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.

Author's Explanation

Motorcycle Licence Requirements Explained (Annex 2)

Before riding a motorcycle or moped on UK roads, riders must have the correct licence entitlement and complete the required training. Learners with a provisional motorcycle licence must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before riding independently on public roads.

The type of motorcycle a rider can use depends on their licence category, age and experience. Different categories limit engine size and power output, helping riders gain skills gradually before moving on to larger and more powerful motorcycles.

To gain a full motorcycle licence, riders must pass the motorcycle theory test and complete the required practical tests. Until the test is passed, learners must follow restrictions such as displaying L plates and not carrying passengers or towing trailers.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A new rider with a provisional licence completes CBT training before riding a 125cc motorcycle on the road with L plates.

Example 2: A 17-year-old rider chooses a Category A1 motorcycle because it matches the permitted engine size and power limits for their licence.

Example 3: A learner rider waits until passing the practical motorcycle test before carrying a passenger on the back of the motorcycle.

Example 4: An experienced A2 licence holder with at least two years of experience takes progressive access training to move to a higher motorcycle category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBT training required before riding a motorcycle?

Yes. Riders with a provisional motorcycle licence must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before riding a motorcycle independently on public roads.

Can a learner rider carry a passenger?

No. Learner motorcycle riders must not carry a pillion passenger until they have passed their motorcycle test.

What is the difference between A1, A2 and Category A licences?

These categories allow different motorcycle sizes and power levels. A1 is for smaller motorcycles, A2 allows medium power motorcycles, and Category A covers larger motorcycles subject to age and experience requirements.

What tests are needed for a full motorcycle licence?

Riders must pass the motorcycle theory test and complete practical tests including modules 1 and 2 on a suitable two-wheeled motorcycle.