An NABD Guide to Motorcycle Licensing & Tests

Motorcycle Licensing:

For general information about motorcycle licensing categories and requirements, follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/bike-categories-ages-and-licence-requirements

For an easy-to-follow set of charts explaining motorcycle licensing categories and requirements, follow this link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62137c89d3bf7f4f05879a1e/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence.pdf

Motorcycle Tests:

People with disabilities do not have to take a ‘special test’ to get a Category-A motorcycle licence.

People with disabilities must complete the same Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), theory test and practical tests as non-disabled people. However, there are some minor ‘dispensations’ available for people who may have difficulty completing certain aspects of the test ‘in the prescribed manner’ due to the nature of their disabilities.

For example: In the section of the Module-1 test where the rider has to manually manoeuvre  the motorcycle 180 degrees without using the engine, this is usually done with the rider walking beside the motorcycle while pushing it, however, where it is impractical to do this safely due to disability, it is permissible for a disabled rider to perform this manoeuvre while sitting astride the machine.

Generally speaking, I have always found the people at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVSA) to be very pragmatic about issues relating to disability and they view the ability of a rider to safely and efficiently complete the manoeuvres required in the tests to be of greater importance than the specific method used.

Deaf or Hearing-Impaired Riders:

There is also a provision made for deaf or hearing-impaired riders who cannot take the normal ‘pursuit’ style test due to being unable to hear instructions given by the examiner over an intercom.  In these cases, the format of the test reverts to the technique that was used before the advent of helmet intercoms, with the examiner providing instructions face-to-face prior to each section of the test being carried out.

Where necessary, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter can be employed to translate the examiner’s instruction.  The DVSA will not supply or pay for a signing interpreter, the rider must arrange and pay for their own interpreter if one is required.
NB. The NABD may be able to offer some help with this cost if needed.

Extended Test  Slots:

Extended practical driving test slots for disabled people in the UK can be arranged through the .gov website by declaring the disability or condition during the booking process. These sessions, sometimes referred to as ‘double slots’, provide extra time for the examiner to make reasonable adjustments such as navigating to the vehicle, using specific adaptations, or managing additional communication needs.

For advice on any aspect of the test that you feel may be affected by your disability you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) via, https://www.gov.uk/contact-dvsa.

The DVSA have produced ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Ride’, which I recommend as a sound investment for any provisional motorcyclist.
For more information see: https://www.dvsabooks.com/the-official-dvsa-guide-to-learning-to-ride-book

I also highly recommend, ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Riding – The Essential Skills Book’, as a valuable asset to both provisional and qualified motorcyclists.
For more information see: https://www.dvsabooks.com/the-official-dvsa-guide-to-riding—the-essential-skills-book.
NB. Though I am one of the co-authors of this publication, I receive no royalties from its sales, my recommendation is based purely on its merits.

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman