NetherScot

The more I look into it for the Isle of Man, the more I wished I lived there. It seems like there is one CBT to do, then strap L plates to whatever bike (Manx registered) and do a test. Even if you're 17 you could get a full license that way it seems. Not sure if they allow motorcycle license tourism or if it's residents only but I might just pop on a ferry this Summer..

@curlylegend In the UK you can only drive with a non-EU license for up to 12 months and you'd then have to pass theory and practical tests. It'd be a waste of money. As I understand it, a learner could pass theory and do a Compulsory Basic Training course on a large motorcycle on the Isle of Man or Guernsey to then be able to ride class A, A2 and A1 bikes on an L plate ahead of a practical test. I don't live there though, so I could have it wrong. Licenses from such territories and EEA/EU could be transformed into UK licenses. From anywhere else, they cannot. Most EU countries also require proof of residence.

I would get rid of the ageism. Inexperience can be lethal at any age. Add theory tests to CBT and limit riders to 15 kW for 2 years but then test them properly if they kept the license clean. Pass and go to 33 kW, keep that clean and get unrestricted by default. Oh and if there's an infringement for which you'd lose the license you would start at the beginning of the same loop. But I'd make sure can driving licenses follow similar rules. It's insane that the cost of can insurance is the major hurdle to inexperienced drivers being in charge of very heavy, very powerful machines.

What is it? The 125cc Piaggio Medley is the spit of its larger-capacity siblings, the Beverly 300 and the slightly heavier, longer Beverly (or BV) 400. It's a large wheel scooter (16' front, 15' rear) made in Vietnam by the Italian manufacturer, in the vein of earlier Aprilia Leonardo, SportCity and Scarabao scoots. Why not? You would not want a Medley if you're small: the wide seat at 799mm might be fine, but there's much easier and comfier scoots out there. If you're a poser, you wouldn't want a Medley either. While it doesn't look bad, it's a bit too much substance over style. If you're a speed demon you might like having the full liquid cooled 15bhp in the 125cc class, but it's not hard to find something a bit faster still. The Medley is comfortable, but it isn't an armchair on wheels like some Japanese rivals. It's not expensive, but nowhere near the cheapest. It's well built, reliable and supported by a wide dealer network, though Honda and Yamaha do better still. Why though? If you're not yet convinced that a Piaggio Medley is pointless, there's a few more considerations. One is the loading capacity. It'll take a passenger and handle better than most 125s. It's easy to fit one full size helmet under the seat and a jet helmet or heavy locks besides. The nearly flat foot platform and a bag hook easily handle a large shopping bag. Add a top box and a weekly shop is quite feasible. Another is the handling: unless you're caught in the wind with a large top box, the Medley's large wheels and ample power give confidence even on bendy NSL roads and dual carriageways. There's ample suspension (adjustable at the rear) to deal with farm tracks and urban pot holes too. I've done a B-road trip using Calimoto also, across the Pennines and North Sea to Germany and back. A weekend bag or tent easily fits under the saddle. Sure, a ferry was required to make to Hook of Holland, but apart from not turning into a jet ski at opportune moments it's a fantastically useful and fun scooter for shopping trips, school drop-offs, commutes and weekends away.