Getting a motorcycle license
 

Hi

I've been overlanding in my Hilux for just over three years, met a bunch of other overlanders in cars and bikes etc... Though I'm glad I used a 4x4, and stick by my choice entirely, I do have a yearning (in fact I always have) to get on a bike, and not just for travelling.

I am a UK citizen and have a full driving license, but I've never ridden a bike in the UK. From a friend back home, I've heard that a Direct-Access course is now ridiculously expensive, and was beginning to think...

On my International driving licence, I notice I have full 'A' entitlement. This happened both times I got an international licence, so I guess it's not a mistake.

So I'm wondering... is there any country where I could get a full motorcycle license relatively cheaply, and then convert it in the UK???

Any ideas on how to cheat Rip-Off Britain again?

Thanks

Daniel

Hi Daniel,

I guess it depends on what you mean by expensive. Most of the paid-up-front DAS courses are expensive, as they cater for the lowest common denominator - they want somewhere around 90% of candidates to pass with that number of days of training. Most places can be much more flexible however.

I did my CBT first, and at the end asked how much DAS training I should need before the test. The instructor recommended 2 days plus the test day, which is what I did, and passed. CBT was £80, training £150/day, plus test fee, so under £600 all in. I felt that it was good value, the instruction was excellent, and I'm sure I'm a better and safer rider than had I done the test somewhere with minimum training time to achieve minimum cost.

Many other countries with similar standards, but potentially lower costs, have a minimum time on a learner permit or with a small capacity bike. The UK does at least give the flexibility to have an unrestricted bike license without a long probation period.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do - and beware, biking is addictive!

If it makes you feel any better, in Germany there are no 1-week fast access courses, but a bunch of compulsory theory lessons (12x 90min), a bunch of compulsory very expensive "special lessons" (5 outside town, 4 motorway, 3 after dark), which you can only start taking after your instructor has deemed you suitable (ie earned enough money off you through basic lessons). Add to that insurance, test fees etc etc, then the cheapest you might possibly find - if you are talented and don't need many basic lessons - would total in in excess of GBP 1000. Enjoy your half-price deal and happy riding :mchappy:

When I swapped my Australian bike licence for a UK one 2 or 3 years ago they told me at the DVLA office that Australia is one of the very few non-EC countries from which they will accept bike licences.

If you are thinking of going out of the EC it would be worth checking with them first.