Direct Access, or 125cc motorbike test? If you are over 21 you have a choice.

You want to ride a motorbike but are not sure which way to do it, here we try to explain the Pros and Cons.

There are other tests that you can take i.e. a moped test, a light motorbike test. But we are only considering either, Direct access test or a Standard motorbike test.

Standard Bike (125cc) test.

Pros
  - You can do this as soon as you are 17years old.
  - You can ride a learner 125cc bike as soon as you have taken a CBT.
  - If you have your own bike you should not need many lessons.
  - 125cc bikes are light and easy to handle.
  - You can ride a big bike after you pass but it must be restricted.
  - You will have 2 years experience before you ride a full power big bike.

Cons
  - You have to wait two years before you ride a full power big bike.

Direct Access

Pros
  - You can ride a full power big bike as soon as you pass.
  - You learn to ride a bigger bike with an instructor.

Cons
  - You must be at least 21years old.
  - You are only allowed to learn with an instructor, you cannot practice by yourself.
  - Direct access bikes can be heavy, even on the test you will have to push it.

General advice

If you have a 125cc bike and you are not desperate to get onto a full power big bike,
Then a Standard test will be cheaper.

If you do not have a 125cc bike and you are over 21years old, direct access is usually the best way to go, costs will be similar.

If you have any problems with the size and weight of the Direct Access bikes, then you should go the Standard licence route. When you take the test you need to be totally confident about riding the bike, so that you can concentrate on your Roadcraft. If you are worried about controlling the bike you will make other errors.