Just need someone to confirm a few motorbike license issues.

[Freeman]

Hi i was just wondering if anyone could confirm i am getting these details correct:

An 18 year old can ride a 125cc motorbike (i think that's 33bhp?) if they have taken their CBT on a 50cc moped when they were 16 years old. So basically when they turned 17 they could get straight onto a geared 125cc (33bhp) motorbike without any questions about the license.

It may sound like a simple question, but i've been told 2 different things by 2 different people, and the little forum sticky on motorbikes on these forums confuses me more >.<

Any help is more than welcome!

Thank you.

 

[PardonTheWait]

Nope.

To ride a geared bike you need to take a CBT on a geared bike. I'm not sure on the age thing. I think (think!) if you take a CBT at 16, your entitlement goes up to 125cc when you turn 17 without any need for another CBT. It's either geared or auto though - if you want to ride a geared bike you need to have done a CBT on a geared machine.

If you're 17 or over, on a provisional you can ride a 125cc bike that makes under a certain limit - I think it's around 15bhp, maybe a little bit less. (12.4 rings a bell for some reason) Either way, any 125 you buy should be learner legal anyways, unless someone's actually de-restricted it.

The 33bhp limit is for restricted full license riders and has no bearing on engine size. If you're under 21, you can only take the restricted full test. You take this test on a bike that makes under 33bhp. The limit is lifted after two years after you pass the test, and you're then allowed to ride any bike.

If you're over 21, you can take your Direct Access and ride any bike you want straight away. You take that test on a bike of over 33bhp.

That should all be right - but I'm quite tired! I'll tidy up any cockups in the morning if I find any