Motorcycle Theory & Practical Test

Changes to the Learner Motorcycle Specification

The learner motorcycle specification is an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of 11kw (14.6bhp).

The Theory Test

Currently to obtain a motorcycle driving licence a candidate must pass a theory test and the on-road test. From 08th December 2008 the motorcycle test for categories A, A1 & P will be split into 2 separate tests:

Motorcycle Manoeuvres Test

The On-Road Test

This means that there will be three tests, which must be taken and passed in the following order:

1. Theory Test

2. Motorcycle manoeuvres Test

3. The On-Road Test.

From 1 April 2003 learner motorcyclists have to pass the written theory test as well as the practical test to gain a full motorcycle licence even if they hold a full car licence. However, anyone who takes a theory and practical test to obtain either a full moped or A1 licence will continue to be exempt from the requirement to take a theory test as part of any future motorcycle test.

The New Category A and A1 Driving Licence

At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle licence to aim for - the A1 light motorcycle licence or the standard category A motor cycle licence.

To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle over 75cc but not more than 120cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power out put of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.

To gain a full standard category A licence you must pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than125cc and capable of at least 100kph. In practice the normal test vehicle will be a 125cc machine. A full standard category A licence permits you ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. You are restricted to a motorcycle up to 25kW for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After two years you may ride any size motorcycle.

At present there is no Compulsory Basic Training in Northern Ireland this Consultation Paper seeks your views on the Driver Vehicle Agency's (DVA) plans to introduce Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) in Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Department of the Environment (DOE) for those wishing to ride a motorcy cleas a learner driver.

This paper also seeks views on plans to simultaneously introduce a Mandatory Motorcycle Instructors's Register (MIR)for those wishing to give instruction in motorcycle riding in Northern Ireland for hire or reward.

The Practical Driving Test

In your practical test,you have 40minutes to demonstrate everything you have learned in your driving lessons. Youneed to show you can drive competently and safely in all kinds of drivingsituations. You'll be asked to do two of the three reversing manoeuvres you'vepractised with your instructor, and possibly make an emergency stop. You'llalso answer two vehicle safety check questions, one 'show me' and one 'tellme'.To pass, you will have to complete the test with no serious faults, and youmust have 15 or fewer minor errors.

Be Prepared

The currentnational average practical pass rate is 43%*, so it makes sense to be asprepared as possible. Your instructor will advise you when you are ready forthe practical test and help you understand the main reasons people fail.

Driving An Automatic Car

Driving an automatic car on your driving test is allowed, although after you have passed your driving

test, that is the only type of car you are licensed to drive. If you ever wanted to drive a manual car you would have to retake your test in a car with manual gears.

Learning to drive in a car with automatic gears (transmission) is a lot easier than driving acar with gears because there is no clutch pedal to operate. So the left footshould not be used at all, you should use the right foot to operate theaccelerator (gas) pedal and the brake pedal. This makes it a very popularchoice by learners who find it difficult to get used to the gears and clutchwhen driving a manual car or for older and disabled learner drivers. After youhave selected drive with the gear selector the automatic gearbox changes thegears for you.

There are certain situations where you mayneed to select a specific gear to help control the car or to lock the car in acertain gear stop the car changing up for example when driving down a steephill. You will also need to use the handbrake and brakes a lot more because ofthe cars creep, this is when the car will start to move after you select agear.

When driving an automatic car the usual layout for a gear selector is:

P - Park - this locks all the gears and should be used whenstationary.

R - Reverse

N - Neutral - No gear is selected.

D - Drive - This is used for driving forward.

1 - First Gear.

2 - Second Gear.

Note: Some automatic cars may have extraselections than those shown above.

The LGV Theory & Practical Test

The European Union published a Directive inJuly 2003 that will require all category C and D licence holders to take partin 35 hours retraining every five years, in order to keep their entitlement todrive professionally. The Directive also gives details of a new initialtraining regime that new drivers must go through before they can driveprofessionally for the first time. This will have a major impact on drivertesting, as the existing driving tests will be modified and lengthened to adaptto these requirements. The Directive will come into force across all EU MemberStates in 2008 for bus drivers, and 2009 for lorry drivers.

If you what to learn to drive a large goods vehicle(LGV) or a bus or coach (PCV) you have to have a full driving licence for acar, you have to be over 21 years old, you have to pass a Department ofTransport medical. For your medical, take the orange form (D4 or DLM1 inNorthern Ireland) to your doctor for a fee of about £65.

Once you have completed your medical you must sendyour D4 form along with your current driving licence and your completed licenceapplication form (available from DVA Local Offices, Vehicle Operators Services, DSA, LGV and PCV test centres

Once you have received your provisional licence youcan then book for the appropriate theory test.

Afterpassing the theory test you have to first take the L.G.V Category C before taking the LGV C+E  Once you have your C licence you can go straighton to CE training.

Your LGV test will last about 90 minutes. During this time your examiner willwant you to drive safely to a high standard under various road and trafficconditions. You'll be given directions clearly and in good time and asked to carryout set exercises. If you take your test on a manual vehicle, you'll be askedto carry out a gear- change exercise during the general drive element of thetest. The set exercises carried out at the test centre will include reversingwithin a marked area into a restricted opening, a braking exercise and you needto demonstrate the uncoupling and re coupling procedure, if you're taking your test with a trailer.

What is the difference between LGV and HGV?

There is no difference, LGV is Large Goods Vehicle, HGV is Heavy Goods Vehicle. HGV was renamed LGV in 1992 because not all of Europe had a word for heavy!

LGV C1 = Rigid truck 3501kg to 7500kg
LGV C1+E = Rigid 3501kg to 7500kg truck with trailer over 750kg
LGV C = Rigid truck from 7501kg to 32,000kg
LGV C+E = Articulated or Drawbar truck up to the legal maximum of 44,000kg

The PCV Theory & Practical Test

The European Union published a Directive inJuly 2003 that will require all category C and D licence holders to take partin 35 hours retraining every five years, in order to keep their entitlement todrive professionally. The Directive also gives details of a new initialtraining regime that new drivers must go through before they can driveprofessionally for the first time. This will have a major impact on drivertesting, as the existing driving tests will be modified and lengthened to adaptto these requirements. The Directive will come into force across all EU MemberStates in 2008 for bus drivers, and 2009 for lorry drivers.

If you what to learn to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a bus orcoach (PCV) you have to have a full driving licence for a car, you have to beover 21 years old, you have to pass a Department of Transport medical. For yourmedical, take the orange form (D4 or DLM1 in Northern Ireland) to your doctorfor a fee of about £65.

Once you have completed your medical you must send your D4 form alongwith your current driving licence and your completed D2 licence applicationform (available from DVA Local Offices, Vehicle Operators Services, DSA, LGVand PCV test centres 

Once you have received your provisional licence you can then book forthe appropriate theory test.

To Drive a Bus or Coach (PCV)

After passing the theory test you have to pass a Category D1(mini bus,with 9-16 passenger seats, capable of 50mph) test or Category D test. Onpassing these tests you can go on to take category D1+E test or D+E test. (Youdon't need to pass a D1 before taking a test in Category D)

Your PCV  test will last about 90minutes. During this time your examiner will want you to drive safely to a highstandard under various road and traffic conditions. You'll be given directionsclearly and in good time and asked to carry out set exercises. The setexercises carried out at the test centre will include, reversing within a markedarea into a restricted opening and a braking exercise. A provisional LGV or PCVlicence should be returned within 10-14 days.

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which youshould follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and willinclude a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor hastaught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a lessserious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will belooking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or moreresults in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault youwill fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a dangerto other road users your test will be stopped.

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person mustbe over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.