There are four main categories. AM (minimum age 16) covers mopeds up to 35 km/h and requires CBT, theory and practical tests. A1 (minimum age 17) covers small motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW. A2 (minimum age 19) covers medium motorcycles up to 35kW, available via Direct Access (CBT, theory and practical tests) or Progressive Access (2 years on an A1 motorcycle plus further tests). A (minimum age 24 via Direct Access, or 21 via Progressive Access) is unrestricted, allowing any size of motorcycle.

Mike doesn't cover every category, but this page gives you the key facts so you know what applies to you. Give Mike a call on 07768 340 340 to talk through which route fits your situation.

CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is the starting point for every learner rider and has been required since 1990. All learner motorcycle and moped riders must complete it before riding on the road, and it's also required for car licence holders wanting to use their moped entitlement. MB Motorcycle Training is approved by the DVSA as an Approved Training Body (ATB).

CBT covers five elements taken in sequence: (A) an eyesight test and safety talk, (B) learning the bike's controls, (C) learning to ride the bike, (D) a theory talk, and (E) riding on the road. It can usually be completed in one day, subject to ability. Full details are on the gov.uk CBT page.

Once you've completed all 5 elements you'll be issued a Certificate of Completion (DL196), which lets you ride on the road on a learner-legal motorcycle. You will need to complete a theory test, and once you've passed that, your practical test.

Mike can provide a helmet, motorcycle jacket and gloves if needed. The minimum requirement for bottoms is jeans — shell suit or tracksuit bottoms are not permitted. You will also need substantial footwear which covers your ankles — such as walking boots — without steel toecaps.

You can book directly on gov.uk.

Yes — this can also be done directly through gov.uk.

Yes — Mike takes away the hassle of booking your own practical test and will book it for you. You'll need to have passed your theory test first.

Yes — the rules for the types of moped or motorcycle you can use for your practical test changed on 19 January 2013. Full details are on gov.uk.

Direct Access lets you train and test on a larger motorcycle at the appropriate minimum age, rather than progressing through smaller machines first. While practising for your test on a bike larger than a standard learner machine, you must be accompanied at all times by an approved Direct Access instructor on another bike, in radio contact, and wear fluorescent or reflective clothing, alongside your other provisional licence restrictions.

Progressive Access lets you build up through licence categories over time — for example, 2 years of experience on an A1 motorcycle before taking further practical tests to move up to A2, and similarly from A2 to the full A licence.

If you pass your A2 licence at 23, you'd normally face a 2-year restriction to motorcycles not exceeding 35kW. Accelerated Access lets you instead take Direct Access on a big bike (minimum 595cc, 40kW/54bhp) once you turn 24.

This refers to the licence categories (AM, A1, A2) that restrict you to a particular size or power of machine, as opposed to the full, unrestricted A licence.

Yes — it's illegal to ride without insurance. Third party is the legal minimum and covers people and property you might injure or damage, but not you or your own bike. Third party, fire and theft adds cover for your bike being stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive is the most complete cover, including damage to your own machine and personal injury to yourself.

Not automatically — pillion passenger cover is now optional on most policies, so check whether it's included if you plan to carry a passenger.

Cost varies by your age, the make of your motorcycle, its engine power and capacity, and where you live. Insurance groupings can differ between insurers, so it's worth shopping around.

Yes, once your motorcycle is three years old or over. The MOT is required annually at an approved testing station to confirm your bike is roadworthy. If your bike fails, you can't ride it on the road except to get the fault fixed or to attend a retest.

Yes, unless your motorcycle was registered before 1 January 1973, in which case it's exempt. The fee depends on engine size.

By law you must wear a safety helmet when riding on the road, and all helmets sold in the UK must comply with the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet safety standard.

You can park at the Climax Cafe, which is pretty much directly opposite.