Before you ride on a public road

If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. You can then ride on the public road, with L plates (in Wales either D plates, L plates or both can be used), for up to two years.

If you have a full car licence you may ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kw power output, with L plates (and/or D plates in Wales), on public roads, but you MUST first satisfactorily complete a CBT course if you have not already done so.

If you have a full moped licence and wish to obtain full motorcycle entitlement you will be required to take a motorcycle written theory test if you did not take a separate theory test when you obtained your moped licence. You MUST then pass a practical motorcycle driving test.

Standard motorcycle licence (A): if your test vehicle is between 120 and 125cc and capable of more than 100 kph you will be given a standard (A) licence. You will then be restricted to motorcycles of up to 25 kW for two years. After two years you may ride any size machine.

Direct or Accelerated Access enables riders over the age of 21, or those who reach 21 before their two-year restriction ends, to ride larger motorcycles sooner. To obtain a licence to do so they are required to have successfully completed a CBT course, Pass a theory test, pass a practical motorycle driving test on a machine with power output of at least 35kW.

To practice, they can ride larger motobikes, with L plates (and/or D plates in Wales), on public roads, but only when accompanied by an approved instructor on another motorcycle in radio contact.

You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your test.

Moped Licence Requirements

Mopeds are up to 50cc with a maximum speed of 50 kph.

To ride a moped, learners MUST

  • Be 16 or over
  • Have a provisional moped licence
  • Complete CBT training.

You MUST first pass the theory test for motorcycles and then the moped practical test to obtain your full moped licence.

If you have a full car licence you are qualified to ride a moped without L plates (and/or D plates in Wales), although it is recommended that you complete CBT before riding on the road. If you are unsure on any of the above please phone us for more infomation.