Motorcycle license & insurance

Hi there.

I moved over about two years ago now and other than the occasional car rental I haven't done much driving or any motorcycle. I have a motorcycle endorsement back in the States, and I was thinking about buying one here instead of doing rentals around Europe. Questions:

1. Can I drive in on my US license or do I need to get a UK auto/motorcycle one?
2. Is the UK motorcycle one separate or do I need an auto one too? Is the motorcycle one as difficult as I've heard the auto one is?
3. If I'm OK with the US license, what about insurance? Will they give me any hassles?

Thanks!
Darrell

Your US license was only valid for one year in the UK, so unfortunately you will need to get a UK license before doing anything.  You'll be a learner status, meaning you'll have to have a full UK licensed driver (I believe they have to have held the license for a minimum of three years) for you to drive prior to receiving your full UK license.

However, from what I understand, once you have your full UK license, you can then apply for a provisional motorcycle license.  As long as the engine is below a certain size, you can use "L" plates on the motorcycle for as long as you like (meaning you never need to take the full motorcycle test).

Unfortunately as your US license is not considered valid in the UK as more than a year has passed since you moved here, you will be uninsurable until you start the UK license process.

Your US license was only valid for one year in the UK, so unfortunately you will need to get a UK license before doing anything.  You'll be a learner status, meaning you'll have to have a full UK licensed driver (I believe they have to have held the license for a minimum of three years) for you to drive prior to receiving your full UK license.

However, from what I understand, once you have your full UK license, you can then apply for a provisional motorcycle license.  As long as the engine is below a certain size, you can use "L" plates on the motorcycle for as long as you like (meaning you never need to take the full motorcycle test).

Unfortunately as your US license is not considered valid in the UK as more than a year has passed since you moved here, you will be uninsurable until you start the UK license process.

You are allowed to drive a 125cc on a "L" License. Must pass test to be able to go higher.

You will have to do pass a CBT in order to then do your practical theory and then take your road test. Can I suggest that you take a few lessons to get you out of any bad habits that you may have acquire.

https://www.gov.uk/cbt-compulsory-basic-training

Thanks for help! Just to confirm, it does seem I need my full car license before I can get my motorcycle one too? I can't just skip the car one?

It doesn't appear to say you need a full car license first.

No both my son and step son got their bike licenses without having a car license.

You just have to do your CBT testing thing first.

My word this is all quite confusing, even trying to get a hold of someone to talk to! I ultimately want to get a > 600cc bike and have a passenger (the missus). It sounds like I need to:

1. Get provisional license
2. Take theory test
3. CBT training
4. Practical test

I'm not sure I can ride the > 600cc bike at any point in there for practice though. What route did your son's take MeShell?

Thanks!

My word this is all quite confusing, even trying to get a hold of someone to talk to! I ultimately want to get a > 600cc bike and have a passenger (the missus). It sounds like I need to:

1. Get provisional license
2. Take theory test
3. CBT training
4. Practical test

I'm not sure I can ride the > 600cc bike at any point in there for practice though. What route did your son's take MeShell?

Thanks!

You have the right order (sort of) I would swap 2 and 3) of things to do and add lessons as well. You do know you can't ride a 600 until after you pass your full test? You will have to get a 125cc to do your CBT on and any riding and practising on until after you pass your test. It is illegal for you to ride anything higher until after you pass the driving test.

PS don't forget your "L" plates on your 125 and your "R" plate on your bigger bike for a year after you pass your test.

Have you tried calling a motorbike driving instructor to ask for advice?

When you have passed and are up and riding around you should come to the Isle of Man….we are the MECCA for motorbikes. Look up the TT races!

I ride with my husband..we have a Yamaha 1100 Bulldog.

Thanks MeShell! Geez, they sure don't make it easy over here, or cheap! Wondering if all the work is worth it at this point. Haven't spoken to anyone yet just because I haven't had much free time during the day so have only been researching a bit at night.

Yes, the TT races look amazing! Need to try and make it out this year. Enjoy your bike!