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When can I ride a moped or motorbike?
When you are 16 years old you can hold a provisional licence. You can ride on the road as long as:
- you complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course and are issued a DL 196 certificate by an approved training body (ATB). This allows you to ride a moped or scooter on the road as a learner using L-plates
- your moped or scooter doesn't have an engine over 50cc and a top speed over 32mph.
When you turn 17 years old you can apply for a light motorcycle licence (A1) in order to be able to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc. If you haven’t already done so, you will need a valid DL 196 certificate by completing a CBT.
A DL196 certificate is valid for two years. A CBT will have to be retaken if both theory and practical tests are not passed within two years of the date of issue.
Clothing
So that you're protected, you should always wear appropriate clothing, even if it's a boiling hot day and you're tempted to wear just a t-shirt and shorts. Ideally you should wear proper leather biking jeans to protect your legs in case of a fall; however normal jeans will offer more protection than jogging bottoms for example. You should wear a padded leather jacket or synthetic motorcycle jacket with shoulder, elbow and kidney pads.
- Don't wear scarves or any loose fitting clothing that might get caught on parts of the bike or other object.
- Waterproofs can be bought separately as individual items (i.e. jacket and trousers) or an all-in-one.
- Ski-ing gloves might keep you warm but the material isn't designed to protect against tarmac and may even cause further damage. Wear proper leather motorcycle gloves.
- Motorcycle boots will also help keep your feet warm in winter and protect your lower legs in case of an accident.
- Avoid boots or shoes with laces on a bike. They can get caught around the foot rests, gear shift or brake pedal and cause all sorts of problems.
Helmets
By law you must wear an approved helmet. The helmet chin strap must be secured. Make sure that you:
- use a helmet which is fitted correctly, always try it on and make sure that it is not too tight or loose
- check the helmet’s safety rating, visit SHARP for more information
- always protect your eyes. If you insist on riding with your visor open then wear approved eye protection against flies, wasps and loose road chippings etc.
Useful websites
Motor Cycle Training Schools
Lists centres throughout Essex where you can take your CBT.
Think! Road Safety
Advice on staying safe on the road on your moped or scooter.
London Bike and Scooter
Advice on safety and buying the right equipment.
Z-Bikes
More on the Moped Loan Scheme for young people in the Uttlesford area.
Directgov – Motorcycles you can ride
Additional information on the motorcycles you can ride.
BikeSafe
‘BikeSafe’ is a nationwide police-led motorcyclist casualty reduction initiative.
Last updated: 21/06/11
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