I am British but grew up in France, and the laws over there are very different, the equivalent of a theory test called AM license is actually included in our education at 14 at the start of summer holidays the school will do a couple hours teaching road safety then do the theory test which is really easy but everyone does it and it teaches everyone road laws and safety, then you can do a quick test which is very cheap then you can ride a 50cc at 14, when you get to 16 you can apply to do a AM2 license which is fairly simple theory test then a cheap regular road test, after you pass you can ride any from from 50cc to 125cc, when you are 18 you can then do a full license and ride any motorbike of your choosing and it's all quite cheap and because it's cheap majority of 14 or 15 year Olds get a 50cc 2 stroke, absolutely rail the engine and make it able to go 60mph to 70mph, then when they get to 16 or some even keep that 50cc bike till they are 18 then do a full test, to upgrade and they are all experienced and such.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

Жыл бұрын

It just shows you how the UK take everything to a whole different level. Now we have left the EU, things are getting much worse.

@sashamoore1857

Жыл бұрын

I raced motocross for 5 years and had a 250 for a little bit but as a 17 year old going for my full license I can only go up to 125cc, can't complain and idc about the L plates but bikes are so expensive and the government want me to buy new bikes every single time I age 2 years, and not to mention how expensive the test is

I love the fact this guy looks like he should talk like a character from sons of anarchy but he is actually a well spoken English gent.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy 👍🏼

@JohnSmith-ki9tq

Жыл бұрын

Most hells angels in the US actually speak like this gentleman. It is a myth that they have grizzled American voices. Many of them attended some of Europe's most prestigious places of learning prior to joining a motorcycle gang.

@fortunatejeremy

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnSmith-ki9tq Um....sure buddy.

@JohnSmith-ki9tq

Жыл бұрын

@@fortunatejeremy I can assure it's true. I myself was considered for the California chapter of the angels but not having attended any ivy league college, I found myself somewhat ostracized. My own fault really.

14 - 50cc. 16 - 125cc. 18 - You’re an adult and can do what you want.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Spot on Mr Obama!

@motomc6962

4 жыл бұрын

Ya still a kid at 18 man ! 🤣 21 should be the age ya can get any bike you want any size

@bloomin_stuff5775

3 жыл бұрын

I’m 19 and I’m still riding a damn sinnis flare 50cc I hate it! I’m too broke to afford a 125cc which I’m qualified to ride because of insurance shoots up in price

@singlecell2498

3 жыл бұрын

I think 14 is too young

@singlecell2498

3 жыл бұрын

@shaggy hes saying that's how he thinks it should be.

Once you put a bureaucrat in charge of solving a problem, you can always expect all kinds of unintended negative consequences, but with very little likelihood of the original problem actually being solved.

I took my bike test in the UK back in 1962 on a 200cc Triumph Tiger Cub. For a learners license back then the min age was 16 y/o and max cc was 250cc, no pre training required. For my test, the test guy just stood on a corner and watched while I drove backwards and forwards through the intersection a few times. At one point he jumped out in front of me, luckily I'd been keeping an eye on him and anticipated this move so I didn't run him down. Back then the bike test was infinitely easier than the car test. Two months later I bought a 650cc Triumph Bonneville complete with clip-ons and a tight fibreglass racing fairing. Been riding a Harley now for the last 10 years. Not sure I'd be bothered to go through everything required to get out on two wheels in the UK these days.

@willielongbotham7156

Жыл бұрын

And you are still alive? Ah! but, a different breed of "men" at that time. Now? need a safety course on how to find and wipe their own ass.

@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24

Жыл бұрын

I wanted to get into bikes a couple of years ago but the cost was too high for me to justify. Would love a triumph Bonneville or scrambler amazing looking bikes

@willielongbotham7156

Жыл бұрын

@@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24 Try a good 2nd hand 125 trials and a trailer that will take that scrambler later, off road is a good start point at any age..

@alanhat5252

Жыл бұрын

@@willielongbotham7156 are trail bikes still available? They were half-way between a road bike & a trials bike.

@willielongbotham7156

Жыл бұрын

@@alanhat5252 Yes they are still available, marketed as "trail bikes" but looking much more like motocross bikes, for people that want to go mad on trails and look different on the road. They all look like Paris Dakkar competitors.

I passed my test in 1975 on a BSA B40. I told the examiner it was a 250 and he believed me. I progressed through the bigger capacity bikes, ending up with a Honda 1000. Now I'm back in a 125 because I'm old and crinkly and besides ... It's more fun if you have to ride like you stole it 😉

@alfalfasprout69

3 жыл бұрын

I went from larger capacity bikes to a Grom and it was the most fun I've had on two weeks in years!

@skiprat63

2 жыл бұрын

In my 60s now had a suzuki 250 ts enduro on L plates for 3or 4 years then onto cars trucks now want to start tinkering with old bikes again . CBT every 2 years for up to a 125 cc or spend money to progress up . Not a good system if CBT is road safety and awareness why do you have to take it every to years just to have a 125cc runabout .

@MrBulli69

Жыл бұрын

@@skiprat63 I think the idea behind the CBT 'trap' is to encourage people to progress onto getting their full licence which does demonstrate their skills have progressed. I rode for a couple of years before doing my CBT, I needed it for full licence test. I think I got given it in around an hour from turning up, the examiner said this is pointless you've passed.

@griswald7156

Жыл бұрын

Anybody can just jump on an electric bicycle…no test..the motorbike laws in this country are daft..Boris might be able to relax it all…..lets ask him….he’s done wonders for bicycles..

@griswald7156

Жыл бұрын

Silver surfers would like to ride bikes….but getting a licence is too much faff…in the uk..so commerce takes a hit…

It’s a form of discrimination.. if you pass your car driving test at 17 and have a rich daddy you can have a Lamborghini but only a 125cc if you pass your bike test. I’m an instructor and I think it’s absolutely ridiculous the way motorcycle test categories are…as do some of the examiners.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Very true, interesting to hear your points. Especially from an instructor!

@steve5825

Жыл бұрын

@@Vassle 17 year olds are restricted to 125cc machines if you can find a road legal 125 that is as fast as a Lamborghini send me a photo I'd love to see it. If you can find a 600cc for £500 that will keep up with a Lambo....buy it! You're living in a dream. Plus I said a rich daddy so why would a 17 year old need 100k??

@steve5825

Жыл бұрын

@UCrFA4qZ6M2JudGgvrXbmvlg If you think young kids with super cars doesn't happen because of insurance quotes then you need to do a bit of research. Only last week I saw a 17 year old girl pass her test in an Audi Q5 which was hers and her parents had also covered her £7000 insurance premium. So now think of the people with serious wealth and their kids who would put that girl in the shade. My point is not whether they able to drive high powered cars at 17, or afford them, or can insure them, but that they are permitted to under the licensing laws whereas the same rules do not apply to motorcyclists and is therefore discriminatory.

@Vassle

Жыл бұрын

@@steve5825 2L diesel Q5 is in no way equal to a lambo, on the other hand a 600cc inline 4 is comparable but without seat belts, airbags or crumple zones. Rich or poor you cannot ride a full power bike as a youngster. Indeed there are some kids around with parents with money but they are few and far between. And that brings us back to the first comment; can you imagine every kid with a 125 with a 600 instead? They are the same price second hand!!

@steve5825

Жыл бұрын

@@Vassle there is obviously something not clicking with you, which is fine. Try this one then. I've just had a 22 year old truck driver who is out on the road in a 42 ton wagon but is only allowed to ride a restricted motorcycle until at the age of 24 he is magically considered safe to go to a bigger bike. Does that still somehow make sense to you? My comment has nothing to do with any specific vehicle it is to do with the fact the driving licence laws are discriminatory. As you said 'rich or poor you cannot ride a full power (any bike over 35kw) so that is as I'm trying to get through to yo - discrimination! A 17 year old with a full car licence can, IF they can afford it, drive ANY car whilst a 17 year old motorcyclist has to ride a little 125cc up to 11kw at 19 up to 35kw. I'm guessing you still won't grasp it but nice chatting with you anyway.

I passed my test about 1960 on a BSA 250 cc. and got a full licence to ride any motorcycle. The test consisted of riding round a block a number of times while the tester stood at one corner so he could see me half of the time. I was told that when he stepped in the road and raised is hand, I should do an emergency stop. I have to admit I was not really a safe rider after that, but after a number of close calls, I wised up and went on to be a good rider for the rest of my life. I had in fact cottoned on to defensive riding without being taught or knowing it had a name. I never had a serious accident, just the usual like coming off on black ice even though I was riding slowly. I don't ride any more, too old to risk broken bones now so I just drive a car.

@Johnketes54

Жыл бұрын

I did similar to you on a Honda CD175 but around a park it took just over a hour,around in one direction and then the other up and down a hill at walking pace with feet on the footpegs,Hand signals only,Some fools turned on indicator and hand signals and failed for not obeying instructions try to be "clever" was my interpretation,I got a Honda CB350 and that had a booklet of tips concerning engine brake and powerband and i adopted the style in the booklet as did my brother driving his car,All this getting into top gear was abandoned the fuel saving was non existent and the engine brake played a big part and the powerband instant acceleration just by dropping one gear straight into the powerband

@replevideo6096

Жыл бұрын

@@Johnketes54 I'm not sure you understood the concept of defensive riding. It's about things like anticipating that car driver who did not see you before they drive out in front of you and not putting yourself into potentially dangerous situations. One safety idea I highly recommend is to have your headlamp on dipped beam at all times even in broad daylight. It definitely reduces those unseeing drivers. We grew up with a culture of not doing that because it would shorten the life of the bulb or flatten the battery especially with the old 6V systems. Today's electrics are far superior and there is no good reason not to take this simple safety measure.

Here in the US, you either have a motorcycle license, or you don’t. That seems to work here without the added complications

@iggysfriend4431

Жыл бұрын

But this is UK law where, if it's possible to make a complete and utter pigs ear of a law they will.

@SMahoney017

Жыл бұрын

@Google commie Fktard yea but we are talking about licenses here

In Australia you need to hold a car licence for a year before you can get a bike licence. The idea is that you get used to traffic in a car which is safer and when you get on the bike you can concentrate more on the riding. Apart from that need to do a day course to get your learners and a 2 day one to get your licence up to a 650cc after 2 years you can do another course for your unrestricted.

@mitchellbaker6528

Жыл бұрын

Not in NSW, what state are you from?

@davidnowhere2637

Жыл бұрын

@@mitchellbaker6528 The car license thing is not in Victoria either

Yet another example of our young people getting completely ripped off....totally taking the piss..

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Paul Cowell Yes it’s crazy! And the cost to do the training and test plus bike hire means nobody does it

I like the bit in the Japanese bike test where you have to lay the bike down & stand it up again unassisted, it forces manufacturers away from ridiculous bikes & riders away from bikes they can't handle.

As a criminal lawyer, I can tell you that the magistrates court list is full of kids who just gave up on the crazy system. This means loads are uninsured costing us all money. I'm a biker of 45 years and my son of 29 just cannot find a test center while his CBT is valid.

The best way to reduce road collisions would be to make everyone take a bike test before being allowed to drive a car. That would ensure that all drivers are aware of road and weather conditions and be more considerate to other road users. As for the bike test 16 is ok to start on a bike with limited power output and speed but then progress to any bike after completing training and test. Another highs would be to make the car test much tougher.

@johntate5050

Жыл бұрын

It wouldn't make any difference. They'd get back in their cars and instantly forget or they just wouldn't give a toss. The standard of driving these days is abysmal. Everyone is in a rush. No one wants to slow down or give way.

Passing my test in 1975 on a Suzuki GT250, involved riding around the block of the test centre one way, then the other, with the examiner on foot. All over in 10 mins.

@russelldresh7832

Жыл бұрын

Ah, the good old days ... My bike test was exactly the same. Did my test on a Honda CB250n

@fabianmckenna8197

Жыл бұрын

Ooops, you forgot the hill start and the examiner "jumping out in front" for the emergency stop! 1972 on a Honda CB250.

@uptowndisco2

Жыл бұрын

@@fabianmckenna8197 no hill start test on my 70's test as there were no hills lol , tester never jumped out on me , just held up his clipboard while he was stood on the pavement , I only went round the block once I dont think he even bothered watching untill I arrived back lol

I just find it funny that there are so many more steps (at least for young people) to get a full motorcycle licence, yet imagine the uproar if the government made similar rules for car drivers. Cars are bigger, heavier and consume more resources to make and run, yet they’re so much easier to be made legal to get behind the wheel of one.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it doesn’t make sense 👍🏼

I agree with you. I've said all along you can't ride a big bike but can drive a sports car! Absolutely no sense in it. A car can do a lot more damage than a bike in an accident

@MrDarcy-OlMan

Жыл бұрын

Gov don’t see it that way: they want to protect people from themselves.

Here in Portugal the laws are the following: 50cc at 14, 125cc at 16, A2 at 18 and full A license at 25 or after 3 years of A2 or A1(125cc). This means that if you get your A1 license at 16 you can get your A license has early has 19. You only need to take your written test once, and you only have to take driving lessons for the first time you get a license. After that you only need to do a practical exam if you want to upgrade o a higher license.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

That’s better than the UK. 👍🏼👍🏼

@Andyjones__

3 жыл бұрын

I would do 50cc at 15.

I’m on 20 seconds and I’ll tell you why... Insurance costs way too much for young people to afford

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

That's certainly another factor. Watch the whole video though, bro, because there's more than one reason it sucks. Assuming someone can afford the extortionate insurance, they still have many hurdles to jump and hoops to go through

I'm considerably past the 'young person' category, but I can confirm, having begun motorbike training a couple of years ago, that the process of getting a bike licence in the UK is considerably harder and more confusing than getting a car licence.

@NeoLithium08

Жыл бұрын

And conversely, while it is easier to get a car licence, once you pass, its even easier for new passes to buy a 3 litre supercharged V8 and go on the motorway... While motorcyclists like ourselves have to jump through hoops 🤷‍♂️

Motorcycle laws have been crafted to dramatically reduce motorcycle use by making it difficult to obtain a full licence, I expect the same shortly for car driving licences.

@penisenlargement2319

Жыл бұрын

I doubt it for cars as there Easy to catch and trace , motorcycles are piss easy to run from the police with

I live in Indiana USA . You have to be 15 to ride a 50cc bike . Once your 16 you can get your riding permit (written test)and ride anything , but you are restricted to ride during the day with no passenger, and must wear a helmet.After holding the permit for 30 days you can take a riding test and get your license. We have lobbyists for helmet laws and training . The training provided by these groups is affordable and is very beneficial.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Jason Hensley That’s great! It’s really ridiculous over here!

@BikerHenz

3 жыл бұрын

MrDarcy & the Ol'Man I will say this though. Once you go through the riding test and get your license you have to pay for that endorsement on your operators license or you lose it . If you lose it you have to start the whole process over.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Jason Hensley 👍🏼 💯

The current complicated system grew up over many years as reactionary drawn out attempt to get young motorcyclists to a point where their maturity and experience meant they would be less likely to be a fatality. I started riding in the 70s, up to 250cc without any tests or training. I came off a few times doing stupid things, lost a friend showing off on a CB250 into a wall. Many years later I found myself flying air ambulance and police helicopters, one of our regular tasks was road traffic collisions, it was clear that the majority of single vehicle fatalities Involved loss of control due to excessive speed for the road conditions and statistically motorcyclists were far more likely to be the fatality. Another observation was that the age of the fatalities was changing, born again motorcyclists, men in their 50s who had survived the 70s and 80s as young riders who gave it up then drove cars, had families etc, decided to take up biking again and could afford something much bigger and more powerful than they'd ever dreamed of but hadn't had the years of near misses and scares that motorcyclists learn from. On more than a few occasions I've been to the scene where the fatality is a rider from the back of a group trying to keep up and taking one risk too many for their experience level.

Surely the stupid bike licensing and training process in the uk must actually be costing motorbike manufacturers loads of money ? because many people young and old even if they have always dreamt of owning and riding a motorbike are simply looking at whats involved and saying nah dont think il bother its just too much hassle ? not being funny but if the law states that they are happy for you tp ride a motorbike on the main road in heavy traffic after just 4 - 6 hrs tuition for a cbt then whats the problem ? the law is saying YOUR ABLE TO RIDE A MOTORBIKE. all the other things such as riding more powerful bikes simply comes with time and experience.just like driving a ford fiesta and then jumping into a 200mph ferrari yet as already stated on here the government are happy for new drivers to do that ? none of it makes any sense its like if you want to be a biker you will be pinalised for it. im 50 next year and have always wanted to have a motorbike and am seriously considering doing all the test but some days im like but why ? cbt they are happy you have proven your safe enuf to ride a motorbike. but then id also have mod 1 and then also mod 2 and not forgetting the theory test which i already did and passed for my full car licence. its just alot of hassle and simply a money racket.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Really good points there buddy. Yes it definitely costs manufacturers sales and also is the reason that now, second hand bikes are rare and expensive. 30 years ago you could pick up a used bike for peanuts

@tchan279

2 жыл бұрын

Malaysia with a population of 32 million has 15.2 million registered motorbikes and scooters. Uk with a population of 67.22 million has just 1.27 million. How many dealerships, garages, mechanics don't exist, or are in danger of going out of business because of this myopic strategy? Speaking of safety, the youngest RAF cadet to fly solo and earn RAF wings was just 14 years old. You can fly a plane but can't ride a motorbike at that age!. And there are paramedics driving ambulances at just 19. Statistically, horse riding is more dangerous than motorcycling but there is no licensing requirement to ride a horse on a public highway. Safety standards are double standards folks and motorcycling is dying in the UK.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

@@tchan279 Well said. I think that’s the best comment we’ve had on this video. Thanks buddy. Really puts it into perspective. I sold one of my cars a few years back, and the chap came by helicopter, flown by his 18 year old son, who couldn’t ride a motorcycle with a full license! Need I say more

@tchan279

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thank you for doing such a great service via this channel. Objective truth is important and provides clarity. This bureaucratic micromanaging of virtually everything in the UK is destroying productivity and our economy. "You will never understand bureaucracies until you understand that for bureaucrats procedure is everything and outcomes are nothing" - Thomas Sowell.

@cloudbasenirvana

Жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan UN/WEF - no Petrol or Diesel Vehicles by 2035 and no privately owned Electric Vehicles by 2045. You will own NOTHING and you will go NOWHERE and be Happy. So you will have to live within walking distance of a train or bus station - never take anything you can't carry, never visit anybody not on the timetabled routes and only travel at time tabled times. Lockdown of human race on the nearing horizon - C0NV!D$CAM was just a litmus paper test for their end goal.

Government has killed the motorcycle industry in the uk

I passed my motorbike test in Chile after leaving the UK aged 20. I've drove the Dakar, numerous times around Latin America... and apparently after 20 years riding when I go back to the UK... That all means nothing and I have to re take my exam and everything. Truly bizarre

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes you will need to do the CBT around some cones because your riding experience hasn’t done anything that skilled. 🙃

@PaulUrmston

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I know, truly amazing. Funny thing is that legally I can ride ANY bike in the UK for the first 12 months using my license I got here... Then I just suddenly forget everything and the CBT will "remind me" how the ride. 🙄

It's simple. Cost. For new riders it costs almost as much to ride a motorcycle as to drive a car. Except it's less practical and most parents won't help out financially for motorcycles. So many young people just can't afford it.

In 1978, i did 3 different road circuits around town, with an examiner on FOOT,watching. I came of once, without him seeing and carried on . The last circuit the examiner, would step into the road, 30 yards away, for your emergency stop....I had to speed up to make it look good ! Then a flip chart-book, answering 3-4 sign questions.......I PASSED ! Still riding 750's at 64 ! 👍😂🇬🇧 🇹🇭 Reply

@markcompton6750

Жыл бұрын

Passed my test on a RD80LC a million years ago, 30 years later I can buy a 200BHP bike having never ridden a bike since 😮😮😮

The licensing just seems like a cash grab or a way to STOP people from riding motorbikes.

Bloody hell, things have changed!!, glad i passed mine 30 years ago, seems very complicated, needs to go back to basics.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

chris erskine Yes totally! Bonkers

I rode my first bike in 1976, it's a very different biking world these days. The UK has some of the busiest roads in the world so that makes us a little unique, we also have some of the most narrowest and ancient roads in the world so that also makes us a little unique, so I'm not sure that we can compare ourselves to other countries very easily.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

All very true! 👍

I'm now in that situation where I've taken my A2 and am riding a restricted 600. What makes little sense is that in two years when I'll have 3 years experience, 2 of those on a 600, I'll have to spend a grand on the same tests again just to ride my bike without the restrictor. To me the solution is to have the restriction categories in place but have the licence automatically upgrade a to A after two years. Or perhaps require a CBT style training course, but not the same test on the same bike I just took but with a throttle stop removed that I never went past the whole test anyway.

@johnmoylan7202

Жыл бұрын

You can upgrade from A2 like you to A without a test in the EU. All that's required is to attend a training session.

I'm 19 and I simply can't afford to spend £700-£800 on A2, and then £2000 on a decent motorcycle and again £2000 on insurance, that's why I don't drive even though I would really like to.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a shame because motorcycles used to be a cheap, easy form of transport. Governments are making them for the rich

@jodysmith8048

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan If the government in th UK want's the next generation of people to be contributing members of society their going to have to ease up on the licensing laws that's not opinion that's fact because with the UK having such restrictive licensing laws businesses an the economy are eventually going to start suffering as a result

@vtrmcs

3 жыл бұрын

Holy hell, is that what it is now, £2,000 for insurance for a 19 year old? What bike was that on and do you live in a high risk (big city) post code??

The problem with the tests are they are super expensive, especially if you are hiring the bike in the usual way. I would agree with starting at 14 for 50cc, I also agree with doing the test once, but what I would suggest is like they do on the continent, make it so everyone is A2 for 2 years and then they get automatically upgraded to full A. That way you get the safety and progression without the expense. The main issue is the cost of multiple tests, at a time of your life when you are generally poorest.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it’s restrictive to control you!

@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555

Жыл бұрын

I offered to pay for both of my son's, bikes were always around. It wasn't the cost, it was the palaver, a convoluted mess to them so they got cars. We keep kids from being adults too long, that is not good.

@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555

Жыл бұрын

About the 50cc, mine at 16 did 45mph, it was viable transport. I very much doubt a kid near me would be interested in a 30mph 50cc when they are already racing around on faster leccy bikes!😁

I'm so thankful I passed my bike licence in 1981. Just took one test to ride anything on the road.

@transporter1387

Жыл бұрын

Yep i did in 1981 at age 17 on an old 1971 Honda CB250 I bought off the CB radio! Rode round the local route with the examiner standing at the corners. Quick slow ride with him walking along, few highway code questions and I was free to ride anything AND Im still alive!

Yet you see people on electric bicycles and scooters who have never done any test whatsoever all over roads and pavements in any major city jumping lights ignoring one way streets carrying passengers not having lights wearing actual camouflage the violations are endless…. So why would someone wanting cheap mobility actually pay out for training or tests when they can ignore it all

My view here is that the UK gov have never liked motorcycles or motorcyclists and therefore have made this whole licensing process as complex as possible to deter would be new riders. With the current focus on climate change they have missed a big opportunity, over a number of decades, to include motorcycles as part of a joined up transport policy. What they should have been doing is encouraging people to ride motorcycles and scooters to ease traffic congestion and pollution levels. Instead we have a road tax charging structure which also contributes to deterring new be riders due to the costs and an overly complex licence process which you need an a level to navigate. I have been a motorcyclist for 35+ years and my eldest son was keen to start riding but the whole complexity of the licence process put him off and he went straight to a car. Maybe the new electric bikes coming onto the market will give the gov an opportunity to change their misguided licensing process but then again Boris’ lot are not that bright sadly…..keep up the great work with the vids guys…

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. Yes you’re absolutely right. Boris’s idea of green is to flatten ancient forests and build a dirty great train line!

@peteallen82

Жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan You are right about green Boris. The HS2 for all its Billions. Will get you from London to Manchester 20 minutes earlier giving you 20 more minutes to wait for a cab for your onward journey.

I think an ideal scenario would be a 125 from 16-18 and forget about 50cc. They're too slow for the roads, hard to find and expensive. Make kids do their CBT at 16, then go back for the test at 18, to allow them access to bigger machines. Could always put a power restriction in place for the first 2 years of the license. I think that part should apply to everyone anyway.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

your points make sense Darren !

Have been having a similar discussion with a friend of mine, had a 125 when I was 17 soon after passed my driving test and bikes went by the wayside. I'm now 29 and will be getting a pair of vintage bikes that have gone down through the family. My friend is slightly older than me and did direct access and went straight into big bikes and doesn't see why I still want something smaller for a few years to get the gist of thinks even through direct access! Just because I can have an 1100 doesn't mean it should be my first bike!

Your spot on, Pass the test once , then be allowed to progress with experience.

This is just typical of the UK. Been riding for 55 years and I have absolutely no idea of what these two guys are talking about, you couldn't make this bullshit up. All I had to do was ride a 250cc around the block a few times, read a car number plate and do an emergency stop. That was it, next bike a T120 and have progressed onwards from there. Still ride.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it’s ridiculous quite frankly.

This makes me thankful for licensing laws in America, 1 written and 1 riding test and you can ride anything.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it seems the USA have got it right.

All car licences should be issued on the proviso that the person has ridden a 50cc for at least 1000 miles. This would familiarise more road users to the dangers of biking. After that the licencee can choose car or bike. For a bike they move up a 2 tier scale which improves on training and experience. Training should be cheaper and more accessible providing jobs and promoting fun and safety. Roughly.

I was 16 in 1963 so remember "the good old days"! At one point you could learn and take your test on any bike. Eventually they limited a learner to a 250cc bike from age 17. In my day the big restriction was what we could afford to ride, many of us learned on ex-GPO BSA Bantam's. These rules are a nightmare, I would hate to have to jump through all these hoops. Sadly I had to give up my bike (BMW F650GS) three years ago due to deteriorating health.

@justsomeoneinthecommentsse5249

Жыл бұрын

I took my bike test in the UK back in 1962 on a 200cc Triumph Tiger Cub. The max for a learner then was 250cc, no pre training required. For my test, the test guy just stood on a corner and watched while I drove backwards and forwards through the intersection a few times. At one point he jumped out in front of me, luckily I'd been keeping an eye on him and anticipated this move so I didn't run him down. Back then the bike test was infinitely easier than the car test. Two months later I bought a 650cc Triumph Bonneville complete with clip-ons and a tight fibreglass racing fairing. Been riding a Harley now for the last 10 years. Not sure I'd be bothered to go through everything required to get out on two wheels in the UK these days.

It is not simply the complexity of the regulations but the expense. My son is over aged 24 years and has a full driver’s licence He passed his CBT at about £100. He drives my 125 cc bike and wishes to progress to a larger bike. As I understand the law he can only get this licence by riding a larger bike hired from a riding school at a cost of about £600, which means he cannot get his own larger bike to increase his riding experience before sitting the test. He can only do the test under the supervision of a riding school.. Because of the cost he has given up the idea of getting his own bike.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

That's one of the problems with the system. It has to be changed! We must lobby parliament

I recently did my CBT at the age of 43. The flawed system allowed me to get on a 50cc (no L plates) without any training or certification other than my car licence, but apparently the extra power of a 125cc required me to attend a day of training and then display L plates and then subsequently pass a full test. Going for another CBT would be fairly excruciating, so I will book my tests and go through the motions. I don't really think any more training would be beneficial considering I have all the time in the world to practice by myself on the road and in any empty car parks I can find. If I fail, I would just re-sit until I pass.

And yet…..One can pass a car driving test in a sub 1 litre, 50hp vehicle, then hop into 300mph 1500hp Bugatti Chiron!

I was told by a really old bike dealer who's now dead !! He was told by The UK Gov PM in the 1970's at a industry meeting that they would have motorcycles Banned by year 2000 !! There banning it by the back door!! I went from a DT125 to an FJ1200 but I have been riding a motocross bike since I was 6 !!

@intergrale4x4

Жыл бұрын

As you said the Insurance cost used to stop you buying a Fireblade at 17 !

Completely agree, you could even make it hours/miles based like for flight training. Start on a 125 when your 16, when your 18 you can go up to a 400 but only if you've had X amount of hours/miles, same again at 21 you can go up to a 800 but only if you've had x amount of hours/miles on the 400. This would stop people from riding a 125 for 4 years and then switching straight to a fireblade and killing themselves, especially if they've owned the 125 but it's sat in the yard 99% of the time. Edit: Or, start on a 125, when your 18 OR when you've hit your hours/miles you can go up, so even if you're 17 but you have X hours experience you can jump to the 400. Older does not mean more experienced or skilled, more experienced and skilled means more experienced and skilled. If they wanna be really strict they could have you be required to do a ride with an instructor each time you jump levels, as long as you're not seriously dangerous then they can just give you advice on your riding and tell you what needs improving. If you are seriously dangerous you get x hours mandatory training and a retest before you can ride again. I'm not against licenses at all really (even though they don't really stop idiots from driving tbh), but they should make sense.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Good points there! Sadly this post Brexit government are not likely to change any laws for the better

@willielongbotham7156

Жыл бұрын

There is far too much common sense in your comment for the modern law makers to get their minds around.

Very convoluted motorbike system in UK...very frustrating..I would like bigger bike,but completely flummoxed by all the red tape etc. Great video guys 👍

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it’s designed to put you off! 👍🏼 thanks bud

I passed my test on a 125cc in 1968 and have been riding anything I want ever since. I was riding a Bonneville and a Gold star at 17 I am srtill here.

@stevek8829

Жыл бұрын

'68 here too, Honda CB350. & a few since.

I started riding at 16 on a 50cc Fizzy in 1977 then bought a Suzuki GSX 250cc in 78 when I was 17 which was capable then of about 85mph! I then sat my bike test at 18 in 79 and progressed to a Honda 550 four, which I wish I still had. Ive had more than a few bikes since and at 61 still dabble although now in summer only lol. Keep Riding.

Brilliant review covering an over complex system. I may get shot down for this but IMO all these separate licences age ranges tests etc are to generate more revenue for the chancellor. I have been both a motorcycle and car instructor The bureaucracy is ridiculous. Once you've passed that's it. No extra checks or advice on advanced riding. I've been out the game for 15 years but believe its still a case of making it as difficult and costly to pass the test but once done government interest in our safety and riding standards cease. Like exorbitant road tax for bikers its just a money making machine. Solution. Everyone should spend 2 years riding a bike before they can regress (lol) to a car. Bring age down to 15 and increase to 125 category. 50cc is bloody dangerous! Stay safe

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Pike Bobstar Gosh very good points Pike!!! Actually thinking about it, I think you’re right about the 50cc, they are dangerously slow in many situations and 125’s are not nearly as punchy as they used to be.

@pikebobstar2033

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah. Remember a mates Kawasaki kh125 2 stroke could do close to 90 on a good day. Today's 125 definitely not as potent .

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Pike Bobstar 💯

@stephenfleming7056

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed, as spending some time on two wheels makes you aware of motorcyclists and also more aware of road conditions.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Stephen Fleming totally 👊🏼

The difference being that a 20 year old couldn't get their Ferrari on the road as either no company would insure them or the cost would make it impractical. A powerful secondhand bike with a low value would cost next to nothing to insure. Just a thought. I was an idiot that did it all the wrong way. I went from a 125 lt to a 1200 VMax then a Blackbird - a Hayabusa - a 2.3 lt Rocket and now a 2.5lt Rocket. I was lucky that fear and the wisdom that I was not bulletproof kept me calm and alive. I worry that if I was eighteen, with less life experience -I would have ridden VERY differently...

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Jet Cooper Very good points. Should the gov be the nanny state though, for the small minority that cant be sensible? I was a boy racer but always had enough fear and respect to stay within the limits of my skills and vehicles ability 👍🏼

I passed my test in 1969 on a 200cc Triumph. I agree that there needs to be a progression, but it seems to me that Government policy is to discourage motorcycling, rather than just trying to make it safer. On returning to motorcycling in 2016 after a 27 year break I deliberately bought a 500cc Royal Enfield as being something within my competence, only too aware that at 67 my reactions are a lot slower than they used to be. Sadly, common sense seems to be absent among some bikers. It is well worth taking further training.

36 and moved to UK very recently. Thought about getting into bikes, and I'm extremely confused by the system - everywhere the explanation is for the age grades, but nothing properly explains what to do if you're no longer 17-19-24. Some places have wording like "of you have a full car driver's license" and never properly explain what advantages that gives. Took me a while to realise I can just do a CBT and ride a 125cc without bothering with anything else really. Still hadn't done that, but now I think about all those delivery people on bikes with L plates - these guys didn't even have to do a road rules test if I'm correct...

@MrDarcy-OlMan

Жыл бұрын

Delivery people would just do a cbt test and have L plates on 👍🏼

@dmytro_mockingbird

Жыл бұрын

​@@MrDarcy-OlMan Yeah, with all the complexity I would expect UK to at least require a theory test as well or at least the basic road sign, markings and basic traffic code test. Mind boggling for me that you can go on public roads without that. Back in Ukraine you don't touch any vehicle outside of training grounds unless you pass a theory test which includes basic understanding of how the vehicle operates mechanically, full road code (which includes vehicles you're not taking the test for), first medical aid, some legal responsibility. Then again, UK says I can only directly exchange my full Ukrainian B license to UK B automatic, so 13 years of experience on a manual don't count, because "Ukrainian tests aren't as strict, if you want full license - pay for the test here" Wow. On the scale of one to even - I just can't. XD

When I passed my bike test it was just a bloke standing on a street corner with a clipboard. Ride past him 3 times without falling off and you're good to ride anything on 2 wheels. I can see why something more stringent was needed, but they have gone waaay too far. My whole 20s were spent on big bikes, a lifestyle that has been legislated out of existance. UK is not a free country at all, whatever they tell you.

Wow! I didn't realise how complicated it had become to get a bike licence since passing the simple test on my Honda CD175 in 1976. That said, bikes have become a lot more powerful since those days. Another put-off is the cost of the road tax, especially for bikes just over 600cc like mine that only do a couple of thousand miles a year (and are bound to be less polluting & congestive than most cars), when some 150hp diesel cars that are covering ten times as much only cost £20/30 a year.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

BazThe Jazz Yes it’s ludicrous!

"Let's just make it completely complicated"! This was the conversation in the office when the Men from The Ministry are in charge.

This seems like discrimination against motorcyclists. In the UK, a 17 year old can pass a car driving test and then drive any car, regardless of the car's power output. Why should motorcyclists have to take three tests? And given the current massive interest in cleaner transport, bikes like the Honda CB125F can do over 140mpg! The government should be encouraging people of all ages to ride motorcycles. Bikes can be more fuel efficient, cheaper to run, cause less traffic congestion, and use less parking space. Also, bikers are more alert than many car drivers, they aren't playing with an infotainment system or texting It's time for a review of the current legislation.

@Johnketes54

Жыл бұрын

That's not strictly true,Phone holder's on the handlebars! Just as guilty as the car drivers another distraction

@jayc342009

Жыл бұрын

When I passed to get my full motorbike license 3 years ago it would have cost me 8000 pounds to insure a zx10r haha, more than the bike was worth

This whole pandemic thing has got me interested in bikes and fulfilling a dream I've had for a number of years - it'll be a nice way of avoiding commuter trains. One thing that 'd found was that the licensing was totally confusing and I had no idea what I actually NEEDED to do after my CBT (booked for next weekend) as I'm 29. This video has cleared that up nicely! Thanks a lot!

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andrew! It's mega confusing to say the least! Glad the video helped.

I am so glad I passed my test 32 years ago. 50cc to start, 250 on L plates, test, and then 250 till I was ready, then a 750 Suzuki! That said lost quiet a few mates back then. So with hindsight surely better to progress in steady jumps, but don’t complicate things with power to weight ratios, kw’s and stuff that’s just ridiculous.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Indeed, and sorry to hear about your mates. I genuinely don’t think we should have the system we do, however; it should go back to what it was, but there definitely should be progression, but that should be the expected thing in the bike community, but rather people get too tempted by expert riders carving it up and want to do the same.

Madness. I did my CBT at 16 and rode a Yamaha Fizzy for a year, upgraded to a TZR125 (god what a wonderful bike) and then did my test at 18 to get my full A licence. Got a ZZR250 and at about 27 a Yamaha 600cc Thundercat. What madness for my son when he’s older.

Its 100% the hassle of licensing thats kept me off (powered) bikes my whole life. I'm almost 38 and have had my car license since I was 17. Here we are 20yrs later with a string of powerful old cars, rarely with even ABS and I'm still yet to have an accident. The really crazy part is there's nothing stopping me from shaving my legs, dressing up like Jimmy Saville and joining the local Tour de Farce brigade in riding down the middle of a busy A road on a weekend!

@jamesclarkson3009

Жыл бұрын

If you're 24 or older it's not much hassle really. Theory test followed by direct access consisting of cbt, mod1 and mod2. You can go from having nothing to a full licence in less than a week. If that's too much hassle you probably just don't want to do it enough.

I’m still very confused with all the licenses

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

You’re not the only one! 👍🏼

@bradcogan8588

3 жыл бұрын

CBT - 16yo+ - up to 125cc (50cc for 16yo) with power and power:weight limits - L plates - No passengers or motorway use - Must be repeated every two years. AM Licence - 16yo+ - up to 50cc with power and power:weight limits - No L plates. A1 licence - 17yo+ - up to 125cc with power and power:weight limits - No L plates. A2 licence - 19yo+ - no capacity limit with power and power:weight limits - No L plates. A licence - 24yo+ direct access or two years after passing A2 (so minimum of 21yo) - No capacity, power or power:weight limits - No L plates.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradcogan8588 Easy! Thanks bro

@graham9352

3 жыл бұрын

We all are

@computerbob06

3 жыл бұрын

I still can't understand how, if you (or your parents) are rich enough, you can pass your driving test at 17 yrs old and get into a Bugatti Chiron to test out it's 1,500hp but only ride a 125cc bike on a bike licence!?

I remember these days. I got my A2 at 19. Upgraded to an A at 21 after 2 years, frustrating at the time But I personally think the 2 years of hootling around on a bandit helped me a lot on the r1 now.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Yes no doubt one needs to progress up the ladder, but there must be a better system

@redgaridose

4 жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan oh for sure totally agree

i remember when "as a learner" you could ride ANY bike as long you had a sidecar "or what was deemed a sidecar "" anybody remember the sidewinder ? " basically a luggage rack that tilted with a wheel

@stephenlee5929

Жыл бұрын

Yep, I think that's part of the reason we have this mess.

I can't believe that they never mentioned that in the UK, you are required to pass three parts to get a licence. 1) A theory test, in a room on a computer. 2) Mod 1 in a government carpark. 3) Mod 2, listening to a person who sounds like the world's worst GPS on a crackly headset.

I was born in 1955 and I took and passed my test on a BSA B25 when I was 16 and 2 months old. I then went straight on to a BSA A65 Spitfire then a couple of Norton 750 Commando's and then a Honda GL1000 all by the time I was 19, I don't think there was anything wrong with the old system, it worked for me and my friends and it worked very well

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes we agree. My father too did pretty much what you did.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

@Les Paul yes 100%

I'm 51 and going to do cbt in a week. ( been frightened of bikes for some reason.) A lot of bike schools keep trying to get me to do full license which takes a week, I'm going to buy a 125 and get some road experience for a few months. Think this would be better for most people.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

A year on a 125 wouldn’t hurt although you could still do the full test and ride a 125 afterwards till you feel ready

@leedytcher6584

3 жыл бұрын

Well it was going good for the first 40 mins got the balance of the bike. Both feet up going around. Stopped instructor told me to try 2nd gear that went good for 2 times around, then went pear shaped. Must of hit the t throttle to hard as did wheel across the training area. And then bang the bike rolling over me. Everyone said it looked impressive until the end bit lol. Leg and back bleeding. So not sure I'm doing that again.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

@@leedytcher6584 Yikes! Reminds me of my cousin on my old Honda- the throttle got stuck and he rode it through a hedge!

I live in Georgia in the US, a written test gets you a learner's permit which allows you to ride any size bike during daylight hours without a passenger, a short riding test gets you your full license.

On my 16th birthday I got my provisional license, bought a brand new 250cc bike a couple of days later, never looked back, still an all weather speed freak rider at 73, have not fallen off yet (on road) trials and motocross is another story....the system is just a rubbish money maker.

Here in Portugal you have 4 licenses: AM, A1, A2 and A. AM: up to 50cc and can't exceed 45Km/h. You can have it at minimum age of 14 years old as a "special license" with a 15 hour formation (8 pratical hours and 7 theorotical hours) + the exams. At minimum age of 16 years old as a "normal" license + exams and guess what... minimum 25 years old with the B driver's license! A1, A2 and A are pretty much the same as in England. But still, I can't understand this restrictions. I took my driver's licence with 19 years old and I can drive a Citroen AX with 45 horsepower or a Bugatti Veyron with 1001 horsepower.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it's crazy!

@luisabrunhosa2325

2 жыл бұрын

I am Portuguese too, bit older then you so I did 50cc then A license and that's all I need.

Wow! That is incredible. How in the Hell can they come up with something as intrusive and complicated as that. I can only imagine the bureaucracy behind this. The day that I turned 16, 1971, I was at the local drivers licence office at eight o'clock in the morning with my dad's car and my motorcycle. I had purchased a Honda SL125 three months earlier and had already spent hundreds of hours, mostly in the dirt but many illegally on country back roads, in the saddle. Socialist Illinois, where I grew up, had a two tiered system of licensing motorcycles. Until a rider turned 18, they were restricted to bikes 150cc, or less. These bikes were classified as "Motor Driven Cycles" and were legal on all public roads except interstates. To this day, there are still signs on Illinois interstate on-ramps declaring this law. There was no special markings on the bike's license plate but, if I remember correctly, there was a different class marked on the drivers license. When a rider turned 18 they upgraded the license and the rider could, legally, ride any motorcycle. I bought a Honda CB450 as soon as I could and rode it for the next couple of years. I have owned over thirty bikes since. I, currently, keep five licensed and insured. This was a very interesting video. Thanks.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Nanny State Britain!

I live in Spain and ride a 125cc on the basis of having a car licence. Last week an English friend came to visit and was impressed with my small bike. He asked me if he could buy one for himself back in the UK. I tried to explain the UK motorbike licencing regime to him. It was so complex he lost interest

Minority groups are always shafted when it comes to the making of laws. I have a laugh when I reflect back 57 years on my initial licence test. At 17 I did a verbal exam to obtain the L's and after 3 months I went for my full licence at the local cop shop. The examining officer instructed me to go and get the right change so I could pay the fee and on return and handing over the payment, he gave me my licence. "What about the test?" I said. "You got there and back so you must know how to ride". 57 years and 20 machines later, I am yet (touch wood) to have an accident. Out of interest I did an advanced riding training course in my 40's and was amazed how much I learnt - e.g. counter steering. The experience made me reflect that it would have been better had I had to take something like that for my first licence. We all pay a huge penalty for the relatively few daredevils amongst us who disregard their own and others' safety - which results in the ridiculous licencing regime that now applies.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

Жыл бұрын

Yes good points well said!

I didn't realise things had got this confusing! Thankfully I rode 50cc at 16, 125cc at 17, got my car license just before my 18th Birthday and drove cars until I was 21 then did the former Direct Access test at the age of 21 and from then on I could ride anything completely unrestricted. Rode a Honda VFR400R NC30 for a few years then got back into cars until I was 33, then I bought a CBR600FX and another 125cc for cheap commuting!

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it’s a very flawed system 💯

I’m glad I did my license before it all went mad, I had a125 until 21 then did my direct access. Once passed a weeks course I used my own common sense to progress up in cc an power (500 twin, 600 four, 750 and then 1000), this is my 15 year of riding full power and still loving it... nothing wrong with the old system, it’s just another way of our government nannying us, a 17 year old in a 20 year old Corsa can be a lot more dangerous then a 21 year old on a 500cc...

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with all your points.

I am luckily a biker who took his test in 1977 with no restrictions, the system needs scrapping and starting with a clean sheet of paper, I would suggest one theory test to start, then 17 entry on plates up to 125, then after 1 year up 250, once 2 years on 250 straight to full test, to be honest in 95% of cases the insurance premiums will then be the restricting factor

You can drive a car at 17 which is far more lethal than a motorcycle All these Restrictions should be lifted at 17 Everything depends on the person...if he rides like a nutter whether bicycle motorcycle or car...nothing will ever cure such stupidity

Perspective from a 62 yr old in suburban Cook County, Illinois ( Chicago). The idea of a graduated license system makes sense for young people. Our roads are big and fast, but terribly crowded. Bikes are dangerous enough as they are without someone with limited experience and too much testosterone trying to ride a powerful motorcycle on the street with other vehicles around. Even driving cars it’s dangerous. The drivers in the 16 to 21 year old class are involved in the most accidents, especially where alcohol are involved. Years ago Illinois even went to a graduated system for automobile drivers license laws for our youth. They get a probationary license the first two years but they don’t get a regular license until 21, I think.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments! Graduation by insurance/age/years riding would be better than the EU/UK’s crazy system of repeating the same test and training

The guy that passed these laws must be anti motorcycle. It's a CRAZY law! I'll take a taxi, bus or train.

I can't help but notice that there has never been such restrictions on people wanting to drive cars!

@peteallen82

Жыл бұрын

Cars kill more of the population than motorcycles so the government must think they’re more effective as a population controller when emissions are taken into account. Also cars contribute to the reduction of innocent bikers by killing them. Reducing bikers is the main reason these stupid licensing schemes were introduced.

@Johnketes54

Жыл бұрын

@@peteallen82 bureaucrats who didn't understand the problem,A whole load of problems could have been dealt with restrict Japanese imports and support our waining motorcycle industry with financial support or a take over,But was abondoned,we can save the banks,but not woolworths or any industry,So rules were imposed and more rules

@catfrab

Жыл бұрын

Yup. Its almost criminal that the people in the vehicles that can cause more damage to others have a lesser level test? Makes no sense.

So glad I did my test way back in 1979. Any bike upto 250 on L plates and then take test for full licence. Also no time limit on how long you could hold a learners licence. To me it seemed that system worked pretty well, never understood why they felt there was a need to change it.

@peteallen82

Жыл бұрын

All about the ££££££ Bob. Cars use more fuel than bikes. Governments could never see beyond petrol tax revenue so we’re all forced into cars and sitting in the congestion they cause.

To be honest the CBT shouldn't be only for 2 years. It should be forever or at least last longer.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed 👍🏼

@catfrab

Жыл бұрын

A CBT is just basic instruction for starting the learning process. A CBT makes you a learner, nothing more. It should be a route to a full licence which is easily achievable in two years. You should be more encouraged to train after the CBT. Training for a full licence makes you a much safer and competent rider and lasts a lifetime. BUT we do need the route to a full licence to be cheaper & simpler.

In The Netherlands we even have 4 categories! 16 y/o: 50cc 4Kw 18 y/o: 125cc 11Kw/15HP 21y/o: 35Kw 48 HP 24y/o: unlimited

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Gosh, complicated! 👊🏼

@Emslaender_Jung

3 жыл бұрын

We hebben in Duitsland zo als in de Nederlanden deze 4 Categorien maar een 15-jarige kan een 25 kmh brommfiets rijbewijs maken. Dat zijn 5 Categorien in Duitsland😅

@arandomdreamer9853

3 жыл бұрын

Its the same in greece

okay ... i'm living in Alaska, I'm 64 years young and have always wanted a motorcycle but in my teen years half my friends who had bikes ended up killed or in wheelchairs so being of the mind to live a long life I've advoided getting and at same time wanting one. Now in Alaska to get your motorcycle permit you have to take a three day 8 hour per day course and in that course I learned how friends in my teens missed up ! I've got my permit now and I'm riding a BMW 1250 GSA happily around the beautiful state of Alaska for past three years and loving every minute of it. Essential training , properly done

I have to say the over complication and expense of getting a bike license has acted as a deterrent formme

I’m a pensioner I passed my test on a 175cc bike but you could ride up to 250cc on L plates. For the test I drove around the block and had to make an emergency stop when the examiner stepped out from behind a tree and slapped his hand on his clip board. If you braked with the rear brake first followed by the front brake got most of the Highway Code questions right you passed and got a licence. There was no training. My last employment was a bus driver and I trained drivers to improve their driving style. For me you can’t have enough training, motorcycle riders today are much more skilled due to the training then when I got my first bike over 500cc. I agree that all the red tape around bike licences are going to put off young people off motorbikes. But I believe training and experience should progress together and the 2 level system used when I was a teenager allowed a bit of time before being able to ride really powerful machines. 14 years old with small bikes is a good idea, better then electric scooters which a lot of kids with no knowledge of the Highway Code or training are riding around on today. Just my opinion.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for your input! 👌🏼👍🏼👍🏼

In PA if you're 17 and you pass your tests you get your license. Period. You can ride whatever size bike you're comfortable with. Oh and helmets are optional. It is strongly advised to take a Motorcycle Safety Course before you start riding, but not mandatory. Most people here start riding at a very young age on dirt bikes on their own land. Other states may have different laws and requirements.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

4 жыл бұрын

Dennis GasparZ Sounds pretty good to me. Over here we can’t be credited for having any sense!

I didn't realise the laws and licences to ride a bike in the UK had become so convoluted. When I started riding a bike, at 17 you could just slap L-plates on a bike up to 250cc and ride for as long as you liked. If you took and passed your test (no CBT back then) you could ride any bike you liked. To be fair, I think the fatality rate for young riders was probably quite a lot higher than it is today, but if I was starting my riding career today, I wouldn't bother - far too many hoops to jump through.

In 1981 the government introduced a 125cc with 12 bhp learner limit, previous to 1981 at 16 years of age you were limited to a 49cc moped which included bikes like a Honda ss50, Suzuki ap50 and the Yamaha FS1E otherwise known as the “Fizzy”. There were other mopeds from Puch, mobylette and the Honda pc50. A moped had to have pedals by which it could be propelled which ruled out the Honda C50 as although it was only 49cc didn’t have pedals so wasn’t a moped. However at 17 you could jump on anything upto 250cc without any training or the need to take a test. Passing your test back then basically consisted of an examiner would give you instructions to ride a short route usually round the block and raise his arm for you to do an emergency stop, there was no examiner riding 30 foot behind you watching your every move. On passing your test the world was your oyster you could then ride any capacity. Things were so much more simpler back then, I certainly wouldn’t want to to face the confusion of the fiasco of today’s motorcycle licensing.

@uptowndisco2

Жыл бұрын

same as me zero lessons test in 1981 on a 250cc , a ride round the block, a slow walking speed check and an emergcy stop , with a few questions at the end , I am now 67 never fell of or had any accidents simple test or not lol , oh and still riding bikes 🏍 🙂

I'm 20 years old based in the Caribbean and looking into starting Motorcycling. I plan on starting on a 300 CC (CB300R) and working my way up the power ladder. Its baffling to me that some countries its allowed for new riders to just start on whatever they want.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

2 жыл бұрын

Yes the world is very different with laws. My dad used to live in St Lucia by the way 👍🏼👍🏼

Guys, the whole point of the motorcycle licensing laws is to dissuade people from riding bikes and get them into cars.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

It's worked!

@twitchfindergeneral2958

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Of course!

Used to be as complicated as a 250 or any bike with a chair, and we felt hard done by. Older blokes would tell us about when you could have any bike, or when tests were suspended, or even before tests.

@beaterbikechannel2538

Жыл бұрын

"It wasnt that easy, I failed my test first time in 1956, because I ran over his cat" I got told by one character. simpler times.

@ghraffydd5275

Жыл бұрын

@@beaterbikechannel2538 My tester went into old git mode, telling me tales of getting pissed in north africa and riding a yanks Harley into the desert. I listened politely and when he finished rabbiting he told me I had passed.

@alanhat5252

Жыл бұрын

250 on L-plates for as long as you like, bigger with a license. That was fair enough till the '60s & Japanese bikes because 250s weren't much faster than pushbikes

I subbed. 💪💪 Here in America you test once on any bike and if you pass you can ride any bike no matter the size.

Getting motorcycle companies to work together to help make the motorcycle licence more progressive and cheaper would help them sell more bikes and help cut congestion and protect the environment.

@MrDarcy-OlMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes that would help!

Past my test in 1966 on a bsa 250 , been riding big bikes ever since, still am I had the good years of bike riding , I was lucky

I thought that a 18 you were an adult, what happens at 21? And why 24? I passed my test at 16 plus one week. Passed and was able to ride what I wanted, for the rest of my life. This whole farce is to just stop anybody having a bike at all.

I think the real reason is that no one starts work at 16 anymore. People got mopeds because they needed to get to work and weren't old enough for a car licence; they were then on the motorbike ladder and upgrading to a 125 at 17 years old was easier and cheaper than getting a car. Nowadays there's no need to get a little motorbike, you can just put it off until you can get a car instead, which is what most people on mopeds and 125s were working towards anyway.

@Johnketes54

Жыл бұрын

Downside is the insurance on a car?