Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Gaffers on 03 May 2010, 22:42:48

Title: Bike Licenses
Post by: Gaffers on 03 May 2010, 22:42:48
Right, I have grandfather rights on my license including B+E, C1+E, D, etc but when I applied my dad made sure I didn't get Cat A, he had his reasons.

Been thinking about getting a cheap 125 but I am wondering if just doing the CBT would be sufficient, or do I need to get Cat A put back on the license.  :-/

Anyone know the score?
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 03 May 2010, 22:54:34
Just wondering if a 125 would struggle with you on it ??? ;D :P

Your arse would be like throw over paniers ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Kevin Wood on 03 May 2010, 23:54:19
Doesn't CBT give you 2 years of provisional cover? (need L plates, no motorways, etc)

Then again, they've probably moved the goal posts since I last looked into it.

Kevin
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 03 May 2010, 23:58:57
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:07:37
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:11:07
Some info here.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022548

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: HerefordElite on 04 May 2010, 00:13:53
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:16:22
When I passed my car test the bike limit was 250 cc with L plates, but IIRC you could have any capacity bike with a side car on a full car licence but L plates for a bike
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:17:45
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

But legal for those of us who passed before that date.  As per the other vechicles mentioned in my previous post.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: HerefordElite on 04 May 2010, 00:20:00
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

But legal for those of us who passed before that date.  As per the other vechicles mentioned in my previous post.

yes that would be grandfather rights - i passed in '93 so i've got it but would never have thought to check
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:20:38
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

Just found this.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_4022564
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 04 May 2010, 00:21:52
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

But legal for those of us who passed before that date.  As per the other vechicles mentioned in my previous post.

yes that would be grandfather rights - i passed in '93 so i've got it but would never have thought to check


Grandfather rights in '93??? I passed in '88 so I must be  Grandfather then :D
God help you Skruntie ;D
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:24:36
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

But legal for those of us who passed before that date.  As per the other vechicles mentioned in my previous post.

yes that would be grandfather rights - i passed in '93 so i've got it but would never have thought to check


Grandfather rights in '93??? I passed in '88 so I must be  Grandfather then :D
God help you Skruntie ;D

Mine must be Great Grand Father rights then. Passed in 78/79 ish, cant remember, alziemers is getting worse. ::)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: HerefordElite on 04 May 2010, 00:25:27
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

Just found this.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_4022564


read that as well, interestingly you hold the right untill your license expires, but when does it expire? pressume when you reach 60 odd (no hangon Phil is still driving ;))
seriously you have to renew license every 10 years now with phot card (bet you only got paper 1 mate?)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 04 May 2010, 00:28:52
you have to renew your license every 10 years now then? hows that then, for what reason?
I swapped my paper one when I changed addresses about 2 years ago so have 8 left eh.....
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 00:29:05
Yes, still got the paper one, holding on to it as long as I can.

Think the plastic one is a con with a renewal fee of £17.50 every 10 years without a reminder like the VRFL.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Andy B on 04 May 2010, 00:37:59
Quote
Quote
Quote
I am talking a few years ago here but the last I knew was that someone having a full car license could ride a bike for ever on L plates :-?


Thats what I thought.

But anyone passing thier test after a certain date, the rules will have changed.

I think we also are able to drive 7.5 tonners and slightly bigger mini busses as well.

Not sure what (if anything gets dropped off once you change from paper to plastic licence)


you're not even allowed to tow a trailler (or a pikey wagon) these days unless you do an additional test.

not alot of people knew that - infact the privillage was removed 1st Jan 1997 so bet many illegal charavans out there now ::)

not as cut & dried as that. those who've passed their test since 97 can tow a trailer as long as the total weight isn't more than 3500kgs. I don't know the whole factsas I don't need to ....... my test was passed Aug 1979  :-? :-? ;)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: KW on 04 May 2010, 06:28:54
Quote
Right, I have grandfather rights on my license including B+E, C1+E, D, etc but when I applied my dad made sure I didn't get Cat A, he had his reasons.

Been thinking about getting a cheap 125 but I am wondering if just doing the CBT would be sufficient, or do I need to get Cat A put back on the license.  :-/

Anyone know the score?
You need provisional entitlement for the class of vehicle you intend to ride, and you'll also need to do the CBT before you can ride on the road.

The CBT lasts for two years, and if you haven't passed your bike test by that time then you'll have to take the CBT again.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Hannah Judes Dad on 04 May 2010, 07:47:02
Quote
Quote
Right, I have grandfather rights on my license including B+E, C1+E, D, etc but when I applied my dad made sure I didn't get Cat A, he had his reasons.

Been thinking about getting a cheap 125 but I am wondering if just doing the CBT would be sufficient, or do I need to get Cat A put back on the license.  :-/

Anyone know the score?
You need provisional entitlement for the class of vehicle you intend to ride, and you'll also need to do the CBT before you can ride on the road.

The CBT lasts for two years, and if you haven't passed your bike test by that time then you'll have to take the CBT again.

That's why I went the full licence route,it means I don't have to have L plates on,renew every two years and it also means if I were to get a 125 I could ride it on the motorway if I so wished.I don't plan on scaring the crap out of myself trying to keep up with traffic on a 125 so I'll stick with my 650  :)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: KW on 04 May 2010, 08:01:07
In my day there was no such thing as the CBT, and you could ride up to 250cc on L plates with no power restrictions at all.
The cost of the test was £14, and took 20 minutes to complete from start to finish.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Hannah Judes Dad on 04 May 2010, 08:07:42
Quote
In my day there was no such thing as the CBT, and you could ride up to 250cc on L plates with no power restrictions at all.
The cost of the test was £14, and took 20 minutes to complete from start to finish.

There was also the get out clause of having a third wheel attached to the bike for those with a car licence that hadn't got a bike licence.The third wheel wasn't always on the ground and was only held on by the smallest of fixings.Too dangerous for todays health and safety brigade. :o
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 May 2010, 08:23:45
I took my bike test in 83 or was it 82, just before the new two part test came out ::).

I had to ride around the block a few times and wait for a bloke with a clip board to jump out infront of me. If I stopped before I hit him I passed ;D
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2010, 09:12:12
CBT at your age is 125cc limit, 2 years, no motorway, no pillion + L plates displayed.

CBT is more like a course, its almost impossible to fail. Costs about £100.

The main bike test has changed, i just got through on the old scheme, which is similar to car, weeks course, then off to test, do mixture of town / manoeuvres.

You now have to go to these 'super' test centres, and do a one day off road doing slow speed stuff, you then got to a test centre and do the road bit, you fail one you fail both.

I learnt just for the fun of it, rather than wizzin my money up a wall after a night out
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: KW on 04 May 2010, 09:14:43
Quote
CBT at your age is 125cc limit, 2 years, no motorway, no pillion + L plates displayed.
Engine size has nothing to do with the CBT, he will be restricted to 125cc (and no more than 12BHP) until he passes either the restricted or full test.

The CBT proves nothing more than you can start, stop, and steer.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Chris_H on 04 May 2010, 10:07:10
DirectGov CBT (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/learnerandnewdrivers/ridingmotorcyclesandmopeds/dg_4022430)
Quote

When to complete a CBT

You will need to complete a CBT if:

    * you want to ride a motorcycle
    * you want to ride a moped

A moped has an engine not over 50 cc with maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour which is approximately 31 miles per hour

If you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete a CBT to ride a moped.

Well I never knew that.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Sixstring on 04 May 2010, 10:28:44
This takes me back......
In my day, driving lessons were £5 a time, and the driving test was £21..........
Took my bike test in 1977, all it consisted of was a bloke on a bike following me for about 5 miles watching me. when we stopped outside the test centre he asked about 5 questions on the highway code, and that was it, passed.
took the test on a yam 100, bought a GT380 three days later, and a kawasaki 750 in the october.

Them was the days......
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2010, 10:29:40
Quote
Quote
CBT at your age is 125cc limit, 2 years, no motorway, no pillion + L plates displayed.
Engine size has nothing to do with the CBT, he will be restricted to 125cc (and no more than 12BHP) until he passes either the restricted or full test.

The CBT proves nothing more than you can start, stop, and steer.

Is that not what i said?

Quote
CBT is more like a course, its almost impossible to fail. Costs about £100.

I do know what they are like  ;)
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Sixstring on 04 May 2010, 10:35:58
A hundred nicker??????

Impossible to fail............?

bloody licence to print money!!


Thats why all these 16yo idiots on screaming scooters round my way can't ride the bloody things properly, then.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2010, 10:41:49
Quote
A hundred nicker??????

Impossible to fail............?

bloody licence to print money!!


Thats why all these 16yo idiots on screaming scooters round my way can't ride the bloody things properly, then.

When i did mine on a manual bike a girl there could just not get hang of gears, she just had zero coordination for it, she was rubbish all day. Come road ride, they stuck her on twist&go, which she did ok on. Of course she passed!

Full test is much harder
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Hannah Judes Dad on 04 May 2010, 10:45:31
Quote
Quote
A hundred nicker??????

Impossible to fail............?

bloody licence to print money!!


Thats why all these 16yo idiots on screaming scooters round my way can't ride the bloody things properly, then.

When i did mine on a manual bike a girl there could just not get hang of gears, she just had zero coordination for it, she was rubbish all day. Come road ride, they stuck her on twist&go, which she did ok on. Of course she passed!

Full test is much harder

I don't know if it is that bad as I passed mine  ;D
That was a few years ago now,I don't know if I would pass the new test,probably same for car and hgv tests that I have done in the past as well.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2010, 10:52:10
Quote
Quote
Quote
A hundred nicker??????

Impossible to fail............?

bloody licence to print money!!


Thats why all these 16yo idiots on screaming scooters round my way can't ride the bloody things properly, then.

When i did mine on a manual bike a girl there could just not get hang of gears, she just had zero coordination for it, she was rubbish all day. Come road ride, they stuck her on twist&go, which she did ok on. Of course she passed!

Full test is much harder

I don't know if it is that bad as I passed mine  ;D
That was a few years ago now,I don't know if I would pass the new test,probably same for car and hgv tests that I have done in the past as well.

New full test has lots more slow speed stuff, main thing i struggled with was footdown on U turn, course did them perfect training, but test wise put foot down  >:(

I was so annoyed when i did it on test, i went straight into 3 more, and did them perfect, i got a minor for it, although technically i should have been failed.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 11:30:00
Quote
CBT at your age is 125cc limit, 2 years, no motorway, no pillion + L plates displayed.

CBT is more like a course, its almost impossible to fail. Costs about £100.

The main bike test has changed, i just got through on the old scheme, which is similar to car, weeks course, then off to test, do mixture of town / manoeuvres.

You now have to go to these 'super' test centres, and do a one day off road doing slow speed stuff, you then got to a test centre and do the road bit, you fail one you fail both.

I learnt just for the fun of it, rather than wizzin my money up a wall after a night out

Thought you failed it and had to go back to do it again. ::)

[edit]Something about the instructor shouting all the time and having a bad attitude.[/edit]
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2010, 11:36:40
Quote
Quote
CBT at your age is 125cc limit, 2 years, no motorway, no pillion + L plates displayed.

CBT is more like a course, its almost impossible to fail. Costs about £100.

The main bike test has changed, i just got through on the old scheme, which is similar to car, weeks course, then off to test, do mixture of town / manoeuvres.

You now have to go to these 'super' test centres, and do a one day off road doing slow speed stuff, you then got to a test centre and do the road bit, you fail one you fail both.

I learnt just for the fun of it, rather than wizzin my money up a wall after a night out

Thought you failed it and had to go back to do it again. ::)

[edit]Something about the instructor shouting all the time and having a bad attitude.[/edit]

I completed the course but the prat was still foaming at the mouth, after i stalled the bike once in 4 hours  >:(

So went down road and did CBT to Test
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Jimbob on 04 May 2010, 14:02:20
Quote
Yes, still got the paper one, holding on to it as long as I can.

Think the plastic one is a con with a renewal fee of £17.50 every 10 years without a reminder like the VRFL.


Havent you just moved house?

iirc You HAVE to now have a new style one if any details need changing....
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 14:05:59
Quote
Quote
Yes, still got the paper one, holding on to it as long as I can.

Think the plastic one is a con with a renewal fee of £17.50 every 10 years without a reminder like the VRFL.


Havent you just moved house?



iirc You HAVE to now have a new style one if any details need changing....

I dropped myself inthat one by posting in Danny's thread.


Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Jimbob on 04 May 2010, 14:07:10
Quote
Quote
Quote
Yes, still got the paper one, holding on to it as long as I can.

Think the plastic one is a con with a renewal fee of £17.50 every 10 years without a reminder like the VRFL.


Havent you just moved house?



iirc You HAVE to now have a new style one if any details need changing....

I dropped myself inthat one by posting in Danny's thread.




 ;D ;D ;D

So then? 'forgot' to update?  ;D ;D ;D tut tut tut
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 14:10:57
In all all honesty I filled the forms out online and found out they were gonna charge me £17.50 if I didnt find my old licence.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Jimbob on 04 May 2010, 14:14:07
the gits force you to pay now regardless, they will not issue a new paper license, so if you move, you either break the law and dont notify them, or pay for a photocard.

motorist taken for a ride again  >:(

Ive still got the paper one...long may it survive  ;D
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Radiomarko on 04 May 2010, 14:19:07
Thanks for reviving the memories.

I started riding and within a short while compulsary helmets came in... must have know about my riding style.

I passed in 1976 on a 250 AJS. I became famous in the testing centre as I lost the examiner during the " you go round the block and I'll jump out for your emergency stop..." bit. I caught up with him 20 feet away from the testing centre door - the emergency stop I did at that point was good enough he said, so I passed  ::)

How times have changed!
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 May 2010, 14:20:47
Quote
the gits force you to pay now regardless, they will not issue a new paper license, so if you move, you either break the law and dont notify them, or pay for a photocard.

motorist taken for a ride again  >:(

Ive still got the paper one...long may it survive  ;D

The motorist is paying through the nose for everything, and gets sod all in the way of a thankyou, like properly maintained roads.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: KW on 04 May 2010, 15:03:54
Quote
Quote
Quote
CBT at your age is 125cc limit, 2 years, no motorway, no pillion + L plates displayed.
Engine size has nothing to do with the CBT, he will be restricted to 125cc (and no more than 12BHP) until he passes either the restricted or full test.

The CBT proves nothing more than you can start, stop, and steer.

Is that not what i said?
Your post reads that Gaffers is restricted to 125cc by virtue of his age.
If Gaffers wants to, he can jump straight on to anything he likes and do the whole lot (CBT, Theory, Part 1, & Part 2) in one hit.
If he should happen to pass the whole lot (on a bike that is making more than 50BHP), he can be riding a turbo Busa the next day if the fancy takes him.
Title: Re: Bike Licenses
Post by: KW on 04 May 2010, 15:14:03
Quote
the gits force you to pay now regardless, they will not issue a new paper license, so if you move, you either break the law and dont notify them, or pay for a photocard.

motorist taken for a ride again  >:(

Ive still got the paper one...long may it survive  ;D
I got charged for "driving otherwise than in accordance with a license" (as well as the automatic charge of no insurance) a couple of years back because mine didn't have the same address that the old bill had for me.

The look on the prosecutors face was a picture & a half when I produced a letter from the DVLA that says you can use any address you like so long as you can be contacted within 24 hours :)

Both charges dismissed, and awarded all costs that I had incurred during the farce.