The licensing structure has changed in recent years causing some confusion, however this simple document may help you understand it.
It is worth noting that if you hold a FULL UK driving licence for a car and you passed your test before January 2000 you already have FULL MO-PED (category AM) entitlement on your licence. Furthermore, you are not obliged to complete a CBT course but we strongly recommend that you do.
Don’t yet have a license? Apply for a provisional licence, forms available from https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
Riding a two wheeler is significantly different to steering a car.
16 Years old
1. Apply for a provisional licence, forms available from https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
2. Complete a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course with your local riding school. This is valid for two years.
You can now ride a moped as a provisional licence holder. You will have to display ‘L’ plates front and rear and you are not entitled to carry a passenger.
3. If you wish you can proceed to obtain a full MO-PED licence, category AM, you will need to complete and pass an on line theory (valid for two years) and then complete two practical tests, Module 1 off road and Module 2 on road observed tests.
If successful you can now throw away the L plates and you are entitled to carry a passenger.
A MO-PED is defined as a two wheeled vehicle with an engine no larger than 49cc and a top speed of 28 mph.
17-19 Year olds
If you don’t already have a provisional license you can apply for one here! Apply for a provisional licence, forms available from https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
- If necessary complete a CBT course (don’t forget that these are valid for TWO years if you did one at 16)
You can now ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc as a provisional license holder. You will have to display ‘L’ plates front and rear and you will NOT be entitled to carry a passenger.
OR
You can proceed to take your A1 licence.
As before you will need to complete and pass an on-line theory test followed by two practical assessments. Module 1 off road and Module 2 on road. Once completed this will allow you ride your 125 cc without ‘L’ plates and you will be allowed to carry a passenger.
19-24 Years old
- If necessary complete a CBT course (don’t forget that these are valid for TWO years)
- Complete an on-line theory test. (don’t forget that these are also valid for TWO years)
OR if you have already held an A1 licence for at least two years you are exempt from repeating this test.
- You can now move on to taking the two Practical tests, Module 1 off road and Module 2 on road.
If successful you now have an A2 licence which entitles you to ride any motorcycle up to 35KW (46.6 BHP).
You can discard your L plates and can carry a passenger. You can also ride any motorcycle that can be RESTRICTED to these power limits. Restrictor kits are available for most makes and models and
we can obtain and fit them for you.
Please ask for details.
24 Years old plus
If you are new to motorcycling you will need the following
- A provisional license. (Don’t Forget your Full car license is also a provisional motorcycle license
- You will need to complete a CBT course
- Complete the on line Theory test
- (Both of these are valid for two years if you’ve already completed them)
- Complete two practical assessments; Module 1 off road and Module 2 on road
This is the final barrier, You now have your full category A motorcycle license and you are entitled to ride any motorcycle without restrictions and carry a passenger. Congratulations.