full car licence and bikes

shrapnel222 · 15-06-2007 1:11pm #1

hi guys,

looked in the motorbikes FAQ, and didn't find info on this.

can anyone tell me up to what cylinder i can drive with a full car licence? can i carry a pillion passenger?

thanks

Owen · 15-06-2007 1:14pm

You can drive a moped. If you want to drive a bike, it's a whole different discipline, and requires much more skill than a car license will qualifiy you to have.

You'll need to appy for a provisional, which restricts you to a horspower or power to weight limit, pass your test. After you pass your test, you're entitled to carry Pillions, but the power/power to weight restriction won't be lifted for 2 years.

shrapnel222 · 15-06-2007 1:17pm

thanks ned, that was quick, but up to what cylinder? i know in the UK, you can drive up to a 125cc motorbike or moped on a full car licence and carry a pillion. Is it the same here?

seamus · 15-06-2007 1:41pm

You can drive a class M vehicle only - engine not exceeding 50cc and with a maximum speed of 45km/h.

You may carry a pillion passenger.

Owen · 15-06-2007 1:44pm

As Seamus stated up to 50cc, which is usual a single cylinder engine, and usually a moped. As long as you don't exceed that, you're entitled to carry a Pillion (For example, renting a scooter on holidays), but if you want to ride a larger bike with gears, that'll require getting a bike provisional, and no matter your age, or car experience, you'll be starting from scratch I'm afraid.

shrapnel222 · 15-06-2007 3:48pm

thanks for the info

murphaph · 15-06-2007 6:28pm

ned78 wrote:

As Seamus stated up to 50cc, which is usual a single cylinder engine, and usually a moped. As long as you don't exceed that, you're entitled to carry a Pillion (For example, renting a scooter on holidays), but if you want to ride a larger bike with gears, that'll require getting a bike provisional, and no matter your age, or car experience, you'll be starting from scratch I'm afraid.

Depends where you holiday. Category M is not an EU harmonised category. It does not have to be recognised in the rest of the EU.

Wishbone Ash · 15-06-2007 7:17pm

murphaph wrote:

Depends where you holiday. Category M is not an EU harmonised category. It does not have to be recognised in the rest of the EU.

Yup, it's category P in Britain.

Owen · 15-06-2007 7:19pm

murphaph wrote:

Depends where you holiday. Category M is not an EU harmonised category. It does not have to be recognised in the rest of the EU.

It was a generic example, not intended to be gospel.

murphaph · 15-06-2007 7:47pm

No probs ned, I know I was being a bit pedantic but it's actually a common misconception that the M is harmonised across the EU/EEA. I'm not sure about M/P but I'm fairly sure that taking a tractor over the border on a W licence may mean you are driving without a licence in Northern Ireland.

full car licence and bikes

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