Compulsory Basic Training
It is a legal requirement that everyone should undertake Compulsory Basic Training before using a motorcycle or scooter on the public roads. The CBT is not a test but a minimum of one day's training on how to operate a motorcycle or scooter safely. Training is carried out at an approved training centre and on the road. Providing the instructor is satisfied that a student has reached a minimum safe standard, a CBT certificate will be issued. The certificate is valid for two years. If a practical test is not passed within this time the CBT must be retaken.
Note: It is not a legal requirement to complete a CBT to ride a moped if you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001. Despite this, the DSA recommend that you do so.
Further information about the CBT can be found here.
Theory Test
It is now a requirement to have passed a motorcycle theory test before booking a practical test. Further information about the theory test can be found here.
Practical Test
You can take a practical test on either a 125cc motorcyle/scooter or if you are over 21, a 500cc motorcycle. If the machine you pass the test on is fitted with an automatic gearbox (like most scooters) your full licence will restrict you to only those machines. Further information about the practical test can be found here.
Licences
There are three catagories of motorcycle licence, P,
A1 and A. The differences are detailed below.
Licence |
Min Age |
Description |
P |
16 |
Mopeds with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50km/h. |
A1 |
17 |
Light motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125cc and a power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp). |
A |
17 |
Motorcycles up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. Motorcycle combination with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. For riders over 21 see Direct Access section below.
Once a rider has held this licence for 2 years, they may ride any motorcycle with or without a sidecar, irrespective of engine size and power. |
Further information about driving licence types can be found here.
Direct Access Scheme
Riders over 21 may ride any motorcycle with or without a sidecar, irrespective of engine size and power provided they pass the practical test on a large motorcycle (power output over 25 kW ( 33bhp).
