Annex 2 - Motorcycle licence requirements
Information and rules about motorcycle licence requirements.
Motorcycle licence requirements
If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
You can then ride unaccompanied on the public road a motorcycle up to 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kW, with L plates (in Wales either D plates or L plates, or both, can be used), for up to two years.
To ride a moped, learners MUST
- be 16 or over
- have a provisional moped licence
- complete CBT training.
You can then ride unaccompanied on the public road a two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), with L plates (in Wales either D plates or L plates, or both, can be used), for up to two years.
You MUST first pass the theory test for motorcycles and then the moped practical test to obtain your full moped licence.
Note.If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 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 passed your car driving test after this date you MUST complete CBT before riding a moped on the road.
Licence categories for mopeds and motorcycles
Category AM (moped) – minimum age 16
- two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph)
- three- or four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed over 25 km/h (15.5 mph), up to 50 cc and with a power output not exceeding 4 kW.
Category A1 – minimum age 17
- motorcycles up to 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kW
- tricycles with a power output not exceeding 15 kW.
Category A2 – minimum age 19
- motorcycles with a power output not exceeding 35 kW.
Category A
- any motorcycle (the minimum age you can obtain a category A licence is 21 under progressive access or 24 under direct access)
- tricycles with a power output over 15 kW (minimum age 21).
Progressive access is a process that allows a rider to take a higher-category practical test if they already have at least two years’ experience on a lower-category motorcycle. For example, if you have held a category A2 licence for a minimum of two years, you can take the category A practical test at age 21. There is no requirement to take another theory test.
If you want to learn to ride motorcycles larger than 125 cc and with a power output over 11 kW, you MUST meet the minimum age requirements, satisfactorily complete a CBT course and be accompanied by an approved instructor on another motorcycle in radio contact.
To obtain your full moped or motorcycle licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and modules 1 and 2 practical tests on a two-wheeled motorcycle.
You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your test. Also see Rule 253 covering vehicles prohibited from motorways.
Motorcycle Licence Requirements: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
The key areas are CBT, provisional riding, licence categories, progression to larger motorcycles and the tests required for a full licence.
Complete CBT before riding as a learner
If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete Compulsory Basic Training before riding as a learner on the public road.
Think licence first, then motorcycle
Before riding a motorcycle as a learner, check that your licence, CBT status and the motorcycle you intend to ride all meet the applicable requirements.
What does CBT allow?
A common test trap is treating CBT as a full motorcycle licence. CBT is a learner requirement; it does not by itself give you a full licence.
Know the learner requirements
To ride a moped as a learner, you must meet the applicable minimum age requirement, hold the appropriate provisional licence and complete CBT.
Separate learner rules from full licence rules
The conditions for learning to ride are not the same as the requirements for obtaining a full moped or motorcycle licence.
What tests are needed for a full licence?
Remember the sequence: a full moped or motorcycle licence involves the required theory test and the applicable practical test requirements.
AM, A1, A2 and A are different
The categories cover different types and levels of moped, motorcycle and tricycle entitlement. The applicable category depends on the vehicle and the rider's circumstances.
Match the category to the vehicle
Do not choose a licence category simply because a motorcycle looks larger or smaller. Category requirements depend on factors such as engine capacity, power and vehicle type.
What is progressive access?
Progressive access allows an experienced rider who already holds a lower motorcycle category for the required period to progress to a higher category through the applicable practical test route.
Learning on a larger motorcycle
If you want to learn on a motorcycle outside the basic learner range, additional age, CBT and supervision requirements can apply.
Check supervision requirements
When learning on a larger motorcycle, make sure you meet the applicable supervision requirements. An approved instructor and radio contact may be required.
What can't a learner do?
Before passing the required test, remember the restrictions on carrying a pillion passenger and pulling a trailer.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Motorcycle licence questions often test the difference between learner requirements, licence categories and full licence tests.
Motorcycle Licence Requirements: Theory Test FAQ
What is CBT for motorcycle learners?
Compulsory Basic Training is a required learner training course. A rider with a provisional motorcycle licence must satisfactorily complete CBT before riding under the applicable learner conditions.
Does passing CBT give you a full motorcycle licence?
No. CBT allows you to meet the learner-training requirement. A full motorcycle licence requires the applicable theory and practical tests.
What licence categories are used for motorcycles and mopeds?
The main categories covered here are AM, A1, A2 and A. Each category has its own vehicle and eligibility requirements, so the correct category depends on the vehicle and rider's circumstances.
What is progressive access for motorcycle licences?
Progressive access is a route to a higher motorcycle category based on qualifying experience with a lower category, followed by the applicable practical test. It can avoid the need for another theory test where the rules allow it.
Can a motorcycle learner carry a pillion passenger?
No. The Highway Code states that a learner must not carry a pillion passenger before passing the required test.
Can a motorcycle learner pull a trailer?
No. A learner must not pull a trailer until the required test has been passed.
What tests are required for a full motorcycle licence?
You must pass the motorcycle theory test and the applicable practical test stages. The exact route depends on the licence category and your circumstances.
Can I learn to ride a larger motorcycle?
Yes, but additional requirements can apply depending on the motorcycle and your licence status. These can include minimum-age, CBT and approved-instructor supervision requirements.
What is the difference between A1, A2 and A?
They are different motorcycle licence categories with different eligibility and vehicle requirements. The higher categories generally allow access to more powerful motorcycles, subject to the current rules.
Do I need another theory test when using progressive access?
Where the progressive-access rules apply, a rider who qualifies through the lower-category route does not need to take another theory test before the higher-category practical test.