i did my CBT. A few weeks later my Theory. Then a couple of months later a 4 day course. I did it all with a close friend, so we egged each other on. I seem to remember our test's were at the end of January, so not the best weather.
It all depends on the individual. By the end of the second day the instructor said we were ready for our tests, so spent the last day just riding around.
we did Mod 1 & 2 on the same day. Some places dont like doing this, as if you fail Mod 1, you cant do Mod 2. But you have paid for both, so dont see what difference it makes.
I managed to pass both with minimal minors. Which were mostly down to a bit of nerves.
I then rode bikes for a bit of commuting and social rides for about 2 years. It was good at the time, but for me personally i couldnt ride without giving it a big handful of throttle everywhere, so feared i would end up in big trouble with the law or under a lorry. Sold my bike and havent ridden since.
Would still love an S1000RR or Panigale, but its safer if i dont!
If you have more self control than i seem to, its a great experience and biking can be good fun!
@ iamtheresurrection I was reading this..... DVLA motorbike licenses
So at 17, you get an A1 provisional then.....
So at 19, do you get automatically an A2 provisional on your license?
(all subject to CBT)
The only thing you can ride on the road, without instruction, is a 125cc displaying L plates after you've completed a CBT.
To get on any other bike on the road, outside of lessons, you need to pass a two part test (Mod 1 and 2).
17-19, your pass gets you on a 125cc
19-24, your pass gets you on an A2
24+, your pass gets you on anything
To be clear, passing an A1 test doesn't get you any entitlement to ride a bigger bike after passing by displaying L plates, unless you're in a lesson. Completing a CBT doesn't get you on anything bigger than a 125, no matter what your age is.
I did the direct access and hired a 125 manual to get some training in. I really enjoyed it, went everywhere, the 125 did about 200 mpg I couldn't believe it.
I think we were a class of 5, all direct access, all passed.
Instructor was excellent, knew exactly what exams involved. Makes you a far better car driver too, you know what the bikers are doing.
I would say do DAS in the most expedient way possible, buy a bike and then ride it as much as possible and do some training with one of the organisations like ROSPA or IAM.
The fact you drive will be a major advantage over a 17year old who doesn't have any road craft/knowledge.
Take it easy let the experience and confidence come to you and don't chase it. Don't try and keep up with anyone more experienced/faster and you will be golden. You will be rubbish for a while, don't let that put you off, its a brilliant and fun thing to do.
