If you pass on a moped (i.e. 50cc and restricted to 30 mph) you can only ride a moped as a full licence holder.

A full car licence qualifies you as a full moped licence holder but if you have passed your car test since 1st February 2001 this part of your licence is not valid until you complete a CBT course and get a certificate. However in this case the certificate is valid for the lifetime of the licence and not the usual 2 years.

If you pass on a bike less than 125 cc (or equivalent power) your full licence is restricted to 125 cc bikes but they may be de-restricted to give extra power.

If you pass on a 125cc (or equivalent power) bike your licence restricts you to riding a bike developing no more than 25kw (33 bhp) for the first 2 years.

If you are over 21 and pass on a bike developing more than 35kw (46.6 bhp) you will have a full-unrestricted licence and can ride anything.

If you pass on an automatic in any of the above categories you may only ride autos as a full licence holder.

NB The test Bible for both candidates and examiners is the Motorcycling Manual, a DSA publication that contains all the advice and information necessary to pass your test. Authorised instructors rely on this publication to guide their training. Study of this manual is strongly recommended.

Sixteen Year Old New Riders

16 year-old riders may legally only ride mopeds on the road, that is: 50cc and restricted to 30mph. They can be either automatic or manual and for many younger people one of the new scooter types will give an excellent start to riding. They are simple, low maintenance, reasonably inexpensive and are easy to ride. Of course, and above all, they look great!

Many Authorised Training Bodies (ATBs) offer special courses for this category of rider. Good schemes welcome enquiries from parents and will give honest feedback as to the capability of the youngster during training.

At 16 one is allowed to take the full test on a moped provided the candidate has a CBT certificate and has passed the motorcycle theory test. The only immediate benefits to having the full licence are that L-plates can be discarded and a passenger can be carried. The bike is still not allowed on motorways and the 30 mph restriction still applies.

New Riders 17 to 21 years / Accelerated Access

Between these ages a rider may take a test on a bike up to 125 cc. Obviously, below 125cc the restricted licence described above will apply but on passing on a 125cc he will receive full licence entitlement. However, for the first two years he may only ride a bike that develops no more than 33 bhp. Very roughly this would be most 250 cc bikes and a few 300cc ones. Many dealers keep lists of these bikes and any bike can be restricted down to the limit.

There is a way round this restriction for riders who become 21 during this two-year period. These riders can take a course called accelerated access. Basically they can take a further test (without risking their present entitlement) on a bike that develops no less than 47.6 bhp and, if they pass, the power restriction no longer applies. (Of course getting insurance is another matter!).

If you are over 21 and want to obtain a full, unrestricted licence straight away you need to undertake a course of training as part of the Direct Access Scheme (DAS). Under DAS you still need CBT but, additionally, must take your DSA test on a higher performance motorcycle (i.e. one that can develop over 47.6 bhp).

Only specially qualified instructors working within an approved scheme may conduct DAS training. Not surprisingly these instructors have to obey a whole shipload of rules! E.g. there is a 2 to 1 student/instructor ratio and radio communication with students must be maintained throughout

Most training schemes will conduct the CBT element plus the early on-road training on lower powered bikes before bringing the student up to the higher performance machines.

Some schemes offer very short DAS courses, some as little as 3 days duration. For students who can already ride these courses are very useful but there is serious concern being expressed at the present time as to the wisdom of advising beginners to take this route. Only exceptionally can someone learn to ride in 3 days and there is a lot more to being a competent big bike rider than simply being able to pass a test! Indeed, most good riders will tell you they never stop learning.

A good idea for complete beginners is to do the CBT and thereby get an accurate assessment of their training needs before committing themselves to paying for any DAS training. Responsible training companies will welcome this approach and I would advise caution in doing business with any scheme that tries to persuade candidates otherwise.