Restricted Licence FAQs
What is a restricted licence?
A restricted licence is a full motorcycle licence where you are restricted to what you can ride. It comes in two styles
- 'A1' – take your test on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc with a top speed of less than 62.5 m.p.h. and you will be limited to 125cc after your test with a maximum power output of 14.6 b.h.p. In other words, a standard learner-legal 125cc unless you take another test. Some popular bikes which will achieve this licence are (amongst others) Vespa ET4s, Liberty's and Honda C-90s.
- 'A2' - If you take your test on a 125cc bike which is capable of 62.5 m.p.h. or more, you can ride any size bike, as long as its power output does not exceed 33 b.h.p. for two years and then you can ride any size bike without restriction. Popular bikes which will achieve this category of licence are amongst others) Honda CG125s, Honda Dylan 125s and Gilera Runner 125s.
Who takes a restricted licence?
The restricted licence is the only licence option available to those aged 17-20. It is also suitable for those people not intending to ride anything too powerful in the immediate future.
What is 33 b.h.p.?
Unfortunately, there is no direct correlation between b.h.p. and CCs. It is all about the power output of the engine. Some examples of bikes which will not exceed 33 b.h.p. are:
- Honda Rebel 250
- Honda Bros 400
- Kawasaki KLX250-G
- Suzuki Intruder 400
- Yamaha TT250
- Yamaha Drag Star 400
However, if the bike you intend to get does exceed 33 b.h.p., you can get restrictor kits for many popular bikes to restrict the power of the engine for two years (a typical cost is £150.00).
What do I need to take the course?
You need to be in possession of one of the following licences to take part in a full licence course.
- a full UK car licence
- a provisional UK car licence with valid provisional motorcycle entitlement (Category A)
- an EU licence with valid UK counterpart (D58/2) showing provisional motorcycle entitlement
If you hold the UK photocard licence, you will need to have both parts of it, both the photocard and the paper counterpart licence (D740)
If you have the old style UK paper driving licence, you will need to bring with you a valid passport as well.
If you do not hold any licence, licence applications forms can be collected from larger Post Offices (form D1) or you can apply online here.
If you hold an EU licence but do not have a UK counterpart (D58/2) showing provisional motorcycle entitlement, then you will need to telephone DVLA on 0870 24 00 00 9 and ask them for a D9 form, or alternatively you can download an application form here (350kb) (PDF opens in new window). If your licence is from outside the EU and you are able to swap it to a UK licence then you will need form D1. For a list of countries which are able to convert their licences to a UK one, please visit the following page.
For all fee information and a wealth of other licensing information please visit the Directgov site here or call the DVLA on 0870 24 00 00 9.
To take your practical test, you must have a valid motorcycle theory test pass certificate and a valid CBT certificate. If you have not completed CBT, you can do it as part of your course. If you have not passed a motorcycle theory test, further information is available on the theory test page. All documents must be original. We cannot accept photocopies
What do I need to bring?
Whatever the weather, you must wear the correct clothing as failure to bring the right gear will result in no training. You need to wear a strong jacket, long trousers (jeans are fine), sturdy footwear (strong shoes or boots) and gloves. Waterproof clothing is strongly recommended as well if it looks like it might rain, as your course will continue whether it rains or not.
If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, you will need to bring them, as you will need to be able to read a registration plate at a minimum distance of 66 feet (20.5 metres).
If you have booked to use one of our motorcycles then we will supply you with a motorcycle safety helmet.
You will need to bring with you everyday your UK licence and CBT certificate (once gained) . If you have a photocard licence, you will also need to bring with you the counterpart licence (D740). The documents must be original. Photocopies cannot be accepted.
For the last day of your course (test day) you will need to bring with you your valid motorcycle theory test certificate. If you have the old style paper licence, you will need to bring with you a valid passport as well.
If you are supplying your own motorcycle, you will need to bring your own helmet, valid motorcycle insurance, valid road tax, valid MOT certificate (if your bike is more than three years old). You will need to have full sized L-plates clearly displayed on your bike both front and rear. Your motorcycle must be in a good roadworthy condition.
Do I need to take time off work?
You will need have one of your days on a weekday for the practical test. The rest of your course can be conducted on weekends. We run training courses seven days a week.
How to book?
To book a course, contact us on 0871 52 000 52. Our office hours are Monday to Saturday from 09:00 - 17:30. We accept all major credit and debit cards and cash.
Please have your licence to hand, CBT certificate and motorcycle theory test pass certificate if applicable.
How many people pass first time?
Our pass rate is second to none. Most trainees pass their test first time with us. If in the event you do not pass first time, we operate a Guaranteed Pass Scheme on all intensive courses of three days or more. This means that if you do not pass for any reason (conditions apply), a day’s further training is free of charge. All you would need to pay for is the bike hire (if you need one from us) and the test fee.
How long does it take?
This all depends on what length of course you need and whether you can do your training on weekdays, or only at weekends. It also depends on whether you have passed a motorcycle theory test or not.
For example, if you are a novice rider and have not passed a theory test and can only train at weekends (your last day would need to be a weekday), your course can take up to five weeks to complete.
If you are a very experienced rider who holds a valid CBT certificate and has passed a motorcycle theory test already, we may well be able to get you through your test within two weeks. All of our training days are whole days.
Your Instructors?
Our courses are run by some of the most experienced instructors in the industry. They are all approved by the Driving Standards Agency and they are used to teaching people of all abilities, from novice riders to very experienced riders.
Do I need to pass a theory test?
Everybody since February 2001 has to pass a motorcycle theory test. Even if you have held a full car licence for many years, you will still need to take and pass a motorcycle theory test.
The only exceptions to this rule are holders of bike licences who want to upgrade within the same category. To arrange a theory test, please visit the theory test page. You will need to have your driving licence number from your licence and a method of payment.
What does the practical test involve?
Apart from general riding, your test will include
An eyesight test
Two vehicle safety check questions for motorcycles, such as “Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.” Download the Safety check questions here. Adobe Acrobat Reader required (Download free)
Special exercises such as
- Emergency stop exercise
- Wheeling/stand exercise
- U-turn exercise
- Slow ride exercise.
A question (at the end) about balance and carrying a pillion passenger
The test will last about 40 minutes.
When you are taking the test the examiner will follow you either on a motorcycle or in a car (except during the emergency stop exercise).
Do I need to book my own test?
No. Your practical test fee is included in your course price and is arranged for either late morning, or sometime during the afternoon on the last day of your course.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all courses where a practical test is involved, we require three weeks notice to change dates or cancel. Failure to attend, lateness, or failure to give sufficient notice will result in the monies being forfeit.