Getign Started, licences, CBT, etc

I know this must be one of the most aked questions on the newsgroup, and
for that I apologise.
I have looked at the official guidelines at
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/rdmcycle.htm
but am struggling.

Could someone please give me (or point me in the right direction of) a
simple breakdown of what size bike i can ride when, when i can carry a
passenger (sorry, can't spell pilion) at which stages i need
L plates and at what stages I need to take tests.

I know this seems stupid, but some people are telling me i can't ride
anything above 125, some people are telling me i'll out grow a 125 in
weeks and should go straight for a 250, and it all seems very confusing.

I'm 24 and hold a full car driving licence, if either of these make a
difference.

 

Read the UKRM FAQ. A link is posted here under that title every month
or so. I'm fairly sure it tells you all you need to know.

Nope.

 

Thanks (didn't think so about that last one)

 

The road map to riding a bike

*Do CBT:* Ride any bike under 125cc and (14ishbhp) with "L" plates.
You cannot go on a motorway or carry a pillion.

Do you *Theory Test*:

If over 21 years do a *Direct Access* on a bike with more than 46.6
bhp. Ride any size bike anywhere without "L" plates and carry a
pillion.

or Take your test on a 125 and ride any bike up to 33bhp anywhere
without "L" plates and carry a pillion.

Only your age.