Safe motorcycling

Driving a light motorcycle with the car driver's license: The right driving school and safe clothes Photo: ifz

Since the beginning of the year, it has been possible for another group of car drivers to ride light motorcycles and motorcycles under certain conditions. The Institute for Bicycle Safety (ifz) recommends that a "two-wheel-committed" driving school be recommended for the training required by law. You should also think about the appropriate motorcycle clothing in good time. Many driving schools are already looking forward to initial registrations for the new model, which makes it possible to drive light motorcycles with the car driving licence. Due to safety, there are three prerequisites: a minimum age of 25 years, the five-year driving licence holder of class B (cars) and a total of 13.5 hours of training in theory and practice in a driving school. An examination at the end of the training does not take place. Instead of driving to work or in the afternoon to sports, the 125-cubic machines can serve as a modern mobility alternative for already experienced motorists. As a first instance, driving school training lays the foundation for entering the world of motorized two-wheelers. Look for a driving school that specializes in the training of the A-classes (motorcycle) and pays special attention to the motorized two-wheeler. It goes without saying that you are wearing complete motorcycle clothing from the very first hour. Before registering, check whether the driving school can provide helmet and clothing in your size. The Institute for Bicycle Safety (ifz) recommends that prospective light-wheel drivers buy their own helmet and clothing for training. "It is certainly the case that dedicated driving schools provide their driving students with the necessary equipment for motorcycle training or provide them in different sizes for all weather conditions. However, since you certainly do not want to do without safe motorcycle clothing even after your driving school training, it can be advantageous to dress yourself up from the very beginning," advises Matthias Haasper, head of research at ifz. "This ensures a safety-relevant perfect fit of the clothes from head to toe. Also, you don't get tempted to drive the first few meters after passing the test without the clothes that don't already exist," Haasper continues. So why not buy the motorcycle equipment in time and be well protected from the start. In addition to an ECE-tested motorcycle helmet, this includes a tight-fitting motorcycle jacket and trousers. Also motorcycle boots with sufficient ankle protection and motorcycle gloves. Detailed information on "motorcycle clothing from head to toe" is provided by the brochure of the same name from ifz, which was produced together with the GTÜ. The guide can be downloaded or ordered free of charge under www.ifz.de.