How to get a motorcycle license in the UK?

How can I get a motorbike license in the UK. I'm 15 and planning to get a bike when I'm 17.http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/125cc/#!/msx125/ I have tried reading some stuff but I'm finding it difficult to understand the different types of licenses etc. Could somebody please explain to me ( in easy language ) the process of getting a license for that bike? Also is riding a bike in the UK safe. I leave is kinda towny area so just wondering.

Cheers in advance

Firstly understand this. From age 17 to 19 you can ride anything up to 125cc and not over 14.7 bhp power output.
To do so you do these things in this order -
1. Get a provisional drivers licence which you can do from age 15 and 9 months. On your 16th birthday this becomes valid for up to 50cc mopeds and then on your 17th valid for up to 125cc motorcycles all as a learner (L plates needed) Cost £50
2. Once you have the above in your hands then you need to take a Compulsory Basic Training Course. Not a test! A course. Price varies but around £120 to £140. This takes about a day and then you get a certificate to go with your provisional licence to say you can go on road on an up to 125cc not over 14.7 bhp bike STILL WITH L PLATES. (the certificate is valid for 2 years and unless you pass a full test if you wish to stay on road you have to repeat the course)
3. This next bit is optional and of little use unless you really like 125s and do not ever want to ride anything bigger - take and pass a full test on a 125cc bike. This means you can throw away the L plates and do not have to do the CBT course every 2 years to stay on the road.

Most teens are thinking that they will stay on the L plates until they are 19 and then they can take a test on a bigger bike, up to 47bhp and then 2 years after that stage up to unrestricted bikes - sensible cheaper approach

After a short time on a 125cc you may well get bored, frustrated and irritated by the lack of get up and go and yearn for more power - they are still a good cheaper form of independent teen transport though.

You will require a one day course training to receive your CBT test certificate.

Here it is simplified at 16 you can ride a moped, at 17 you can ride a 125, you will need to do a compulsory basic training to ride a bike, Is generally held at a place like a school with a place to ride your bike without traffic. Once you sit this you can ride a bike with l plates. The fun starts if you want to pass your test. Its better to wait until you are over 21 and do something called direct access, this means you can ride any size bike. But the insurance companies will give big premiums to people who just want to jump on a big bike and is better to ride something around 250 /350 for a few years to work your premium down and get some experience in. Also I recommend taking the advanced institute of motoring test this will also bring your premium down a bit

Minimum age 17 is a Group A1 Light Motor Bike (No more than 125 cc and No more than 11kW) This will have a top speed of 60-65 MPH by design. Most 125's comply with this
1/ You apply for your A1 Provisional Licence (It will also be your B (Car) and AM (Moped) Provisional Licence as well). You can apply for it up to 3 months before you are 17 and should take no longer than 3 weeks to arrive.
2/ You have to complete a Compulsory Basic Training course (Google for local providers) this validates your A1 Provisional Licence. (Pass Certificate valid for 2 years from date you Pass)
You can now ride by yourself on the public highway up to 2 years
3/ Within that 2 years, You must Pass the Motor Bike Based Theory test
4/ Within that 2 years, You must Pass the A1 Driving test
5/ You now have your Full A1 (And AM) Licences

If you do not get your Full Licence within that 2 years you are off the road until you Pass another A1 CBT but by that time you could opt for the Minimum age 19 Direct Access course to A2 Provisional

Andy C