What you need to know
What do I need to wear?
We can supply safety helmets , gloves and waterproofs but having your own is the best. The minimum atire would be a heavy duty jacket, strong jeans and boots of some description preferably not trainers or shoes although we would not turn you away if that is all you do have to wear, the more protection not only from injury but also the weather the better
When can I apply for my provisional licence?
- You can apply for your provisional licence 3 months before your 16th birthday.
- You can apply quickly and easily online.
- You will need to set up a government gateway account and verify your identity.
- Once you’ve got your government gateway account, you’ll need to fill in some details and pay a small fee for your provisional licence.
- Your provisional licence will arrive in roughly 10 days
Useful Information and addresses
- DSA website: www.dsa.gov.uk
- Theory Test telephone information line: 0300 2001122
- To book a motorcycle theory test on line click on this link Booking a motorcycle theory test
- Official DSA video Motorcycle Theory Test Are You Ready
- Official DSA video Motorcycle Practical Test Are You Ready
All 4 Bikers Free Practice Theory Test
More Information about Driving Licences (from the DSA website) Note: the DVLA now only issues photocard driving licences.
1. How To Apply For Your Provisional Driving Licence
First Applications / Provisional Licences
If you have never held a driving licence before you will need to apply for a provisional licence. You must complete driving licence application form D1and photocard application form D750 (available from most post offices, and the appropriate fee. You must also enclose original documentation confirming your identity (for a complete list of acceptable identity documents please click here) and a passport sized colour photograph taken against a plain light background (for photograph criteria click here). Send your completed application and fee to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AD.
2. Adding A Test Pass
Photocard Licence Holders Once you have passed your driving test (theory and practical) you should exchange your test pass certificate for a new licence as soon as possible. If you hold a provisional driving licence you must complete the declaration on the reverse of your test pass certificate and send it together with your photocard licence, paper counterpart and the appropriate fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ.
If you hold a full driving licence and have passed an additional test you must complete the declaration on the reverse of your test pass certificate and send it together with your photocard licence, paper counterpart and the appropriate fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ.
Note: Photocard Holders – If your name has changed since your last licence you must also complete photocard application form D750 (available from most post offices, and enclose original documentation confirming your new name. There is no requirement to supply a new photograph. You have 2 years from the date of your test to apply for a full licence/add new entitlement. If you leave it longer than this you will need to take another test (theory and practical).
Paper Licence Holders
Once you have passed your driving test (theory and practical) you should exchange your test pass certificate for a new licence as soon as possible. If you hold a provisional driving licence you must complete the declaration on the reverse of your test pass certificate and complete photocard application form D750 (available from most post offices, or directly from DVLA by calling 0870 240 0009) and the appropriate fee. You must also enclose original documentation confirming your identity and a passport sized colour photograph taken against a plain light background . Send your completed application and fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ.
If you hold a full driving licence you must complete the declaration on the reverse of your test pass certificate and complete photocard application form D750 (available from most post offices,and the appropriate fee. You must also enclose original documentation confirming your identity (for a full list of acceptable identity documents click here) and a passport sized colour photograph taken against a plain light background (click here for photograph criteria). Send your completed application and fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ.
You have 2 years from the date of your test to apply for a full licence/add new entitlement. If you leave it longer than this you will need to take another test (theory and practical).
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Where can I get more information?
An enquiry facility is available on DSA’s national number of 0300 2001122 to answer any specific questions .
B3, C.White Bike Training’s instructors answer your questions about motorcycle training:
What is CBT all about?
As a new rider, you are required by law to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before you can ride on L plates. The Driving Standards Agency syllabus will introduce you to safety equipment and ridering gear, basic machine control, the concepts behind road safety. A qualified instructor will accompany you on a minimum of a two hour road ride. Having reached a safe and proficient level of riding, you will receive a CBT certificate (DL196). This certificate is valid for two years, and allows you to ride displaying L plates unaccompanied on the road From 1st January 1997, all learner motorcyclists must complete CBT before riding on the road. This includes riders who hold a full car licence dated before 1 December 1990, who were previously exempt under transitional rules From 1st February 2001, car drivers who qualify after 1 February 2001 will be required to complete CBT before riding a moped .If you are still riding on a provisional licence without a CBT certificate, you MUST stop riding and take CBT to validate your licence
Note: you do not need to take CBT if you have passed a full moped test, or if you live and ride on specified offshore islands.
I already have a CBT certificate from my year on a moped. Is it valid for my new 125?
Yes, so long as it has not expired
I thought my CBT certificate was valid for three years?
They used to be, but the rules have changed. CBT certificates issued after February 1 2001 have a two year life from the date of issue Old and some current stocks of CBT certificates are not marked with an expiry date – it will be up to you to remember when they expire
What can I ride as a learner rider?
If you are 16 years old, you can ride a moped. If you are 17 or older, you can ride a motorcycle or scooter not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp)
Can I ride a 50cc scooter on a car licence?
Yes, so long as you hold a full car or motorcycle licence – these provide full moped entitlement. Note: CBT is required before riding on the road if you passed your car test after 1 February 2001.
Yes, so long as you hold a provisional driving licence and this has been validated by passing a cbt course (this provides automatic provisional moped entitlement)
What is a moped?
A moped is a machine which: has an engine under 50cc has a maximum design speed not exceeding 28 mph doesn’t weigh more than 250 kg can be moved by pedals if registered BEFORE 1 August 1977 Any scooter which meets the above criteria is a moped
How do I know if I have a provisional motorcycle licence?
A provisional motorcycle licence can be any of the following: a provisional driving licence with motorcycle entitlement a full car licence – this automatically provides provisional motorcycle entitlement a full moped licence – this automatically provides provisional motorcycle entitlement if you’re aged 17 or over Note: if you have applied for a provisional CAR licence, don’t forget that the motorcycle entitlement needs to be applied for separately.
What can I ride on a provisional motorcycle licence?
A provisional motorcycle licence entitles you to ride a solo motorcycle up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW learners who wish to ride a side-car can do so with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg You must not ride on motorways carry a pillion passenger ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales – however note that if you cross into England you must display L plates!) Note: the two year limit on motorcycle entitlement on a provisional licence has been scrapped as of 1 February 2001
How can I get more information about licences?
Contact The Driver Enquiry Unit: The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) Swansea SA6 7JL Telephone 01792 772151
What do I need to bring on a course?
You must bring your driving licence, and if you are starting a 125 or DAS course your theory test pass certificate and CBT certificate if you need to wear glasses to pass the DSA eyesight test, bring them – you must wear them whilst riding
What should I wear?
We provide safety helmets, gloves and waterproofs, but you must wear a stout warm jacket, stout trousers (ie jeans) and sturdy footwear we recommend that you bring your own gloves for comfort – we do supply gloves if needed
What do I have to have to ride my own bike on the road?
Safety Helmet – the helmet must be approved (kitemarked or to European standard ECE2205), worn on the head and securely fastened under the chin , CBT and L Plates if riding on a provisional licence – L Plates must be displayed vertically, on the centre line or offset to the offside front and rear Insurance MOT – vehicles over 3 years old need a valid MOT certificate, which lasts for one year. Don’t forget that the MOT is just a check that the vehicle is roadworthy on the day it was tested. A current MOT on a second hand vehicle is no guarantee that it is roadworthy. Roadworthy machine – it is a legal requirement that your vehicle be roadworthy, which basically means everything fitted should work, including items like the lights and the horn. Tyres in particular wear out, the legal minimum for a motorcycle tyre is 1mm depth in a continuous and unbroken band over 75 % of tread and all the way around the tyre. Mopeds must have visible tread over the entire tread area. Road fund licence – all vehicles used (or KEPT) on a public road must be taxed. The tax disc must be current and displayed clearly on the front nearside. If they are to be kept off-road, don’t forget to complete and return the new, compulsory SORN notification.
What can I do when I have passed my test?
Apart from the restrictions mentioned above, on passing your test in any category you may: ride on motorways (except when riding a motorcycle under 50cc) carry a pillion passenger ride without L plates ride abroad The DSA recommends that you take further training – B3 Rider Training can offer you a full range of post test training including a course leading to a nationally recognised advanced riding qualification from The Edge
Foreign Licence Holders
If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the European Economic Area it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent GB licence. There is a booklet (the D100) which you can get from most post offices, this booklet explains the exchange licence regulations. You can also contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (Tel: 0870 240 0009) who will tell you if you can or cannot exchange your driving licence.If you cannot exchange your licence you will need to take and pass a theory test before you can book a practical driving test.
Any particular enquiries about whether a theory test is required should be addressed to:
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) – Customer Services Address Customer Services, The Axis Building,112 Upper Parliament Street,Nottingham. NG1 6LP Enquiry line 0300 200 1122 Email Customer Services Link
Costs of Driving Tests
Theory test fees | Price |
Standard fee for car and motorcycle | £31.00 |
Multiple choice questions for bus and lorry drivers | £35.00 |
Hazard perception test for bus and lorry drivers | £15.00 |
Driver CPC theory test case studies | £30.00 |
Potential/Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) | £90.50 |
Practical test type | Weekday price | Weekday evening and weekend price |
Car | £62.00 | £75.00 |
Tractor and other specialist vehicles | £62.00 | £75.00 |
Motorcycle Part OneMotorcycle Part Two | £15.50£75.00 | |
Lorry and bus | £115.00 | £141.00 |
Driver CPC Practical test (includes automated issue of Driver Qualification Card (DQC) | £55.00 | £63.00 |
Car and trailer | £115.00 | £141.00 |
IMPORTANT:
Whilst all information on this page has been checked, B3,C.White Motorcycle Training cannot accept anyresponsibility for errors and omissions.