1956 james superswift

[mb5130]

Hi guys i am new to your site and i hope you can help me with a few issues, Firstly do i need a bike license to ride this bike or is there an exemption ie pre 1960 license exemption for hgvs?
I have had this bike for 2 years and i am still looking for some parts: the luggage rack, and the chain guard, i have looked all over but i can't find them, if anyone can help it would be appriciated.
Thanks
Matt

[L.A.B.]

Firstly do i need a bike license to ride this bike or is there an exemption ie pre 1960 license exemption for hgvs?

I presume by your reference to "HGVs" you actually live in the UK (although license is the US spelling)?



If so, and you passed your car test before 1st Feb. 1991 then your current driving licence should give you provisional entitlement (check the categories on your licence) however I understand you will still have to do a CBT course first.

http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/Articles/Training/Licence-categories.aspx


 "Provisional Licences
All moped and motorcycle provisional licence holders (including full car as provisional) must, by law, hold a current DL96 (CBT) certificate, showing they have completed the Compulsory Basic Training course before riding on the road. (A Provisional Licence isn't not a valid licence without a CBT certificate)."


"Full Licences
A full moped licence automatically gives you a motorcycle provisional but you must be over 17.

A full car licence automatically gives you a motorcycle provisional.

Full car licences issued before 1st Feb 2001 automatically gave you a full moped licence. You could ride without L plates, even endanger a passenger all without taking any training but we recommend you do. Training is essential.

Car licences issued after 1st Feb. 2001 now only give a moped entitlement. You need a CBT as well but that CBT is presently valid for the life of your car licence (but only for a moped).

If you pass your car test after 1st Feb. 2001, do a CBT, then send both certificates to DVLA and get the full moped entitlement on your licence."

 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/DG_4022568  

[Searchguru]

The pre-1960 license (correct UK spelling, but I don't really know why) exemption to which you refer is to do with the vehicle itself and its requirement to have some form of Vehicle Excise License (road tax) and other vehicle related documents. Sadly it has nothing to do with driving licences (correct spelling when refering to driving licence, again I don't know why).
Depending on when you were issued with any type of driving lecence will dictate what size of motorcycle you can or cannot ride with it.
Check this web page and follow the various links as required http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547
There is also the problem with people that did have a motorcycle entitlement on their licence suddenly losing it when they applied for a new photo licence.
It is far too complicated to work out what licence you need without being in possesion of all your details including inside leg measurement but that link above should put you on the road to righteousness.
To cut a long story short, you need a motorcycle entitlement on whatever driving licence and you possess and then some......

[L.A.B.]

The pre-1960 license (correct UK spelling, but I don't really know why)

driving licences (correct spelling when refering to driving licence, again I don't know why).

In UK English, the difference in spelling can occur if the word is used as a noun (licence) or a verb (licence or license) as in 'licensing' for instance. In US English only license is normally used.  

http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/licence?view=uk
http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/license?view=uk

Vehicle Excise License (road tax)

A road tax disc has always been a Vehicle Excise Licence as far as I know? http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/foi/Disclosure/ved.aspx

[Searchguru]

L.A.B,
I have lost the will to live now though the vehicle excise license you pointed out in my previous post was my mistake and I can't thank you enough for pointing it out.
I believe we may have gone off thread somewhat but I assume the rest of my original post met with your approval.