What is the minimum age to start learning?

[machineman9]

I am on a roll at the moment... getting college things sorted for next year, looking for work and generally getting ready for the future.

The next thing I want to get sorted is a vehicle license which would make getting around a bit easier and more convenient for me.


I have had a quick look on Directgov, but I couldn't see my question get answered...

What is the minimum age to start training for, or getting lessons towards a motorbike or car license? I am definately going on about a motorbike and not those rattling moped devices.

In aviation you can start training to fly a few years before you become eligible to actually get a pilot's license, but what about for other vehicles?

Directgov said you must be 17 to take the tests... but does that include actually getting the lessons?

Do I have to be 17 to start training, or can I do at 16 and however-many months?



Cheers

*Vrroom Vrrooom*

[Mictheslik]

I believe you must be 17 to learn on public roads, but you can drive at any age on private land so long as you have the permission of the landowner

.mic

[Hagar]

I believe you must be 17 to learn on public roads, but you can drive at any age on private land so long as you have the permission of the landowner

Correct. I was driving cars on the perimeter track of Shoreham Airport long before having proper lessons.

You can apply for a Provisional Driving Licence for mopeds up to 2 months before your 16th birthday. More details here. http://www.2pass.co.uk/licence.htm

[C]

To drive on public roads, 17.

However, if you're over 4'10" tall then you could try:

Earlydrive

[machineman9]

I am 5'8.5" or something similar hehe.

So I presume that is a definate 17. Cheers.

[todayshorse]

Crikey! I remember 'driving' my dads Oldsmobile Cutlass round the perimeter road on Hibaldstow airfield ( i guess steering it might be a better description as i couldnt reach the pedals nor the foot handbrake thing it had), and learning clutch control in a mini clubman in asdas car park aged about 11!!

[machineman9]

My only real experience with motor vehicles is either flying with cadets or the occasional quad bike experience.

Its good fun.

[todayshorse]

I dont think you can go straight to a 'motorbike' you have to start with a moped or somthing of lmited .cc and do your CBT. Years ago you could ride a motorbike on your car licence but not anymore.... much like those of us who passed our driving tests before 1995 or somthing can drive 7.5 ton trucks on our car licences, now you have to take a test.

[machineman9]

No I am pretty sure you can choose to take just the motorbike license with no need for the moped.

If I have to even sit on a moped I would probably scream. Blasted little machines.


But yeh, as far as I am aware I need a 'A' provisional drivers license (I think A1 is a direct access, but I believe it restricts you a bit more in the long run) and you will probably train on a 125 until you pass everything. Nowhere I've looked at says you need moped first.

[eno]

Here's a list of categories and the ages and restrictions associated with them.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... DG_4022547

That should clear some things up.

You can't get a provisional till you are 17.

[TSC.]

Here's a list of categories and the ages and restrictions associated with them.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... DG_4022547

That should clear some things up.

LOL, chicken chaser it is then.



TSC.

[machineman9]

Yamaha YZF-R125 if I can afford it then... or atleast the next best thing as it will be some time until that happens.

I laugh at every moped I see. I am sure most of the noise is coming from the driver screaming rather than that blasted rattling engine ticking over. I saw one the other day at school, a sixth former with presumably a younger brother on the back... Took ages to get going forwards.

[MrRooney]

Yamaha YZF-R125 if I can afford it then... or atleast the next best thing as it will be some time until that happens.

I laugh at every moped I see. I am sure most of the noise is coming from the driver screaming rather than that blasted rattling engine ticking over. I saw one the other day at school, a sixth former with presumably a younger brother on the back... Took ages to get going forwards.

Glad to see you've decided to look at something different than the Aprillia RS125 (expensive buggers to fix when they seize and they will lol)

the rules regard mopeds are:
16: 50cc moped or geared bike
17: 125cc bike or take a a2 licence which must be restricted to 33bhp and this can be anybike i.e tt600 cb500 for 2 years
over 21 you can go for the full test and not be restricted etc.

[machineman9]

2 stroke, aren't they.. Aprilia RS125s? One of my friends thinks 2 strokes are the law, but I hear they break down, or need repairing often.

Isnt there something where you can get a fully unrestricted license at 19 if you have had a license for a 125 (A, not A1 test) for 2 years?

[MrRooney]

2 stroke, aren't they.. Aprilia RS125s? One of my friends thinks 2 strokes are the law, but I hear they break down, or need repairing often.

Isnt there something where you can get a fully unrestricted license at 19 if you have had a license for a 125 (A, not A1 test) for 2 years?

Nope the Yamaha R125 is a 4stroke which gives better reliability and around a top speed of 80mph... After 2 years your entitled to ride without the restriction... although some insurers are now after you to take the test again but on a de-restricted bike