TL;DR: Linda Pilbeam’s daughter challenged her to get her motorcycle licence after she got hers. Linda met the challenge and got her motorcycle licence, age 71.

If you’ve ever been dared by a family member to do something hard, you know it’s impossible to walk away from the challenge. That’s exactly where Linda found herself when her daughter took her motorcycle licence test. Linda had promised to get hers too—if her daughter passed. 

She did pass and immediately reminded Linda of her promise to get a motorcycle licence at age 71. Not one to back down from a challenge, Linda rose to it instead. Being no stranger to motorcycles, Linda’s husband has been riding motorbikes for over 40 years, she knew what she’d need to get her licence to ride. Because riding pillion is very different from controlling a machine on your own.

Learning to ride her way

Linda was well aware of the challenge she faced. But her old injury and age weren’t going to stop her. Learning to ride a motorcycle takes patience and skill. Linda wanted to develop her craft carefully and consistently, building steadily towards her goal. She knew a tailored training program would help her achieve her and her daughter’s dreams of riding out together. 

Linda approached us at a motorcycle event to see if we could help.

We believe motorcycling should be accessible to everyone and we jumped at the chance to help Linda. There is no upper age limit for getting a motorcycle licence. With the right training and equipment, anyone can learn to ride safely and confidently.

We put together an 11-month training plan that focussed on steady, manageable improvement. Linda’s training started with our Getting on a Bigger Bike session. We used a lowered Kawasaki Z650 to help get Linda familiar with a larger machine. She continued learning with shorter weekly training sessions to build confidence and skill.

“The Phoenix instructors were absolutely wonderful. They really went out of their way to tailor the training for me so I could progress at my own pace. They kept giving advice and encouragement through it all – I really can’t thank them enough.” Linda Pilbeam, new motorcycle rider.

Getting a motorcycle licence age 71

All of the age and power restrictions for UK motorcycle licences focus on developing skills alongside the increase of your motorcycle’s power. And those age restrictions are for younger riders. 

Older riders, like Linda, often choose a Direct Access motorcycle training course. That’s because the training lets you access the highest powered motorcycle and licence level for your age faster. Linda was more concerned with making steady, safe, and consistent progress towards a motorcycle licence. So a bespoke training program made more sense for her.

We’re 100% behind this approach to learning to ride. Helping students become safe, competent, and confident riders is a core part of our training ethos. That’s because learning to ride should be a fun way to develop skills you’ll enjoy for life. Not just a mad rush towards passing a licence test.

Linda passed her motorcycle licence test on a lowered Kawasaki Z650, the same bike she trained with. Since passing her test, Linda has bought her own lowered Kawasaki Z650 to ride on her own as well as with her husband and daughter.

“Linda’s story is living proof that it’s never too late to start riding, and that with the right support, anyone can do it – and love every minute of it.” – Mark Jaffe, Owner of Phoenix Motorcycle Training.

A family affair

Since Linda’s been enjoying the freedom of the road on her Kawasaki, her granddaughter Maize, has decided to join in the adventures. She’s begun training for her own motorcycle licence. First up was a Try Ride session to see if getting a motorcycle licence was something she really wanted.

Try Ride motorcycle sessions last for an hour or two and are a great way to become familiar with a motorcycle and riding. You’ll get to ride, practice changing gears, and become familiar with all of the controls in a secure training area. All with the guidance of a qualified motorcycle instructor. It’s the perfect way to decide if motorcycling is for you before investing in the Compulsory Basic Training course and getting your CBT certificate.

Renewing your motorcycle licence at 70

Older riders aren’t restricted to the size and power of the motorcycle they can train to ride, but there are other rules to be aware of. Notifying the DVLA of medical conditions that can impact your riding ability is one rule that often affects older riders. Another is the need to periodically renew your motorcycle licence after age 70.

Once you reach your 70th birthday your licence has to be renewed every three years with the DVLA. The simple process can be completed up to 90 days before your 70th (and subsequent) birthdays. It includes declarations about your eyesight, any driving disqualifications, and other conditions that may prevent you from riding safely. The renewal system verifies you’re still able to ride safely. 

It’s free to renew your licence with the DVLA online and you can complete the form from a laptop or smartphone. You can also renew your licence with a D46P application form from the post office.

Are you ready for the challenge?

Learning to ride a motorcycle is a fun and rewarding challenge, and one that you’re never too old to take on! You’ll learn machine control and will develop your balance alongside your confidence, patience and tenacity. We’re happy to create bespoke training packages for older students or those with different abilities, just like we did for Linda. Get in touch to see how we can help.

Sharing our passion for two wheels and the freedom of the road is what we love most! So challenge yourself to a little fun and learn a new skill, book your motorcycle training or Try Ride session with us today!