Newbie help learner bike and best test options

[dx052]

I am what you might call definetely over 21. I have had my car licence for years but I am not really into driving and want to finally get a proper bike licence. I use to have a moped (auto) about five years ago so I know I like the experience especially for commutting. I was wondering if it was a good idea to get a manual gearded 125 bike this winter and get say 5/6 months proper road and bike experience under my belt before I do a DAS course and then maybe do the required modules in early spring. thoughts? I would like to be in a position where I could be riding a proper big bike this time next year.

[swampy]

There's a gazillion opinions on the best way to get a licence mate.

Some will say do a condensed 5 day course from CBT to DAS.

Some will say get a 125cc and some experience before taking lessons for your DAS.

Some will say get 125, some experience and put yourself through your test...

Is up to you really as each way will have their merits.

I'll tell you what you need to to do to get fully licenced (in order):

CBT

Theory test (I know you're a 407 years old and been driving for 76 years, but you still need it - sucks eh ?)

MOD 1 pass certificate

MOD 2

How you do it is up to you. I spent 16 years on a CBT (s) riding 125's (8 years on the first 'cos of the three year rule not being applied 'till '96 (is now 2 years BTW)). Then took 3 days organised training to get through my tests. Suited me fine as it matched my needs at the time. Others would say that CBT should be a short term stepping stone and that I somehow 'cheated' by having one for so long, but hey ho...

Oh and the licence rules are likely to change in just over a year. I cant remember bugger all about it, but Roger will be along soon to let you know the ins and outs I'm sure.
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"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson

[Bomberman]

I'm a repeat CBT'er too. If I could have paid to get through a short DAS first off I would have. I couldn't, so like Swampy says, horses for courses. It's almost like renting vs. owning
If you can afford to get it all out of the way, then do it. Restrict yourself to a 125cc if you want to Obviously I'd avoid a 1000cc machine straight off, but if the training centre will put you through the test on one of their 500's then you probably can handle one in real life - especially with a decent amount of road experience.
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'Allo! My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!
'89 TZR 125 - '94 GPZ500s - ZK3 GSXR600 Alstare