At BMW Rider Training, we understand the challenges new riders face and how daunting it can be when choosing which training school or course you should start with. See below for answers to our most frequently asked questions...

What licence do I need to take a motorcycle training course?

To take part in any motorcycle training course, you need to hold a UK Provisional Driving licence. If you don't yet have a driving licence of any kind, this can be ordered here.

If you have a full UK Car Driving Licence, the Motorcycle Provisional entitlement is automatically included, there is no need to order a separate provisional licence.

Do I need to take a Theory Test?

If taking a Direct Access course, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory test before you are able to attend.

If you have a Car/HGV Theory test, sadly this is not transferrable, and you must sit the Motorcycle specific test.

This is valid for 2 years; if you do not pass your motorcycle licence tests during this time, you will be required to re-sit the Theory test. This can be booked online here.

If taking a CBT course, this is not required.

What is CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)?

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the start of any motorcycle training journey. You can choose to do it on a standalone basis, or it can be the first part of a Direct Access (DAS) Course.

This introductory course covers the basic theory and practical elements to riding a motorcycle. It’s important to note that it is not a test, however you must meet the required standards set by the DVSA in order to achieve your CBT/DL196 certificate.

You can see more details about our CBT course here.

What is DAS (Direct Access Scheme)?

The Direct Access Scheme is the name given to the process of gaining your full motorcycle licence here in the UK.

This is broken down into three parts; Motorcycle Theory Test, Practical Test Module 1 and Practical Test Module 2.

Practical Test Module 1 is taken on site at a DVSA Practical Test Centre, focused on control, manoeuvrability and safe handling. Practical Test Module 2 is an on-road riding test.

BMW Rider Training offers a range of Direct Access courses for every experience level, you can find out more about these here.

What licence will I gain at the end of my Direct Access course?

Under UK licencing laws, the entitlement you achieve at the end of your DVSA Motorcycle Test is dictated by your age and the engine capacity used during your test.

• Riders aged between 17 and 19 are only eligible to achieve an 'A1' licence, restricted to motorcycles up to 11kW/appx 125cc
• Riders aged between 19 and 24 are only eligible to achieve an 'A2' licence, restricted to motorcycles up to 35kW/appx 500cc.
• Riders over the age of 24 are eligible to achieve a full 'A' licence, with no engine size restriction.

Riders who achieve an A2 licence are eligible to upgrade to a full A licence by retaking their Motorcycle Practical Test after 2 years of driving or after their 24th birthday, whichever comes first. BMW Rider Training provides this retake (inclusive of Module 1 and 2 test fees, plus 1 day of tuition) free of charge.

By special request, you can choose to take a lower licence grade. However, if you wanted to increase your entitlement at a later date, you would be required to re-sit the full Practical and Theory tests again, so we would only recommend this in special cases.

Do courses/tests get cancelled for bad weather?

Yes, but very rarely. Our motorcycle training courses operate all year round, and it’s important to learn to ride safely in all weather conditions. The DVSA Motorcycle Test Centre may choose to postpone tests in the event of intense snow, rain or high winds, however this is an extremely rare occurrence.

All BMW Rider Clothing provided is waterproof and insulated, and our training bikes have heated grips as standard to keep the chill at bay when riding. Our training centres have cozy classrooms and heated break areas too.

What should I bring with me?

You’ll need to bring your photocard driving licence to be checked on the day, as well as your Theory test pass certificate if taking a DAS course. This is mandatory and you cannot attend your test without this.

BMW Rider Clothing, including boots, gloves and helmet is included free of charge for all course bookings. Underneath this, we would recommend wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt and base-layer trousers. A spare pair of socks is always a good idea!

Our radio communication systems use a plug-in ear loop. We clean these with medical grade alcohol wipes daily prior to every use but we understand that you may be more comfortable with your own. If this is the case, please bring along suitable in-ear headphones with a 3.5mm plug.

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