Oh...my...god!
Why is it so expensive?!!

You're not talking about yen! You're talking GBP, right?
That's like....well... like $900US?

Why does it cost $10 (#6.5) here in the US, and so much over there?

And what is the deal with levels of licenses? Over here, when I said you get your "unlimited" license.. I just meant "not a permit".

Here, when you have a permit (after written test), you can't carry passengers or ride at night. (Oh, and you have to wear a helmet).
After you take your riding test (or MSF course), you get your regular "unrestricted" license. In this state, you still have to wear a helmet for 2 years after you get your license.
That's it.

 

Yeah Steve , it was expensive and there are cheaper ways to do it but not as fast , I could have just done my CBT (compulsory basic training) , which entitles you to ride a bike up to 125cc . Then I could have spent a while practising manoeuvres 'n' stuff and then taken the test for my full license . But by that time these new regulations would have come in and the test would have become an even bigger PITA!

Sir Trout , to answer your question , here we have:-

• CBT on a scooter , entitles you to ride only a scooter with 'L' plates no passengers , not allowed on Motorway.(Not sure of cc I think it's 50)
• CBT on a bike 125cc you can only ride up to that capacity with 'L' plates and no passengers , not allowed on Motorway.
• Full license for under 21? can ride a bike up to 500cc power not exceeding 35Kw , no 'L' plates , can take passengers.

• Full licencse over 21 , no restrictions can ride what you like

That is roughly the categories of license we have over here , some of the details may be slightly out , things change and my memory fades fast these days

 

I see.... so they aren't really "stages" per se.. or do you have to work your way up to a "real" bike.
Over here, in my state of PA, you have to have the same license to ride a moped/scooter or a dam Hayabusa...no difference.
Many states, you don't need a license to ride scooters or mopeds. Just hop on, and off you go.

Is the price difference because your gove doens't want people riding, or what? Even #70 for the "stage 1" (i'm guessing scooter) that some girl was talking about on the other site seems steep!

 

It's not that they don't wan't people to ride , they just want ALL your money!

Yeah we have different licenses , full license to ride anything decent!

 

What will the test include?

The new test will be completed in two modules. The specified manoeuvres conducted at specific speeds will be tested in module 1 on safe off-road sites.

These specified manoeuvres are:

• at least two manoeuvres carried out at slow speed, including a slalom
• at least two manoeuvres carried out at higher speed, of which one exercise should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph) and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
• at least two braking manoeuvres, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)

On the day of your module 1 test, you will be asked by the examiner to demonstrate your riding ability on either the left-hand or right-hand circuit. The standard off-road layout may change because of local conditions on the casual sites.
If you demonstrate riding skills of a dangerously incompetent level during module 1, you will not be allowed to take module 2.

If you pass module 1 you will receive a test pass certificate which you must bring with you when you take module 2.

Module 2 of the test is made up of the eyesight test, road safety questions and at least 30 minutes of road riding. Road riding will cover a variety of road and traffic conditions and will also include normal stops, hill and angle starts.
Watch the new bike test video by following this link

Theory test fees
Standard fee for car and motorcycle £31.00
Potential/Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) £90.00

Practical test: Weekday / Weekday evening and weekend prices
Motorcycle: Module 1 £10 / £10
Motorcycle: Module 2 £70 / £82

Motorcycle test fee

The overall motorcycle test fee will remain unchanged in March. The existing fee will be split across both modules - so candidates only have to pay for each section of the test as they take it. The fee split will be £10.00 for Module 1 and £70.00 for Module 2.
The cost of the motorcycling test will undergo its annual increment and rise to £90.50 in October 2009. The cost of Module 1 will then be £15.50 and Module 2 will be £75.00.


NOTICE, they didn't put in the evening and weekend price increase.

 

• Course Notes:
• Courses start 8.45 am, you will need your licence, CBT certificate (if you have already done it), glasses if worn, and warm sensible outdoor clothing. We supply helmets gloves and waterproofs if you haven't got your own. If you intend to use your own bike you will have to provide an insurance certificate.
•  
  • Standard Courses / Lessons:
    CBT ridden / never ridden
    Non residential - £85 inc bike £70 with own bike.
  • Hourly tuition (125cc)
    Non residential - £22
  • Hourly tuition (500cc unrestricted)
    Non residential - £27
  • Beginner:
  • Intensive Courses:
  • Four day CBT to test (33bhp licence)
    Residential - £495
    Non residential - £465
  • Five day CBT to test (unrestricted licence)
    Residential - £619
    Non residential - £595
  • Six day CBT to test (unrestricted licence)
    Residential - £719
    Non residential - £695
• Intermediate:
  • Intensive Courses:
  • Three day CBT to test (33bhp licence)
    Residential - £400
    Non residential - £370
  • Four day CBT to test (unrestricted licence)
    Residential - £519
    Non residential - £495
• Prior Experience:
  • Intensive Courses:
    Two day DAS (for current experienced DAS rider with CBT)
    Residential - £330
  • Non residential - £315
  • Three day CBT to test (unrestricted)
    Residential - £419
    Non residential - £395
• Instructor Training Courses
• Five day £650 inc Cardington Test
• As above residential £750
• Advanced: Enhanced Rider Scheme
  • One Day DSA ERS Scheme (completion certificate will give insurance discounts)
    £140 (hire bikes available at extra cost)
    *own bike price
• Motorcycle Theory Test:
  • Theory Test Fee - £35
  • Theory Revision Aids Books / CD
    Residential - £15/17 +p&p
    Non residential - £10/15
    (RRP £15/£17)