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UK law relating to motorcycles, scooters and mopeds

In the UK, the law for motorcyclists is complex, some might say draconian. But, as me mam always used to say, "It's all for your own good, dear." And it is true that it has been designed to reduce motorcycle accidents, and in particular fatalities, as much as possible. Whether the UK Government is more concerned with reducing the cost to the NHS, or your well-being, I leave it for you to decide.

So what are the main points in brief?

• Unless you fall into a few very small groups, you MUST complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and be in possession of a form DL196 to prove it before you are allowed to ride on the road.
• Having obtained your DL196 you may ride on the road only if you are at least 17 years old (16 years for a moped) and have a current Provisional or Full Motorcycle Licence, or a Full Driving Licence for a car (which automatically includes a Provisional Motorcycle Licence). If you are over 17, you can ride a motorcycle as a provisional rider on a Full Moped Licence. To get a licence, you should get forms from the local Post Office. You need both a driving licence application and a photocard application.
• If you don't pass your driving test within 2 years of getting your DL196, you will need to take CBT again.
• Provisional riders over 17 may only ride motorcycles with a capacity of up to 125cc and with a maximum power output of 14.6bhp (11kW) UNLESS:
  • they are using a sidecar
  OR
  • they are "over 21 and accompanied by an approved instructor on a separate machine at all times"
  They must display L-plates at all times and may not ride on motorways or carry a pillion passenger.
• You must always wear a safety helmet whilst riding. The helmet must fit correctly, carry a BSI kitemark and comply with British Standard BS 6658 or the newer UN ECE 22.05 mark of approval. Don't just stick it on without doing it up - if you have an accident, it will fall off and you are required to have it "securely fastened to the head by means of straps provided for that purpose" in any case.
• There's no law saying you must wear a visor or goggles, but if you do, you need to be careful that you select a type that conforms to BSI standards, showing a kitemark or equivalent EEC mark. A visor may be tinted, but only to a maximum tint of 50% and even then, it cannot be worn in the dark. Anything darker in a visor, or a mirrored visor, is illegal. If you are having difficulty with the sun, you need to wear sunglasses under your visor.
• You must have the following documents for your motorcycle:
  1. Registration document (VRD). This must be in the name of the current owner, and the address on it must be correct.
  2. Either a current tax disc, or for vehicles manufactured in 1972 or earlier, a historic tax-free disc. Whichever of these applies, it must be attached to the vehicle. If your motorcycle is found parked without one, you will get a fine.
  3. An MOT test certificate dated less than 12 months ago, if your vehicle is over 3 years old.
• Finally, you must be insured for at least Third Party cover (which covers you for injuries or damage caused to other road users in the event of an accident which is considered to be your fault).

Phew! Quite a lot there, eh? This is correct at the moment, but keep your fingers crossed that the EEC doesn't railroad through compulsory leg protectors (air bags), as they're threatening to, or anything else.

So that's a very basic outline of the law relating to two-wheeler use in the UK.

If you're planning on starting on the road as a biker, there are a few hoops to go through, for sure, but persevere. It's worth it. There's nothing quite like the freedom of the open road on a bike. So long as you're not looking over your shoulder for a police car all the time!

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