Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
M/c licence: necessary? M/c licence: necessary?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Josephine Flohr, Elephant at Camp, Namibia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Josephine Flohr,
Elephant at Camp, Namibia



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
M/c licence: necessary?
I know I'll get all sorts of flak for this but ...

Is it essential to actually have a motorbike licence? Yes I know it is legally required but how often is it checked? Is it ever checked?

Oh, and what happens if you don't have one and you get checked? (I guess that'll depend a lot on the country.)

(A licence doesn't guarantee competence nor does no licence mean incompetence.)

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cyprus
Posts: 10
LOL - You are definitely getting flak for this mate. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are riding off road ??? Cause if you are riding on the road without a licence, well let's just say you'll only be checked by a copper ONCE !

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,106
I can't remember the last time my licence was checked either in the UK or in any of many the other countries I've visited. Probably at least 20 yrs. So, if I was feeling lucky, I could have done any of the trips I've done in that time (a lot) without a licence and be no worse off for it.

But how much my 'good fortune' is down to the fact I drive / ride like a care home resident on my way to a bingo session, use sedate and sober bikes / cars that are all taxed, insured and MOT'd so I don't trip ANPR cameras and don't get flashed for speeding you'll have to decide for yourself.

If you go to all that trouble you might as well get a licence for the peace of mind. If you haven't got a licence and don't want to get caught you're going to have to be very very careful with immaculate roadcraft. The training involved in getting a licence is partly a process of giving you that roadcraft.

If you're pulled without a licence expect to have no need of one for some considerable time. If you have an accident and are found to have no licence expect to be unable to afford one for some considerable time - particularly if there's third party damage or injury involved.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Oct 2018
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 576
Plenty of people drive without licences but I'm not sure how border crossings would go?

could you travel on a provisional licence? I imagine to the average cop in another country they wouldnt be able to tell any difference.

I had an international licence many years ago, I think it was only valid for a year but i just kept changing the date and it never got questioned.

I'd have thought in plenty of countries if you are happy to pay bribes it would make little or no difference.

But why risk it?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by stuxtttr View Post
Plenty of people drive without licences but I'm not sure how border crossings would go?
my DL never was checked at the border.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,106
Quote:
Originally Posted by tremens View Post
my DL never was checked at the border.
Me neither. Passport, insurance and, once, bribe have been asked for but not licence.

An international one from the post office (in the UK anyway) might sound like a cheap option but both of the ones I've had in the last three years have needed me to present my regular licence which was both forensically examined by the counter lady (it's the old paper one which I don't think she's seen many of) and then scanned for their records.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Getting licence in a 'foreign' country
Thanks. Most interesting and helpful. The insurance thing is pretty serious of course. But anyway just wanted to hear your opinions.

So that leads to the next question: if you are out of your own country is it possible to get a licence in a 'foreign' country?

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 806
You can get one in a foreign country, you'll just have to go through all the training and testing requirements for that country. Some may also require you to meet a residence requirement.

I'm struggling to see why anyone who's considering a long trip wouldn't get a licence. Aside from the insurance angle it's the whole legality thing, get into any trouble with the local plod and you're in a world or pain if they start finding you're riding illegally. In the UK you can't even buy insurance without a licence (they ask how many years you've been riding) which means you can't buy road tax either. So you're riding unlicensed, uninsured and untaxed. Get into an incident or get picked up by ANPR and your bike will be confiscated on the spot.

I know the new testing procedure is a bureaucratic PITA and not cheap either, and someone who's been riding off road may feel they're competent enough, but the authorities in every country take it seriously and it only takes one to check... you know the rest.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
It’s a common course of a decline on medical travel insurance.
Someone rents a 100cc motorbike, they don’t have a bike licence, have an accident and their insurance won’t cover the medical costs.
The last one I saw was a guy in Thailand who lost his leg and faced a £250000 medical bill, so, you decide.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
In Australia any time I have been pulled over for a breath test they have asked for my licence. There has only been 1 occasion where the licence was not asked for, and that was a rare situation as there were about 15 of 'us' pulled into a cafe. They don't get many 'tourist' there and he upped his quota in a very short period of time, with our total cooperation.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
FYI. Original and subsequent question relates to already being overseas (i.e. in a 'foreign' country/countries) and wanting to get a bike.

Sorry should have mentioned that first.

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Oct 2018
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 576
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrahameR View Post
FYI. Original and subsequent question relates to already being overseas (i.e. in a 'foreign' country/countries) and wanting to get a bike.

Sorry should have mentioned that first.

Cheers.

Which Country? check and see if you can get the licence there, at least then you will have a licence and insurance (sometimes can be purchased locally)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Agree with the above - which country?
There are too many variables between countries to have one rule or guide as to getting a licence.

As you in that country it is probably easiest to ask at a driving school.
First question "How difficult would it be for me to get a driving licence"?
Then motor cycle licence... Motorcycle ones are usually more difficult.. with the vehicle test. But the rule tests are about the same. And the conditions - resident, proof of who you are and where you live are the same.

----------------------------------
China is interesting. As they have not signed some international agreement there licences are not valid overseas? So there is a 'tourist' industry where Chines citizens go to South Korea and get their licences there, as part of their holiday. China recognises these licences and issues Chines ones where that licences is presented.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,106
Just to cover all the bases, if lack of licence is the topic under consideration there's always the DIY route.

Plenty of people will supply you with a, well, let's call it a 'comfort licence'. https://www.myfakeid.biz/fake-id/driving-card.aspx

Funny old world though when a 'copy' costs more than the real thing.

On balance though it's probably not the best of moves as getting caught with no licence is almost certainly a lesser problem than getting caught with a fabricated one. Certainly in Europe / N.A. etc anyway.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 5
It's inconceivable to me why I wouldn't have the appropriate license, insurance and registration in place at any time I was asked for it.
__________________
"When you get to the end zone, act like you've been there before". - Vince Lombardi
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
CHINA 2016 "THE LAST GREAT FRONTIER" 6 MONTHS 24,000 KMS. on a chinese 125cc PART 1 single-handed Ride Tales 39 11 Mar 2017 23:31
Motorcycle licence question for SA A_T SOUTH AMERICA 5 22 Sep 2014 13:11
UK driving licence issue popotla Trip Paperwork 6 12 May 2014 03:20
Travelling outside Europe with a restricted European licence? Alexlebrit Trip Paperwork 2 12 Mar 2013 04:28
Getting a motorbike licence in South America without residency - A tough one!! russellbowden Trip Paperwork 3 4 May 2012 17:36

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

2025:

  • Queensland is back! Date TBC - May?

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top