

You will indeed need to take a UK test within 12 months.

UK tests, both car and motorcycle, are notoriously difficult. I moved to the
UK in 1991 and passed my UK car test in 1992. Despite having extensive
driving experience I had to take driving lessons. I realised that without
lessons I simply won't know the things the UK examiners are looking for.

And things have become much tougher since 1992. I know one elderly
gentleman who drove a car all his life, but having moved to the UK
couldn't pass the test despite spending a year doing lessons.

PS. The "Long way round" documentary is a good illustration of the
difficulty of the UK motorcycle test. Their cameraman, who, apparently,
had been riding a bike all his life, failed his UK motorcycle test on the
first attempt. Really sorry to bring this all up, but it is better to know the
situation in advance.

Prof, you'll put the guy off!!! If I can pass, anyone can.

Is she transexual now :shock:

:lol: :lol: :lol: