26 October
As fun and exciting a motorcycle is, it is important to have the proper license when you want to enjoy the ride. Having one will not only spare you the headache of trying to avoid getting caught on the road, it also helps ensure your safety and that of other riders around you. Here are a few things you need to know when getting a motorcycle in the UK.
The Compulsory Basic Training course
Commonly referred to as the CBT course, this is your first step in getting that motorcycle license. You will find yourself trying to avoid cones on the street inside a closed off course. This helps you get get the experience you need in basic bike maneuvering skills before going out on the open road.
This usually costs about £130 but the price usually depends on where you take the course. There are some centers that would charge higher while some would set you back for a far lower amount. This is not a test but if the instructor believes you pose a danger to yourself and other people on the road, you might not get the certificate. If you do get one, remember that it is valid for up to two years.
The motorcycle theory test
After the CBT and before your practical test, you need to take the theory test. This test is meant to gauge your understanding of a few things important to bike riding on the road. FOr one, it tests how well you know the Highway Code and it also looks at your hazard awareness skills by utilizing video clips.
The practical test
The last part is the practical test where you are made to do a few motorcycle maneuvers. This would usually take about 30 minutes and would include some handling assessment on low speed as well as dodge some comes on the road. You could also be made to perform an emergency stop among others. The second part would take a longer time and the instructor would be giving you instructions through an earpiece. These tests are all meant to determine if you can handle the motorcycle out on the road as safely as possible.
After these two tests are done, the instructor would have enough information to assess whether you can ride independently on the road. This is the last stop so you can ride without the L-plates on your bike.
What happens next
The examiner will help you improve by giving you pointers on where you need to make adjustments based on the test. If you passed your practical test, the examiner would usually arrange for your license to be issued. However, if you fail the practical test, the examiner will still explain why you failed.
This will help you prepare for your next practical test better. When you know where to make improvements, you stand a better chance of passing the next practical motorcycle test. You need to remember though that you still have to pay the full amount to re-do the practical test again.