new old rider

[sleasyrider]

Hi all, new to forum and bikes and totally confused. Looking for some general advice.
Spent last 30 years in another country driving cars and trucks. Had a cb400 many moons ago, but only for about 12 months, and rode it on a learners permit.
Since returning to UK, my HGV licence wasn't recognised and was swapped for a car licence.
I want to buy a bike for commuting, not too big, but not too small either,and am totally confused as to the best way to obtain a licence.
I don't want to spend shed loads on dvd's, books, to learn road rules that I feel I should know already, yet when I did a few mock tests, even though I passed........some of the questions about what percentage of emissions is caused by vehicles ? wtf ? How many of these type questions can I expect to get in a real exam ?
I'm getting frustrated reading up on all the tests..........hazard,theory,cbt etc.
Can one of you kind people please explain in simple terms ( I am simple lol ) The best way to obtain a m/b licence step by step.
I mean...........do I just book in for a theory test and hope for the best ?
And if successful.........do the cbt thing. Or is it the other way around ?
And the hazard test ? I've been driving 30 years, if I can't recognise a hazard now then should I give up ? How hard can it be ?
And finally............how can you practice riding if you can't ride a bike on the road.
When I had mine............I just got a learners permit, got a bike and off I went. But that was a long time ago lol.
Many many thanks in advance.

[Polarbear]

I would suggest, as you will have to get a CBT you ask the instructor to assess if you need lessons.

The reason I say that is that I learnt to ride a bike and passed my test back in 1975. I never bothered with a car licence until 2008 when I went and did an intense driving course and test and did I need those lessons. Not because of my roadcraft but to get me out of all the habits that the examiners didn't like.

They say you start learning to drive after taking your test, but you have to learn how to pass your test as well.

The youngsters will come and give you advice on the various specific aspects, I have no idea what it all involves now.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[M.C]

Howdy.

To ride up to a 125cc (geared or automatic) bike you need to complete your CBT (compulsory basic training). After successfully completing this you can wobble off on a 125 with L plates.

For anything bigger the theory comes in. The test's made up of a hazard perception test and multiple choice questions. The HP is a load of wank, I've had to do it twice (for car and bike) and nearly failed it both times, read up and do practice tests online, along with the multiple choice.

No point going into all the license options due to your age (A1 and A2 are primarily aimed at youngsters), you'll be going for your A license which you can ride any capacity bike with. This is a 2 part test, mod 1 is a load of off road (as in a car park... not the dirt ) maneuvers, most of which you never do in real life, check it out on YouTube. Mod 2's an on the road test, like your standard driving test.

So to get your big boy license you need a CBT + theory, most training schools expect you to have done these already, although some throw in a CBT as part of the DAS (direct access scheme). To ride a 125 with L plates you only need a CBT (no theory/no tests), although you can't carry pillions or go on motorways.

[sleasyrider]

Thanks a lot for your replies. Starting to become a bit clearer. I will book in for a cbt and take it from there

[M.C]

Good call On your CBT you will get an idea of where you're not having ridden in years, also as it starts with maneuvers in the yard then a road ride, you'll get a good idea of what you might struggle with (Mod 1 or 2 or both). I suspect with your driving experience you'll be better on the road, you've just got to remember to do shoulder checks and cancel your indicators.

The school you go to for your CBT will probably want to sign you up for a DAS course. I'd say as a general rule (as schools do things differently), 2-3 day DAS courses are for advanced/experienced riders, 4-5 for new riders but it depends. Probably best to think it over for a while after, but you'll obviously get an impression of how you've done.

The only reason I'd caution against a 125 is that you will get bored of the (lack of) power quite quickly, but they're a great learning tool, and are more forgiving of mistakes than big bikes. Also changing over from a 125 to a big bike after a few months can be expensive, mid-policy changes etc. Just something else to consider.

[Polarbear]

If you can avoid 125's, do it. Horrible little underpowered piles of shite forced on the lads of today by some clerk in Brussels.

I absolutely hate mopeds and 125's.

On a moped you will get run off the road by cagers and cyclists

A 125 on anything but a city street, no. just no.

Tef and some others will come along and say nice things about 125's. Please note, they are wrong. Get your direct access and ride a real bike. You know it makes sense.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[sleasyrider]

Think you're both right about the 125's.
I like the look of the older bmw's............but it's all guesswork really, as I know next to nothing about bikes.
Even less if than that to be honest .
Being an impatient barsteward doesn't help either lol.
When I bought my Honda all them years ago, I had never even sat on one before I answered the for sale ad, turned up and asked him to show me how to make it go, stop and change gears. Then handed over the cash and off I rode the 30 miles home. I guess things have changed for the better in some ways.............but I am a bit cynical about the cost, and being ripped off at a bike "training school".

[M.C]

There are definitely good and bad training schools out there, so it pays to do your research, ask around for the best ones (people on here can normally recommend one in your area).

I guess this is how you did it in the old days:
https://youtu.be/R3iHkfIsdeE?t=3m48s

[sleasyrider]

HaHaHa that was me, except I rode off into peak hour traffic. Tried to use a bit of a common sense approach and I had no problems. Ridden cycles for years with the same attitude and so far served me well.
Didn't stop a few coke bottles and milk shakes being thrown out the window at me though

[ryanguy]

Hey,

There's a few places out there that can help you to get started, especially when it comes to finding the right place for doing your CBT...

Gov.uk has a number of great resources, I would catch-up on all the latest rules and regulations first of all:

https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/overview

They also have a great tool where you can find where to take your CBT in your local area (though I would always hunt around for recommendations/reviews first) -

https://www.gov.uk/compulsory-basic-training-cbt-courses

As you are relatively new it might also be good to check out Devitt's beginners guide that covers CBT, theory, safety gear etc..

https://www.devittinsurance.com/guides/motorcycling-for-beginners/

Hope that is of some use to you and good luck!

Ryan

[sleasyrider]

[ryanguy]

No worries dude, glad I could provide some help!

[punkoldschool]