1. Just like owning a dog, a gun, a car or any other lethal weapon, to ride a moped in Britain you need a licence. So grab a signed photo of yourself - if you have no professional family friends just ask your probation officer - and get on down the Post Office, fill in a form and hand over fifty quid.
2. Training is compulsory and basic at this stage. And that's its name: CBT. Picture a day being told what to do and what not to do, a few hours riding around cones in a car park and about 2 hours riding a moped on the road in a bright yellow bib with a desperately uncomfortable earpiece crammed against your ear.
3. The CBT teaches you all the basics including choosing the right equipment. You can use this knowledge to kit yourself out with jacket, gloves and helmet etc. All that matters then is the price.
4. The fun (but not best - that's step 9) bit comes fourth. Choosing and then buying your first bike. This isn't as easy as it sounds unless you go and buy a brand new one which is a relatively affordable option these days with many quality Chinese imports like Superbyke on the market. It's probably still worth checking out my blog post on 'Choosing the Right Bike for You' though...
5. Roadworthiness of your vehicle is your responsibility. The annual MOT isn't a certificate of proof. You must personally ensure your tyres are good, your lights work and your bike isn't a death-trap for any other reason. You still need a valid MOT though.
6. Insurance is compulsory. The level of cover is not. If your bike cost 50 or so and you can afford to replace it if you make a mistake or it gets stolen (and even 50 'wrecks' get joy-ridden) then third party cover will do. Otherwise it's worth looking at fire and theft cover too. Comprehensive cover is usually cost-prohibitive to the average 16 year old as it will often be almost as expensive as replacing the bike outright
7. You also need to buy vehicle tax. Mopeds are reasonably environmentally friendly and consequently they are extremely cheap on tax. In 2009 the road tax fund for a motor bicycle is only 15. It is available from most Post Offices and you will need to take the Vehicle Registration Certificate (or the green tear-off slip if it was a recent purchase), a valid MOT for the bike and proof of insurance with you.
8. Last but by no means least, if you are riding on a provisional licence you must display L-Plates at the front and rear of your bike. They must not be cut-down or obscured in any way.
9. That's it. Job done and away you go. All that's required is some petrol plus some oil if you bought a two-stroke. Just please remember to renew your annual MOT, insurance and road tax or hefty penalties will be inflicted upon you. It's also well worth taking your full bike test. It will save you a fortune in insurance premiums and make you a better rider as well. Happy Days! - 30329
2. Training is compulsory and basic at this stage. And that's its name: CBT. Picture a day being told what to do and what not to do, a few hours riding around cones in a car park and about 2 hours riding a moped on the road in a bright yellow bib with a desperately uncomfortable earpiece crammed against your ear.
3. The CBT teaches you all the basics including choosing the right equipment. You can use this knowledge to kit yourself out with jacket, gloves and helmet etc. All that matters then is the price.
4. The fun (but not best - that's step 9) bit comes fourth. Choosing and then buying your first bike. This isn't as easy as it sounds unless you go and buy a brand new one which is a relatively affordable option these days with many quality Chinese imports like Superbyke on the market. It's probably still worth checking out my blog post on 'Choosing the Right Bike for You' though...
5. Roadworthiness of your vehicle is your responsibility. The annual MOT isn't a certificate of proof. You must personally ensure your tyres are good, your lights work and your bike isn't a death-trap for any other reason. You still need a valid MOT though.
6. Insurance is compulsory. The level of cover is not. If your bike cost 50 or so and you can afford to replace it if you make a mistake or it gets stolen (and even 50 'wrecks' get joy-ridden) then third party cover will do. Otherwise it's worth looking at fire and theft cover too. Comprehensive cover is usually cost-prohibitive to the average 16 year old as it will often be almost as expensive as replacing the bike outright
7. You also need to buy vehicle tax. Mopeds are reasonably environmentally friendly and consequently they are extremely cheap on tax. In 2009 the road tax fund for a motor bicycle is only 15. It is available from most Post Offices and you will need to take the Vehicle Registration Certificate (or the green tear-off slip if it was a recent purchase), a valid MOT for the bike and proof of insurance with you.
8. Last but by no means least, if you are riding on a provisional licence you must display L-Plates at the front and rear of your bike. They must not be cut-down or obscured in any way.
9. That's it. Job done and away you go. All that's required is some petrol plus some oil if you bought a two-stroke. Just please remember to renew your annual MOT, insurance and road tax or hefty penalties will be inflicted upon you. It's also well worth taking your full bike test. It will save you a fortune in insurance premiums and make you a better rider as well. Happy Days! - 30329
About the Author:
John Vincent, author of the moped spot and www.fasttrackmotorcycles.co.uk is a part time motorcycle instructor, father of twin boys and husband to the internet. Or so his wife says.
