Getting your bike licence: Module One FAQ’S

What do I need?

Bring your pass cvertificates for both your CBT and your theory test – plus both parts of your driving licence. If you dont have these then your test could be cancelled…not good.

What can I ride?

This is determined by the licence you’re going for. If it’s an AM then a 50cc scooter is enough.If you’re going for your A1 licence, the bike must be between 120 and 125cc, and not exceed 15bhp. It must also be capable of 55mph. If you are going for your A2, these figures are higher – the motorcycle must be at least 395cc and must be capable of producing at least 26bhp. A word of warning for all you prospective A2 license owners at this point; the horsepower of the machine mustn’t go beyond 47bph, so if you’re considering taking your test on your own machine, ensure that its power output is safely within those parameters. If your machine has been restricted to meet these requirements you will need to bring along some form of evidence to validate that claim. A signed confirmation on headed notepaper from a dealer or importer will do the trick here. If you’re going for your A license (also known as the ‘unlimited’ or ‘unrestricted’ license) then the machine much be 595cc or larger and must produce 52bhp or more.

One way to get around having to worry about what bike to use? Use the bike you’ve been doing your training on with your instructor!

What happens if I fail?

The current pass rate is almost 70%, so as long as you’re calm, confident and prepared, your chances of success are fairly high. As with the CBT, you can ask as many questions as you need to – it’s better to ask and get it right that not ask and get it wrong. However, if you are unlucky the first time round, then you can have another go at a later date – however you have to wait three days before you can re-book your test.

In a nutshell, the instructor wants to see careful and considerate use of speed that is appropriate to whatever manoeuvre you’re doing, and a safe riding style that takes other road users into account. If you’ve had time to practice the various individual sections of the Mod 1, most of this will come naturally to you anyway.

How can you fail?

The instructor watches your riding and keeps an eye out for anything that could fall into one of three categories of fault. These are categorised as: ‘dangerous faults’, ‘serious faults’ and ‘rider faults’. A dangerous fault comes about with the endangerment of you, the instructor, or anybody else in the immediate vicinity. A serious fault is more to do with potential – if you keep placing yourself in a situation where a dangerous fault looks likely, that in itself would class as a serious fault. A rider fault is a problem with your technique, your awareness, or your observation of safety protocols.

If you make a dangerous or serious fault, then you’ve failed your test. You are allowed up to five rider faults.

As with the CBT, you will be told straight after the test whether or not you have passed or failed.