Comprehensive UK Motorcycle Licensing

[TQ_PDX]

Yes, boredom has me watching UK licensing videos. I had no idea how involved it was. And week long training requirements?

CBT AM, A1, A2, A......

https://www.facebook.com/bennettsbike/videos/3814404451963938/

In the US there are no national guidelines. Each state has their own requirements. In Oregon where I live if a scooter is under 50 cc's you do not need any license endorsements or training. Just hop on and ride.

There is just one category of endorsement for "Motorcycle" that can be achieved with a written and short riding test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). And if you take an approved long weekend course (Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. & Sun. 9am-4pm) you can forgo the DMV written and riding tests and just pay the 'Motorcycle' endorsement fee and you are off riding.

Is it the same across the EU or is the UK just more involved than other countries?

[TowerMan]

The EU motorcycle licence laws are more or less the same as the UK's

See this link - https://www.autoevolution.com/news/motorcycle-licensing-in-europe-explained-90006.html

[TQ_PDX]

Does it really cost 500 pounds to take the required course?

[TowerMan]

Originally Posted by TQ_PDX

Does it really cost 500 pounds to take the required course?

That's what training centres can cost you for the Tuition, Hire of bike, Fuel, Insurance, Clothing, Helmet and Boot hire, Profit and then the Gov Test Fees etc

[Vespista1960]

Originally Posted by TowerMan

The EU motorcycle licence laws are more or less the same as the UK's

See this link - https://www.autoevolution.com/news/motorcycle-licensing-in-europe-explained-90006.html

As far as I know the laws are exactly the same in all EU (and in UK so far).
By now we are used to considering it normal that the rules in the EU (and UK) are harmonized, but the less young remember the times when to go abroad you had to have an international driving license.

[TQ_PDX]

Originally Posted by TowerMan

That's what training centres can cost you for the Tuition, Hire of bike, Fuel, Insurance, Clothing, Helmet and Boot hire, Profit and then the Gov Test Fees etc

Now that I look at the cost of the course here it is $199 USD for just 2 1/4 days. They a provide a course book and the bikes. Also a helmet if you need one. Only requirements for student are to wear gloves, shoes/boots over the ankle, a long sleeved top and eye protection. The Wild West.

Most of the locations where the courses are offered are at a Community College. Their Motorcycle Maintenance students keep the bikes in tune and replace turn indicators from drops during the week. Suzuki Van Van's.

[Kryton 2]

Originally Posted by TQ_PDX

Does it really cost 500 pounds to take the required course?

No, it costs a lot more. As a general guide, where i live in the south of England, a five day course with a test at the end of it, is on average £750. The test doesn't guarantee a pass either as some examiners can be brutal when it comes to the motorbike test.

As of right now, the UK test and courses are generally in harmony with the rest of Europe, at least in the EU. This might change after Brexit but i doubt it. Makes things a lot simpler if harmonised.

As a former instructor i was charging £500, 15 years ago for a five day course, charges have risen significantly since then.

[TYKE]

It's hardly surprising that youngsters can't a££order the test these days 

[francis83]

In France the average setting up cost between 600 and 1200€. But an accelerate course cost around 1500€. I was lucky during my youth : my military license was converted as civilian and costed me nothing!  And my car license too!

[JohnRS]

 I learnt to ride 2 years ago. Costs were as follows

Theory £23
CBT £90
A1 Test fee £15.50
A2 Test fee £75
14 hours tuition (2 hour A1 training session, 5 x 2 hour lessons and an hour each for the two tests). £392

So just shy of £600. I passed first time and needed only 5 lessons, most people use 6-8 lessons and then pay extra for the test hours. I think with zero experience like me £600 is about as cheap as you'd get it. £120 in test fees alone!