TRAINING

CBT
If you don't already have a full driving licence, you'll need to apply for a provisional moped or motorcycle licence. But this usually doesn't let you start riding on public roads. Before you can do that you need to complete and pass compulsory basic training (CBT). The CBT is valid for three years and it will let you ride around on public roads with L-plates on light bikes or mopeds.

Compulsory basic training includes riding, traffic and hazard awareness. There are plenty of accredited training centres around – look in Yellow Pages under 'motorcycle training' or at adverts in motorbike magazines. Most centres supply equipment such as helmet, gloves and waterproofs and, of course, the motorbike for training if you're not able to supply your own. The training is a mixture of classroom work, discussing safety issues and riding in a practice area to learn clutch control, pulling away, braking, turning, and so on. It also involves a minimum two-hour ride on public roads, accompanied by an instructor.

Full training
Training centres usually offer intensive full-day lessons. Two to five days are usually enough to turn from a complete novice to a full licence holder. The advantage of this is that everything is taken care of for you – the motorbike, other equipment and the test booking. Some centres give guaranteed passes, and, if you fail your test, they give you free retraining. But you'll have to pay any extra test fees and equipment hire.

Advanced training
Getting a licence is just the beginning – you can always learn more, and most centres offer advanced training. The Motorcycle Industry Association supports an advanced training system called The Edge, which uses police motorcyclists to assess and advise riders. The British Motorcyclists Federation, a campaign group for riders, runs intermediate and advanced courses.

Licensing
Before you can take a full test, you need to pass the motorcycle theory test. This test, which costs £15.50, is valid for only two years – so you'll need to take your practical test within that time or resit the exam. There is no requirement to take a CBT before the theory test, but you do need both to take a full test. The full practical test for either category involves an examiner following you around in a vehicle, issuing you instructions by radio. It includes things like emergency stops, U-turns in a narrow road and general riding ability.

If you pass a full moped test, you can throw away your L-plates, and you're allowed to carry a pillion passenger. For motorbikes, the situation is more complex. There are two categories of licence – A and A1– and a scheme called 'direct access’. Which one you use will depend on the size of motorbike you want to ride.