Driving restrictions

[Capt Black]

Restrictions have been placed newly passed motorbike licences for several years. I can't remember exactly what the restrictions are at the moment as the goalposts have been narrowed in recent years. When first introduced it was something along of the lines of any rider under 21 was restricted to riding a bike not exceeding ??bhp for the longer of 2 years or until they reached the age of 21 (?). Learner riders over 21 years old could learn with an approved instructor on a bike exceeding yybhp, take their test on such a bike and they would then be able to ride un-restricted bikes. At the time commonly know as a "full power licence". Under 21's and those who took the small bike test were still able to ride some pretty exotic stuff, providing the engine had been appropriately restricted. Once the 2 years was up, remove the restrictor kit, and terrorise the tarmac like all the other riders.

Since then the bike test itself has evolved, and the restrictions have, I believe become more onerous.

Having racked up shed loads of miles on bikes over the years, I believe that system is far better than when I took my test: learn and take a test on a bike that hardly hit 60 mph downhill with a tailwind, and as soon as the ink's dry when the tester signed your pass ticket, you could ride absolutely anything with no further experience.

I bought a 500cc Suzuki all rounder after passing my test, and I am not ashamed to admit that I was bricking myself for some time. Since those scary wobbly days I've ridden things up to and including the mighty Hayabusa - the fastest factory production bike on the planet.

My dad drove buses and lorries for a living, he told me that you only really learnt to drive after you passed the test. One of the few he said that I agree with.

[Kendhni]

You are right there Capt BLack. I think when I was learning that you were allowed a bike up to 250cc but now (from memory) it is 125cc up to 12bhp. Since 125's can generate much more power many are basically restricted and can be 'upgraded' if required.

[Dark Knight]

having driven the best part of 2000 miles in the last 2 weeks, I am beginning to wonder if the young or old are as bad as they painted
Some van drivers and most BMW drivers do take some beating for shear stupidity and lack of road manners
the days of mirror, signal, manuover seems to have changed to pull out and bollox to everyone else and a few well known hand signals should you object to some moron in a BM trying to take off your front bumper at 70mph

makes you wonder how some of them are not banned for life


the use of some and most is a get out of jail card, so if you should drive a van or a BM, please don't elect to get upset

[Mo2013]

It's probably a good idea to re-test people, especially those who have caused an accident, because clearly they are not good enough to be driving about. Most people don't learn to drive on a motorway either. They pass their test and then off they go but most people cannot use a motorway properly. Too close, too fast, undercutting and dangerous overtaking, they are not fit to be on the roads. Zooming about like they are Lewis Hamilton - I call it the little willy syndrome.

[david63]

Most people don't learn to drive on a motorway either.

Nobody "learns" to drive on a motorway as learner drivers are banned from motorways - although I believe these days that you can have motorway lessons once you have passed your test

[Mo2013]

I could have phrased it better so I'll rephrase it - most people probably don't take motorway lessons after they have passed their test, instead they just start driving on motorways.

[Not so ancient mariner]

My first experience of motorway driving was the journey from Gloucester to Preston, but that was 35 or so years ago, and traffic was a lot different in those days.

[Meg 50]

Most people don't learn to drive on a motorway either.

Nobody "learns" to drive on a motorway as learner drivers are banned from motorways - although I believe these days that you can have motorway lessons once you have passed your test

indeed - it's called pass plus - it includes motorways, cities and night driving. Passing that bit gives a discount on a new driver's insurance - or it did when my daughters learnt to drive about 10 years ago

[Lollie]

Seems a fantastic idea to me. Having watched the young sons of a neighbour, 'using' Dad's high powered Audi this week whilst Mum and Dad are away I am in favour of anything which would instill a little more common sense. We have never seen anyone other than Dad driving this rather nice car, not even his wife yet whilst he has been away two of their sons have been driving it around like complete idiots. Just hope he checked the mileage before he left and they get well and truly reprimanded. I must add that every child in the family had an almost new car so no excuses other than showing off!

[Not so ancient mariner]

Seems a fantastic idea to me. Having watched the young sons of a neighbour, 'using' Dad's high powered Audi this week whilst Mum and Dad are away I am in favour of anything which would instill a little more common sense. We have never seen anyone other than Dad driving this rather nice car, not even his wife yet whilst he has been away two of their sons have been driving it around like complete idiots. Just hope he checked the mileage before he left and they get well and truly reprimanded. I must add that every child in the family had an almost new car so no excuses other than showing off!

There's always the question as to whether they are actually insured to drive it, considering what it would cost to put a newly qualified driver on the insurance for such a car!

[Kendhni]

Lollie, of course, the next time you are talking to the dad, you could just let it slip into conversation that you were surprised that he allowed his sons to drive it.

[Meg 50]

or be even more subtle - comment on how well the son parked such a big car!