25 replies to this topic

[lordyoung1980]

Does anyone here have one? I'm looking to get a 125cc bike to knock around on and maybe a commute on a good day. So looked at my license and I have A on the back. And I've had that since 2013. It looks to me like I have a license for a motorbike despite not taking a test or CBT. I've had my car license since January 1998 so I'm not clear on if it falls into some age rights. I've looked online and it all points to me being licensed to ride a bike. Does anyone else have this on there? Am I missing something?

[stuart bowes]

https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-cbt

Edited by stuart bowes, 19 March 2025 - 12:38 AM.

[cooperd70]

I passed by motorcycle test in 1988 so thankfully missed CBT and then the two stage test. But yes, as Stuart...you will need to take a CBT, ride up to 125cc and display L plates. Then retake CBT every 2 years time to continue riding or pass the motorcycle test.

[Quinlan minor]

I passed my motorcycle test in '73, so was spared the labyrinth later created to stop people riding motorbikes.

IIRC, they prevented anyone, on a  motorcycle provisional licence, continuing to ride a motorcycle on 'L-plates', limiting them to two years.

However, if a full car licence was held, they could ride a small capacity motorcycle on 'L-plates' in perpetuity.

Next to the 'A' on your licence, there should be a date of commencement (test passed). If not, then it's probably a motorcycle provisional licence only.

Best check with a motorcycle training centre? They ought to be able to navigate the maze of legislation.

[lordyoung1980]

I passed my motorcycle test in '73, so was spared the labyrinth later created to stop people riding motorbikes.
IIRC, they prevented anyone, on a  motorcycle provisional licence, continuing to ride a motorcycle on 'L-plates', limiting them to two years.
However, if a full car licence was held, they could ride a small capacity motorcycle on 'L-plates' in perpetuity.
Next to the 'A' on your licence, there should be a date of commencement (test passed). If not, then it's probably a motorcycle provisional licence only.
Best check with a motorcycle training centre? They ought to be able to navigate the maze of legislation.

That's the thing,there's some random date in 2013 when it commenced and it expires in 2050.

[Quinlan minor]

That's the thing,there's some random date in 2013 when it commenced and it expires in 2050.

 

The system, like so many HMG ones, is about as reliable as Fujitsu's 'Horizon'!

Best it could do with mine is "< a date significantly after I passed my Motorcycle Test".

It would appear that you have been gifted a Full Motorcycle Licence, then.

Enjoy!

Edited by Quinlan minor, 19 March 2025 - 08:11 PM.

[cooperd70]

Lucky you! If it's in the A col then looks like you are good to go!!

[bpirie1000]

Enjoy the two wheeled fun.. always smiles on a bikers face.... why bikers wear helmets...

can not actually show miserable people how much fun it is on two wheels...

[68Deluxe]

20 years here, ride a dirty old Ultra Classic. 

You never see a motorcycle parked outside a therapist. 

 

Best of luck with it!

[Quinlan minor]

63 years here, I started young.

It's great to be untroubled by traffic jams. Although, like the Mini, you have to keep a sharp eye out for potholes.

I've had this old clunker since I broke it out of its crate in June '76. I was out enjoying the sunshine, in Town, yesterday.

Edited by Quinlan minor, 21 March 2025 - 08:30 AM.

[coopertaz]

did you update your license for photo or adress on that date? loads of issues with people losing their A classification so advised to scan mine when i renewed my pic. which you need to do every 10 years. If you have dates next to the A then it seems they have added it to yours, lucky you and first time i've heard of this. If you do get a bike though do take cbt if you enjoy life especially in city riding / commuting. can also confirm this with the instructor. keep it shiny side up and enjoy

[stuart bowes]

if you haven't taken a test or ever done the CBT though, might still be worth doing anyway even if you are technically licensed already

 

can't hurt to learn properly, surely.  

 

I don't ride bikes I have no idea but I know I wouldn't like to come off one at speed

[coopertaz]

if you haven't taken a test or ever done the CBT though, might still be worth doing anyway even if you are technically licensed already

 

can't hurt to learn properly, surely.  

 

I don't ride bikes I have no idea but I know I wouldn't like to come off one at speed

a good idea and the reason they bought in two tier licenses in the first place. Def. do cbt and i do agree with you to be honest but considering how hard and expensive the real test is doubt anyone would take that route. even after test if / when you come off i know it hurts after the first bounce

[Cooperman]

To be pedantic, it's a LICENCE, not a license, unless you are an American  .

[Shooter63]

63 years here, I started young.
It's great to be untroubled by traffic jams. Although, like the Mini, you have to keep a sharp eye out for potholes.
I've had this old clunker since I broke it out of its crate in June '76. I was out enjoying the sunshine, in Town, yesterday.

I'm not sure a Laverda will ever be a clunker, like every guy or girl of a certain age, we lusted after a Laverda,and I expect some of us still do. The bike is an absolute credit to you.

Shooter