Modern Vespa

Hi,

I'm just throwing ideas around for the summer at the moment.

I have passed my A2 bike license but I'm restricted to 33bhp for two years because of my age. My insurance allows me to ride in Europe if I notify them two weeks prior to leaving the country.

If I wanted to go on a 'roadtrip' with a mate, on a 125cc bike, could this be done with him having only the CBT and necessary insurance...or would he need to hold a full bike license?

If we can't go abroad I guess we could go around the UK, but Europe would be more fun.


Thanks for any thoughts.

No L plates allowed abroad. Although you can buy, insure and ride a 125 on your car license on the continent, your (friend's) UK insurance won't cover you abroad on a 125, as that licence category isn't recognised.

Get your friend to take his test.

ignorant american question.... what is an L plate exactly? is it like a restricted registration for beginners?

Denotes a "Learner".

I passed my full car test 40 years ago and passed Compulsory Basic Training a few weeks ago, but I have to show L plates on my scoot till I pass the full M/C test.

I still don't understand the L-sign thing...

Saw a looooot of them however while in London for new years eve...

In the UK (unlike most other EU countries) you can't ride a 125 on your car licence. You have to get a 'Provisional Licence' and eventually take a test. While you're still on a 'Provisional Licence' you have to display 'L' plates to show other road users you're to be given more tolerance/wide berth/whatever. After passing the test you are restricted to bikes of less than 25kW (~34bhp) for two years, thereafter any sized bike you like.

Learner car drivers (on their 'L' plates) have to be accompanied by a fully licensed driver as front seat passenger. There are moves afoot in the 3rd EU Licensing Directive that will make 'Accompanied' riding compulsory for all bikes as well - as it is if you want to take the Direct Access route to a full motorcycle licence on a big bike (more than 35kW, ~47bhp).

More on http://direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022661

Ok... Cleared some things up. Thanks!

Neither in Sweden are you allowed to drive a 125cc without a proper license...

Riding on L plates abroad

Just add one punctuation mark....


Riding on L plates, abroad

OR, to be more exact, a broad riding on L plates.

I think that was one of the old Ruckus 250's (not the gal) that they don't make anymore.

you can do your test on an automatic scooter too! you will be restricted to automatics , but if like me and have no need to ride a geared Vespa in my mature years .. lol go for it ps if your vespa was a 50cc you dont need L plates and can carry a passenger cheers Bill

In N.Ireland we have no CBT test (to date) at 17 with a full car licence you can ride up to 125cc We also have to display an orange R (restricted) plate for 1st year driving front and back of car/motorcycle and a speed restriction of 45mph ! we are the only part of the UK (Isle of Man has red R) with this , In Australia they have a green P plate I think.Also at 17 we can ride up to 125cc up to14.6bhp on a Provisional licence!!!
At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle licence to aim for - the A1 light motorcycle licence or the standard category A motorcycle licence.

To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle over 75cc but not more than 120cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.

To gain a full standard category A licence you must pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. In practice the normal test vehicle will be a 125cc machine. A full standard category A licence permits you ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. You are restricted to a motorcycle up to 25kW for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After two years you may ride any size motorcycle.

In Kiwiland we have 'L' plates and a graduated licence scheme similar to the OP.
So I had to ride for a minimum of 6 months with the 'L' branded on the GT's rear.
My students also took great pleasure in indication another type of 'L' when I rode into Uni every day.

Just to add one further comment to the OP.
I would not want to undertake an o'seas riding holiday until I had a full licence and some experience under my belt. The whole purpose of identifying provisional/restricted/learner riders is to ensure other road users know that you are inexperienced and to cut you some slack.
Being in a foreign country would seem to be the worst place to gain experience in a safe way.

Either way, good luck out there.

how do you think the poor Welsh feel lol with a big red D lol

Cheers Bill. My scoot was a birthday pressie from the kids, so I wasn't the one doing the 125/50cc choosing. That said, if I had been, I'd have still gone for the 125 for the extra oomph, and lived with the Engand L plate/CBT/full test malarkey.

Didn't know some of this didn't apply in NI. No wonder they call it "United Kingdom AND Northern Ireland"

For those who may be misled by that, it's actually the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - so NI is in the UK.

Absolutely right. Hangs his head in shame