Rules for Learner Riders

Just as with learner drivers, learner riders must follow a set of rules to ensure that they keep within the confines of the law whilst learning to ride a motorcycle and also to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.

Age

A learning rider must be at least sixteen years of age before he or she can apply for their provisional licence; if you are sixteen years of age or over with a provisional licence you can take you theory test. You must be at least sixteen to take the theory test and must have a provisional licence. The law clearly states that as a learner rider you must be the minimum age to have a licence and take the test.

If you have provisional licence for an agricultural vehicle or moped at aged sixteen then you are legally entitled to drive a car – under supervision – at the age of seventeen.

Is your Vehicle Roadworthy?

You must ensure at all times that your motorcycle or moped is road legal and that it has a valid MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate. Without this MOT certificate the vehicle is not classified and is therefore not legally allowed to be driven on roads. Being in charge of a vehicle that does not have a valid MOT certificate is a criminal offence could result in a hefty fine or having your motorcycle or moped destroyed.

You must ensure also that all lights, tyres, mirrors and electrical elements of your vehicle are fit for purpose.

Again an important rule when purchasing such a vehicle – especially if it is classed as ‘used’ – is to have someone with a degree of experience accompany you. Avoid purchasing vehicles which have short periods of MOT remaining or do not have a logbook (V5).

Insurances and Taxes

As with a car or any other vehicle taken on public roads you must insure that your motorcycle or moped is corrected taxed and insured before you do so. Taking any vehicle onto a public road or highway without the correct insurance or tax in place is a criminal offence and could result in the loss of your vehicle, a fine and/or a custodial sentence.

Are You Displaying ‘L’ Plates?

The answer to this question should be yes. You should not be using any vehicle on a public highway without ‘L’ plates if you are not a fully qualified driver or rider. Magnetic plates are now very popular and can be easily removed if another rider wishes to use the vehicle.

Motorways Use

You should not have any vehicle on a motorway if you are not licensed to do so. You are only permitted to drive a vehicle on a motorway upon successfully passing your practical test. If you are found to be breaking this law you can be fined and have the vehicle confiscated.

As a learner rider it is your responsibility to ensure that the aforementioned are carried out and carried out correctly within the legal requirements. You should be aware that any failure to do so could delay or prevent you from taking your practical test and getting out onto the open road legally.