Taking test without lessons - new law

whg. · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Feb 2015 Karma :

Can anybody clear up a few things about attempting to take the test (at least the Mod 1) without taking lessons?

As far as I understand it, I can use my own bike and just take a test without taking lessons for the Mod 1. I guess the Mod 2 is somewhat more difficult due to not being licensed without an instructor.

Also, my bike is kind of a piece of shit - only one mirror, a few creaks and rattles. Will they stop me from taking the test or is it enough that it's legal?

TheArchitect · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Dec 2013 Karma :

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if your bike is suitable for the test (ie correct capacity for whatever class) then you're not allowed to ride it unaccompanied until you've passed...both Mods that is.

So how will you get to the test centre for mod1 without an instructor?

...or have I misread your question?! Confused

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BigShow · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 May 2014 Karma :

In short no, you don't have to have lessons. But there are a few restrictions and things you need to know, plus an approved list of bikes you can use.

Try looking here, it should answer most of your questions. Section 7 especially.
https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-practical-test/overview

whg. · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Feb 2015 Karma :

Thanks. Perhaps I should have been clearer.

I have CBT and theory test and my own 125 (Honda CG) which I have been riding for about 18 months on the roads with L plates. I'm 23 so can take up to the A2 test. My question really should have been:

Can I take the A1 (light motorcycle) test as a standalone using my own bike simply with a view to getting rid of my L plates? Is there any time limit between taking the A1 and the A2, or do you have to do them together? Then, if I can that, where does that leave me for taking my A2 later on - is it possible to get practice on a bigger bike without an instructor (I assume no)?

Further, will they look at my bike for its various quirks and tell me to get lost? It's a bit of a rusty old thing but I'd imagine the main issue being that it only has one (right) mirror.

whg. · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Feb 2015 Karma :

Having read the GOV website I think I was a little confused about what each test entailed. I guess it's worth coughing up for lessons which includes bike hire etc...

andyscooter · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 May 2009 Karma :

Afraid you need an A2 compliant bike for the mod1 part so a 125 is no use

Can do a1 on it but then limited to 125s
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Northern Monkey · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Nov 2013 Karma :

You can take the a1 test easily on your own 125. I did this. It gets a little more difficult to take an a or a2 test.
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iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

TheArchitect · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Dec 2013 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

OP cleared it up.

He has a CG125 and wants to know if he can do A1 on it: yes.

He's 23 and wants to know if he can then do A2 on his own suitable A2 bike: yes, but it's trickier to do it legally.

InB4 "wait until 24, do full A". Well, yes, but the answer is still the same as for A2.
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monkeybiker · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Sep 2014 Karma :

BakesBeans · Spanner Monkey Joined: 14 Aug 2012 Karma :

When I did my Mod1 some chap turned up on a bike with his Son as pillion. They swapped at the centre and he did his mod1... not sure if he passed as I'd gone by then - but he was doing his test as I was celebrating my pass!
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whg. · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Feb 2015 Karma :

Thanks for info/suggestions all. Having spoken to my local school they tell me (predictably) that "there is no such thing as too much tuition" but I reckon the 125 can't be that difficult...

I think I'll hold out and just pay for some lessons and tests altogether with the school. Time and money are short and I'd rather give it a proper go once and get it right.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

You'll need theory anyway.

A1 mod 1 on your own bike is £15.50. You won't get cheaper practise than that, and under real test conditions.

After that, you'll be in a good position to go to a training school and say "Look, I can pass this, I just need familiarisation on a bigger bike, and road tips for mod 2."
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike