Taking the Next Step

My evening commute begins at 6:30pm, which at this time of year is full dark.  My morning commute begins about 7:00am, which is still dark, but I do get to watch the world get brighter as I make my way in.  This makes me happy; the traffic gets thicker, the air gets warmer, and the bike gets happier.  I am very much looking forward to summer, when my day is all sunshine.  We've had a bit of rain, but all in all, its been a great winter so far for riding.  I've only missed one day of riding - I looked out the window and saw frost everywhere.  I'm not experienced enough to risk freezing temperatures.
As I am still on my 'L' plates, I have some restrictions in place - I am not allowed on motorways, and I'm not allowed pillion passengers.  I'm also limited to a 125cc bike.  The worst restriction for me is the pillion part - I love riding, and I wish I could share the experience with my wife.  She really wants to go out as well, but it won't happen until I pass my test.  Here in the UK, its a two-part test, a theory test and a practical test.  I'm not too concerned about the practical; I think I'm okay if not terribly confident, but the theory part makes me nervous.  I grew up in Canada, so the road signs are a bit foreign to me - I mean I get the gist of what they're saying, but I haven't got them memorised or anything.  I have been revising on the practice app on my phone - I hope it all sticks.
To supplement my skills, I am hoping to participate in a day out with the BikeSafe program.  For not a lot of money, I get a one-on-one critique on my riding skills, with the aim to give me more confidence.  I will certainly be reporting on that.
I am looking forward to the day I get a bigger bike and I can take the missus out for some fun leisurely rides.  It will be nice to have the extra power to get out of sticky situations as well.  I have a colleague who rides a 250, and says that's all one really needs to get around London.  It is a rare occasion when I'm able to surpass 40mph; so top speed isn't a concern for me.  However acceleration is.  My bike is very, very slow, especially when compared to other bikes.
I am not sure if I will upgrade past a 250; I have to wait some time after getting my license before being allowed to legally ride anything larger.  I can see the appeal of a bigger displacement; my bike is pretty rough and unsettled, with one cylinder thumping away.  The exhaust is quiet - almost to the point where I get worried people won't be able to hear me.  And Hank doesn't have much road presence.  I am often undertaken and overtaken by cars, and they cut very close.  I don't want to intimidate, but its difficult to defend my road position with such a small displacement bike.  There is a safety element in play here for sure.

So I dream of the day when I pluck up the courage, and call the testing office, and reserve a spot.  The next step is beckoning me.....