British motorcycle test

[chief]

Our state DOT estimates that about 66% of Wisconsin motorcycle operators are licensed, the rest are faking it...is there any estimate in the U.K.

I never had a MC license until I moved to TN. I joined the Navy in Alabama and carried an AL license the entire time I was in the Navy. Alabama didn't require a motorcycle license, and all States recognize the licenses of the home state for military personnel. I drove and rode in the UK under my Alabama license!

After the Navy, the States in which I lived also didn't require a license - until TN... so this was the first MC license I have ever had. Now my wife has had one since she was 16.

[chief]

thanks for the interesting info. I remember the first MOD I took my American Triumph GT6 sports car through... geez. I bought my first car in Alabama... no inspections and the vehicle had to have at least one headlight and a windshield... nothing else required.

In the USA, everything is State controlled. Each State has its own rules, but all licenses are recognized in all States. In TN, you can get a learner's permit (cars) at 15. That means a registered driver over 21 has to be in the car with you when you are driving... and you can't drive between 10pm and 6am.

For Motorcycles... If you have a valid drivers license, you show up at the DOT testing center... take a written test (computer). If you pass that, an examiner will watch you make a circuit on your bike. If you can keep it upright, you're granted an endorsement on your DL.

MOTORCYCLE ONLY (Class-M) (126 cc or more) Any two- or three-wheel vehicle of more than  125 cubic centimeters (125 cc). A motorcycle license allows the holder 16  years of age or older the privilege of operating a motorcycle. The driver  examination will include a vision screening, knowledge test and an on-cycle  ability skills test.& (See Identification and Application Requirements for additional details). Note: if the applicant does not already have a valid  driver license for a passenger vehicle, the knowledge test for Class D is also  required.
MOTORCYCLE-SECONDARY (Class-M) Motorcycle is added in the secondary position on a valid type or class of license. The addition of a motorcycle license allows the holder 16 years of age or older, the privilege of operating a motorcycle in addition  to the other vehicles. The driver examination will include a vision  screening, written test and an on-cycle ability skills test. The motorcycle license expires when the primary license expires.
For example, if a driver wishes to be able to operate both  a motorcycle and a Class D vehicle, he or she should apply for a Class DM license or XDM license.
MOTOR-DRIVEN  CYCLE (SCOOTER) (Class M-Limited) (from  51-125cc) Any two or three wheel  vehicle of no more than 125 cubic centimeters. The license issued to a person  15 years of age will be valid only between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and within a seven (7) mile radius of the  motor-driven cycle driver's home. The license issued to a person over 16 will only be restricted as deemed necessary  by the Department of Safety.
Minors, 15 years of age, may apply for a restricted license  to operate a motorized bicycle that is 50 cc or less, just as they would to operate a motor-driven cycle. The  applicant must take a written test, vision test and demonstrate the ability to  operate the motorized bicycle. The  license issued will be restricted to a motorized bicycle only.
MOTORCYCLE LEARNER PERMIT (Class P-M) A special permit allowing minors fifteen (15) years of age  to operate a motorcycle after completing the requirement established for a motorcycle license with the following restrictions:

• Must be limited to a motorcycle with a  maximum cylinder size of 650 cubic centimeters (650cc).
• Must not carry passengers.
• Must be restricted from use on  interstate highways or roadways otherwise marked.
• Operation during daylight hours only.
• Must be limited to a twenty (20) mile  radius of the driver's home.     
• At the age of sixteen (16), the holder  of a motorcycle learner permit (Class P-M) may return to a Driver Service  Center and exchange their permit for a motorcycle license to retain the  privilege to operate a motorcycle. Note: No tests are required for exchange.  After exchange all restriction and size limits are removed.
• Permits are valid for one (1) year  from date of issuance. The learner permit will be valid only between the  hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and within a seven (7) mile radius of the  motorized bicycle driver's home.

[Troll]

Our state DOT estimates that about 66% of Wisconsin motorcycle operators are licensed, the rest are faking it...is there any estimate in the U.K.

[John Hopkins]

If you want a British motorcycle licence to ride any motorcycle you have to pass a driving test the test consists of several stages and has several rules..

First you have to pass a CBT test, this consists of watching a video then answering safety questions about riding, then riding a 125cc bike around an enclosed test course until the  tester is satisfied that you can control the bike, the next and final stage is a ride around town with the instructor until you are safe on the road...There is no Fail everyone who can sit on a bike passes and on payment of about $320 you get a certificate which allows you to ride a 125cc bike or scooter for two years..or until you pass your driving licence..You can take this test at 17 years old.

The next stage is the two part theory/hazard perception test which is done on a laptop at a test centre, you have about 60 questions to answer on each subject and the theory is multiple choice the hazard is watching pixels on the screen and pressing a button when they turn into threats, this is difficult because if you press to soon you get zero points, exactly the right time is three points, half a second later is two points, and then one point..half a second later and it's back to zero..If you fail one part of the test you, you have to retake both parts on repayment of another fee. The cost of the test is about $48.

The final stage is the practical test..You have to be at least 24 years old to take the test to allow you to ride evry bike. The bike you take the test on has to be on the approved list and must conform to the following rules.

Category A (unrestricted)
Category A unrestricted motorcycles used for tests must:

be a solo motorcycle
be at least 595cc
be at least 40kW engine power.

The test consists of two parts, off road and on road.

If you pass on this bike you can ride any bike in the UK.

The cost of this test is about $100.

You can pass other tests when you are younger but will be restricted to smaller bikes and will have to retake the tests when you are 24 if you want to ride larger bikes..

So how much freedom do you think we have in the uk?

If I want to drive a car in Britain I can take my driving test in a 500cc Fiat at 17 and if I pass I can go out and buy the most powerful sports car available and drive it anywhere in the UK.

Maybe this is why only 1% of the licences in Britain cover motorcycles.

John.