Owning & driving a Vespa in the UK (insurance, drivers license, training, etc)

Hi all,

I am looking into buying a Vespa to use during the nicer months here. Never owned or drove a vehicle in this country but have always wanted to get a 125cc Vespa scooter since I can remember.

I have searched all over the internet for help on this topic, but have only found just bits and bobs of information. I'll just fire away the questions that I have. Please help where you can!

Drivers License:
I've got an American driver's license which doesn't expire for another couple years. From what I've read online, my US driver's license is good to use here for the first 12 months after becoming a resident and after then I will have to obtain a UK driver's license. As I'm currently waiting for my EEA2 (5 year residence card) to arrive in the mail, will the 12 months kick in once my EEA2 arrives, or does my residence begin the moment I moved back to the UK (April)? Also, I have read on a forum somewhere (might have been this one) that I don't actually need to ever get a UK driver's license if I only intend to drive a Vespa as it is a smaller vehicle and that my US license will be sufficient. Can anybody shed some light on this?

Training:
Will I need to undergo a day of moped driver training in order to legally drive in this country, or will I be able to hit the road once insurance and registration has been obtained?

Insurance:
Insurance websites are sneaky. I've tried to find quotes on how much it will cost to insure a moped and there is not one website that gives an actual figure per month. Ideally I'd like to compare prices between third party insurance (just covers damage to other property etc, not the actual bike or me), medical, or full coverage per month. As a first time driver in this country, I'd imagine I will be charged a bit more for this, but I would just like to have an estimate as to what I could imagine I'll be spending per month on insurance to drive a vespa. I'm full time employed, age 28.

Registration and obtaining license plate for the Vespa:
How does this whole process work? As mentioned above, will I need to undergo training, show that I'm a resident, etc? I've not been able to find clear-cut information on this online.

That about covers most of my generic questions. I appreciate your help in advance look forward to your responses!

I think you will find that a moped is 50cc or less.
A 150cc will be classed as a motorcycle.
I think all you need is a learners permit and then you can ride around with the L plates on.
There have been some changes but I think you are better off (easier) than a person getting a car license.
I don't think you can drive a scooter with a US drivers license even during the 12 month period.
I think you are better off getting the information from the UK licencing people rather than on here because I don't know of anyone on here that rides a scooter. Some have in the past a long time ago.
I love those scooters!

The limit for what is considered a moped is 125cc NOT 150cc, as you've only mentioned 125cc mopeds, I'm going to ignore any advice about 150cc motorcycles.

I'm not sure what the rules are on driving a moped on a US license, but I do know that even if you have a full UK car license (issued after a certain date) you still need to take Compulsory Bike Training (CBT) in order to ride a moped on the road. You can't take the CBT unless you have a UK car license or UK provisional license, so it's probably a catch 22.

After the first year you will need a UK license regardless of it being a "small" vehicle (not sure where you got that bit from, you definitely can't use your US license after the first 12 months) BUT as long as you get a 125cc or below Vespa you don't need to get a full UK drivers license, you simply apply for a provisional license and get the CBT and you can ride your moped.

The CBT costs a couple of hundred pounds and is a full day, you can't "fail" the test.


So here's what I would do -
1. Apply for your provisional license ASAP (it's a good thing to have anyway as it's ID etc)
2. Get the CBT as soon as you have your provisional license

You're then totally covered to ride your vespa.

You can get an insurance quote here - http://www.lexhaminsurance.co.uk/insurance-products/?pm=LEX5182

The license plate thing works different in the UK, it will come with a license plate on it, you do need to contact the DVLA to register as it's keeper, you can find info on how to do that here  -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_4022310

Luckily I've been doing this a lot as I'm about to do my CBT (hopefully this month!)

 

The limit for what is considered a moped is 125cc

In the UK, a machine with an engine size of 125 cc or less is a "light motorcycle" and is what the holder of a learner motorcycle licence can ride. A moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:

    maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h
    an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc
    it can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 September 1977.
 

In the UK, a machine with an engine size of 125 cc or less is a "light motorcycle" and is what the holder of a learner motorcycle licence can ride. A moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:

    maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h
    an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc
    it can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 September 1977.
 

Cool, makes sense

I can still remember the ones with pedals. I had a Mobylette and when it wore out I got an NSU Quickly.

The limit for what is considered a moped is 125cc NOT 150cc, as you've only mentioned 125cc mopeds, I'm going to ignore any advice about 150cc motorcycles.

I'm not sure what the rules are on driving a moped on a US license, but I do know that even if you have a full UK car license (issued after a certain date) you still need to take Compulsory Bike Training (CBT) in order to ride a moped on the road. You can't take the CBT unless you have a UK car license or UK provisional license, so it's probably a catch 22.

After the first year you will need a UK license regardless of it being a "small" vehicle (not sure where you got that bit from, you definitely can't use your US license after the first 12 months) BUT as long as you get a 125cc or below Vespa you don't need to get a full UK drivers license, you simply apply for a provisional license and get the CBT and you can ride your moped.

The CBT costs a couple of hundred pounds and is a full day, you can't "fail" the test.


So here's what I would do -
1. Apply for your provisional license ASAP (it's a good thing to have anyway as it's ID etc)
2. Get the CBT as soon as you have your provisional license

You're then totally covered to ride your vespa.

You can get an insurance quote here - http://www.lexhaminsurance.co.uk/insurance-products/?pm=LEX5182

The license plate thing works different in the UK, it will come with a license plate on it, you do need to contact the DVLA to register as it's keeper, you can find info on how to do that here  -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_4022310

Luckily I've been doing this a lot as I'm about to do my CBT (hopefully this month!)

 

I am taking my CBT on Wednesday...! Have you got a bike yet CB?? I am on a Yamaha SR 125..just cause it is easier to reach for short people...

I am taking my CBT on Wednesday...! Have you got a bike yet CB?? I am on a Yamaha SR 125..just cause it is easier to reach for short people...

No I'm going to take my CBT then get one of these babies  - http://www.vivovespa.co.uk/vespa.html

How have you managed on your bike? I'm a bit nervous but super excited by the idea

If you have a US motorcycle licence, you can use it for 12 months from the date you landed in the UK.

Otherwise, as previously mentioned, you need a provisional with a CBT.  Then, you'll be considered a learner so you'll have to ride with L-plates and will have to stay off motorways and not ride at night.

As for insurance and registration, you can get insurance quotes online from many places.  The bike is registered and assigned a numberplate when it was first sold (when brand new) so now all you have to do is get MOT and road tax every year.

Also, stop calling it a moped.  Mopeds have pedals.  Vespas are scooters.  Calling a scooter a moped is offensive to many scooterists.

If you have any further questions, check out modernvespa.com.  I'm a moderator there.  We have members from all over the world, primarily the UK and USA.

Also, stop calling it a moped.  Mopeds have pedals.  Vespas are scooters.  Calling a scooter a moped is offensive to many scooterists.

New mopeds have not had to have pedals since 1977. The legal definition is as I quoted above - 50cc or less, max design speed less than 50 km/h. But you're right, a 125cc Vespa is definitely not a moped.

I know about the legal definition, but what I'm trying to get across is that to the people who actually ride them, scooters and mopeds are two completely different things.  It would be like going up to someone who has a tricked-out lifted pickup truck and saying "my, what a nice car you have" just because you can drive it with a car licence.  Get it?

For a scooterist, calling a scooter a moped is offensive.  End of.

No I'm going to take my CBT then get one of these babies  - http://www.vivovespa.co.uk/vespa.html

How have you managed on your bike? I'm a bit nervous but super excited by the idea

Pretty good actually..I went from not even knowing how to turn the thing on to doing figure 8's and changing gears..so am pretty chuffed with myself! I have also joined an all women's bike club called the Curvy Riders...LOL...It's a UK club as well. I bought a old SR 125 for £400 but it runs and it will see me thru getting my license. Then watch out!! LOL...I won't ever ride anything like David does..he has a Yamaha 1100 Bulldog..boy does it have a growl! I will need something my short ars* can fit on....LOL..This is one of those things that was on my list to do..now that I can..(and you will understand.. )

Pretty good actually..I went from not even knowing how to turn the thing on to doing figure 8's and changing gears..so am pretty chuffed with myself! I have also joined an all women's bike club called the Curvy Riders...LOL...It's a UK club as well. I bought a old SR 125 for £400 but it runs and it will see me thru getting my license. Then watch out!! LOL...I won't ever ride anything like David does..he has a Yamaha 1100 Bulldog..boy does it have a growl! I will need something my short ars* can fit on....LOL..This is one of those things that was on my list to do..now that I can..(and you will understand.. )

It's so cool that you guys are doing that together, you've given me some confidence for the CBT as honestly I'm quite nervous!

I do It was on my list as well, I've always wanted a scooter. I just need to get my diving license and skydive and about 100 other things now!

It's so cool that you guys are doing that together, you've given me some confidence for the CBT as honestly I'm quite nervous!

I do It was on my list as well, I've always wanted a scooter. I just need to get my diving license and skydive and about 100 other things now!

I took a few lessons before I put in for my CBT..and the guy that is doing my CBT gave me the lessons and also giving me a discount on my CBT since I am doing it all thru him..I will carry on with him for proper lessons as well..he has made it all very easy... I want to learn to scuba dive..but I have asthma and a fear on not being able to breath..I think that goes back to when I was really young and was on ventilators...scary stuff..will let you know how I got on after Wednesday.  

This is the bike I REALLY REALLY want...once I  have my license..the RED one!

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Honda/HONDA-CBF250-2004--current/

I took a few lessons before I put in for my CBT..and the guy that is doing my CBT gave me the lessons and also giving me a discount on my CBT since I am doing it all thru him..I will carry on with him for proper lessons as well..he has made it all very easy... I want to learn to scuba dive..but I have asthma and a fear on not being able to breath..I think that goes back to when I was really young and was on ventilators...scary stuff..will let you know how I got on after Wednesday.  

This is the bike I REALLY REALLY want...once I  have my license..the RED one!

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Honda/HONDA-CBF250-2004--current/

Do you see them on the island?
Do they still make them?
I like them too.
Cheers