In the UK, you are required by law to have the right motorcycle license to ride your motorcycle on a public road.
Depending on the severity, the penalty for riding a motorcycle without a license in the UK can be up to £1,000, 3 to 6 penalty points on your license, disqualification from driving, or even imprisonment.
If you plan to ride a moped, motor tricycle, or light quadricycle, you only need a CBT and provisional license. The process is quick: CBT takes only one day, and you can mostly get your provisional license in a week.
A provisional driving license costs £34 to apply online or £43 by post, and CBT costs between £120-£250. With these, you can ride your 125cc motorcycle with L plates, no pillion, and no highways with an investment of £154-£295.
P.S. Don’t forget to wear motorcycle protective gear like helmet, gloves and boots before leaving for a long ride.
Use this guide to fully understand UK motorcycle licenses, types, processes, costs, and the time it takes to get your license.
What are the different motorcycle licenses in the UK?
This table will help you understand the different types of motorcycle licenses in the UK, their requirements, and the type of motorcycle/moped/tricycle you can ride with that license.
You can get a provisional license with a CBT and a theory test only.
| Vehicle Type | License Category | License Requirements | Minimum Age |
| Mopeds with speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h | AM | Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test on all powered 2-wheeled moped | 16 |
| Small 3-wheelers (up to 50 cc and below 4 kW) | AM | CBT, theory test, practical test | 16 |
| Light quadricycles (weighing under 350 kg, top speed 45 km/h) | AM | CBT, theory test, practical test | 16 |
| Same as AM plus 2 or 3-wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h | Q | Granted with AM | 16 |
| Light motorcycle up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc | A1 | CBT, theory test, practical test | 17 |
| Motor tricycles with a power output not more than 15 kW | A1 | CBT, theory test, practical test | 17 |
| Standard motorcycle up to 35 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2 kW per kg), bike must not be derived from vehicle more than twice its power | A2 | Direct access route – theory and practical Progressive access route – 2 years experience on A1 motorbike and a further practical test | 19 |
| Unrestricted motorcycles in size/power, with or without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with power output over 15 kW | A | Direct access route – CBT, theory and practical (you must be at least 24) Progressive access route – held an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years – practical test (21 or over) | 24 (direct) or 21 (progressive access) |
Pro Tip: You will need to wear a SHARP-certified motorcycle helmet to ride a moped, motorcycle, trike, or EPAC. Shop your first motorcycle helmet here.
How to get a motorcycle license in the UK?
The minimum age for getting a motorcycle license in the UK is 16 years. The type of British motorbike licence you can get depends on your age, the bike you want to ride, your current motorcycle licence (if any), and the theory/practical tests you have passed so far.
Let’s look at the process of getting your first motorcycle license.
AM Mopeds Licence: Age 16 or Above or People with a Car Licence
If you are at least 16 or have a car license, the Government allows you to ride a moped with L plates, but the moped can’t be more than 50cc and should be below 4kw. You can also carry a pillion passenger if you have completed theory and passed practical tests.
This is called an AM mopeds licence.
Here is what the step-by-step process will look like for you at the age of 16.
- Complete CBT and get a provisional license.
- With this, you can ride a moped under 50cc, but you can’t take a pillion passenger.
- After CBT, pass the theory test and get a certification.
- Pass a 2-part practical test under 50cc and below 4kW.
- Now, you can also take a pillion passenger with you.
If you are older but you have never ridden a bike, and you have a car license, you only need a CBT certificate to ride a moped up to 50cc. You can get a CBT certificate in one day.
Car licence also works as a provisional licence for motorcycles. Ask your instructor for more details.
A1 Light Motorcycle Licence: 17 Years or Above
If you are at 17 or above, you can ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and not exceeding 11kW without L plates and carry a pillion passenger with an A1 Light Motorcycle licence.
Here is a step-by-step process for getting an A1 light motorcycle license.
- Complete CBT and get a provisional license.
- After CBT, pass the theory test and get a certification.
- Pass the 2-part practical test on a bike between 120 cc and 125 cc and not exceeding 11kW.
- Now, you can ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and not exceeding 11kW without L plates and take a pillion passenger with you.
For a rider, the only eligibility difference between an AM moped licence and an A1 light motorcycle licence is age. Otherwise, the process is the same.
A2 Motorcycle Licence: 19 Years or Above
If you are 19 or older, you can get an A2 motorcycle licence. You can ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35kW with an A2 licence.
In terms of engine size or cc, the motorcycle will be approximately under 500cc.
This is a step-by-step process for getting an A2 motorcycle licence. There can be three starting points for an A2.
Without any Licence
- Get CBT training and a provisional licence.
- Pass the theory test and get a certificate
- Pass a 2-part practical test on a bike at least 245cc and between 20kW and 35kW.
- Get an A2 licence and ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35kW.
With an A1 Licence Held for Less than 2 Years
- Pass the theory test and get certified.
- Pass a 2-part practical test on a bike at least 245cc and between 20kW and 35kW.
- Get an A2 licence and ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35kW.
Full A1 Licence Held for 2 Years
- Pass 2 part practical test on a bike at least 245cc and between 20kW and 35kW – you must pass module 2 within 6 months of passing module 1.
- Get an A2 licence and ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35kW.
Category A Motorcycle Licence: Age 21-23
You need to be at least 21 to 23 years old to get a category A motorcycle licence.
You can ride a motorcycle of any size with a category A motorcycle licence.
If you have had full A2 licence for more than two years, you can get category A licence by passing the 2-part practical test on a motorcycle of least 595cc and at least 50kW with a minimum kerb weight of 180kg – you must pass module 2 within 6 months of passing module 1.
If you don’t have a full A2 licence, you can’t ride a category A motorcycle. All you can do is wait until you turn 24.
When you have held a full A2 licence for more than 2 years, you can get a category A motorcycle licence by passing a 2-part practical test.
Category A, Full Motorcycle Licence: 24 Years or over
You can ride any motorcycle with a category A full motorcycle licence. You can ride with a pillion passenger and on the motorways too.
There are four ways to get a category A full motorcycle licence.
No full A1 or A2 licence:
- Get a CBT certificate if you don’t have it already.
- Pass motorcycle theory test.
- Pass 2 part practical test on a motorcycle at least 595cc and at least 50kW, with a minimum kerb weight of 180kg
- Get a Full A motorcycle licence.
With Full A1 Licence:
- Pass the motorcycle theory test
- Pass 2 part practical test on a motorcycle at least 595cc and at least 50kW, with a minimum kerb weight of 180kg
- Get a Full A motorcycle licence.
Full A2 licence held for less than 2 years:
- Pass the motorcycle theory test.
- Pass 2 part practical test on a motorcycle at least 595cc and at least 50kW, with a minimum kerb weight of 180kg
- Get a Full A motorcycle licence.
Full A2 licence held for more than 2 years: Pass a 2-part practical test on a motorcycle at least 595cc and at least 50kW with a minimum kerb weight of 180kg – you must pass module 2 within 6 months of passing module 1.
You can ride any motorcycle of your choice with a Full A licence.
Cost of Motorcycle License UK
The cost of a motorcycle license varies depending on the licence type and the route you take to obtain it.
Here is a brief overview of the costs of different types of motorcycle licences in the UK.
- UK Provisional Licence Cost= £34 (or £43 via post)
- CBT Training/Certificate Cost= £130-£170
- Motorcycle Theory Test Cost= £23
- Motorcycle Practical Test Module One Cost= £15.50
- Motorcycle Practical Test Module Two Cost= £75 (£88.50 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays)
- A1 Licence Course Cost= £400-£600
- A2 Licence Course Cost= £500-£1,100
- Direct Access Course = £690-£1,150
Please note that the costs can change at any time. Please make sure to check with relevant authorities to confirm the latest fees and costs before proceeding.
Motorcycle License Plate Size UK
DVLA UK determines motorcycle number plate sizes, specs, and details. Here is a brief overview of the most important rules & regulations regarding the number plates.
British motorcycle number plates have black text on a yellow background.
- Registration information can be over two lines if your bike was registered after September 1st, 2001.
- Registration information can be over three lines if your was registered before September 1st, 2001.
- It is illegal to have all text in one line on a motorcycle licence plate.
- Licence plates need to be made with reflective material without any pattern in the background.
- Legally required to show the postcode and name of the number plate supplier.
- Flat 3D effect fonts and some flags are allowed.
- Motorcycle licence plate size is not regulated but the letters are. The registration characters must be 64mm in height with width of 44mm.
- Standard UK motorcycle licence plate size is 230mm x 178mm.
- You only need a rear motorcycle number plate if your motorcycle, tricycle, or moped was registered after September 1st, 2001.
- You can have a side-mounted number plate as long as it meets the visibility criteria.
- You can have a personalised motorcycle number plate in these formats.
- 2 letters + 2 numbers + 3 letters (e.g., AA90 XYZ)
- 1 letter + 1 to 3 numbers + 3 letters (e.g., A2 AAA, A21 AAA, A213 AAA)
- 3 letters + 1 to 3 numbers + 1 letter (e.g., AHX 1A, AHX 11A, AHX 111A)
- 1, 2, or 3 letters/numbers in different combinations (e.g., ARF 1)
125cc Motorcycle License UK
In the UK, you can ride a 125cc motorcycle with a power output of up to 11kW licence with an A1 licence. You need to be at least 17 years old.
You can also ride a 125cc motorcycle with a car licence, but you can’t take it to the road. You’ll need a CBT and provisional license to ride your 125cc on the road.
Click here for more information on applying for a provisional motorcycle licence.
You’ll need to pass theory and practice tests to carry a pillion passenger and ride on the motorways.
If you are above 24, you can directly apply for a full motorcycle licence. Get a provisional motorcycle licence, CBT certificate, and theory test, and pass the practice test to get the Full A motorcycle license. You can ride any bike with a Full A licence.
3 Wheel Motorcycle License UK
The type of licence you need depends on the power of your motor tricycle.
You can ride trikes up to 15kW with an A1 licence. You need to be at least 17 years old for an A1 licence.
For a trike of more than 15 kW, you’ll need a Full A licence. You need to be at least 24 years old for a Full A licence.
You’ll first need to get a provisional licence and CBT certificate to pursue any certificate.
Electric Motorcycle License UK
All electric vehicles, including motorcycles, need a licence.
The legal term for these vehicles is EPAC (Electrically assisted pedal cycle).
Licence rules for electric motorcycles are similar to other motorcycles, mopeds, and tricycles.
You’ll need a CBT and provisional licence to ride electric mopeds under 28mph.
For an electric motorcycle with a top speed of over 28mph, you’ll need a valid CBT or a full motorcycle licence. These vehicles are classified as L3e-A1.
However, some EPACs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles) do not require a license if they meet specific criteria (e.g., maximum power output of 250W).
UK Motorcycle License in the USA
Your UK motorcycle licence is valid in the USA for up to three months. You’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a tourist visa.
You’ll also need valid insurance to ride a motorcycle in almost all states in the USA. Friends and family or motorcycle rental companies can help you with that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to get a motorcycle license in the UK?
The minimum age depends on the licence category you are going for. You can ride a moped and start your CBT from age 16 with an AM licence. From age 17, you can obtain an A1 license for motorcycles up to 125cc. The A2 license, which covers bikes up to 35kW, is available from age 19. A full unrestricted Category A license is available from age 21 via the progressive access route (after holding an A2 for two years), or from age 24 via the direct access route with no prior motorcycle license required.
What is a CBT and do I need one to ride in the UK?
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. It is a one-day course — not a formal pass/fail test — that every new rider in the UK must complete before riding on public roads. Once you finish it, you receive a DL196 certificate that allows you to ride a 125cc motorcycle with L plates for up to two years. CBT typically costs between £130 and £170, though prices vary by provider and location. Rider Magazine If you do not obtain a full licence within those two years, you must retake the CBT. You do not need a CBT if you hold a full car licence obtained before 1 February 2001 and only wish to ride a 50cc moped.
How much does it cost to get a full motorcycle licence in the UK?
The total cost varies depending on the licence category and how much training you need. The core fixed costs are: provisional licence at £34 online, theory test at £23, Module 1 practical test at £15.50, and Module 2 at £75 on weekdays (£88.50 on evenings and weekends). On top of these, CBT costs between £130 and £170, and a full training course such as Direct Access Scheme training typically runs from £690 to £1,150. The minimum you can expect to spend getting road-legal on a 125cc with CBT and a provisional licence is around £154 to £295, while the full A licence route via direct access can total over £1,000 depending on your location and the school you choose.
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a car licence in the UK?
If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates and without taking a CBT or moped test. Motorcycle Legal Foundation If you passed after that date, your car licence counts as a provisional motorcycle licence — but you still need to complete a CBT before riding anything on the road. Once you have your CBT, you can ride up to a 125cc motorcycle with L plates. To ride anything larger, you must pass the theory test and the relevant practical modules for the licence category you are aiming for.
What is the difference between the A1, A2, and full A motorcycle licence in the UK?
The three categories differ by power restriction, age requirement, and what you can ride. An A1 licence (from age 17) covers motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW — useful for commuting and removes the need to renew your CBT every two years. An A2 licence (from age 19) allows motorcycles up to 35kW, roughly equivalent to most bikes under 500cc, giving access to a much broader range of machines. A full Category A licence (from age 21 via progressive access, or 24 via direct access) removes all power restrictions entirely, allowing you to ride any motorcycle of any size. You are not obligated to progress through every category — many riders get their A2 and stay there permanently.
What is the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) and is it the fastest route to a full licence?
The Direct Access Scheme allows riders aged 24 or over to go straight from a CBT to a full Category A licence without first obtaining an A1 or A2. Training costs for the A licence via direct access start from around £800, and the practical tests must be carried out on a motorcycle producing at least 40kW and over 595cc. It is the fastest route to an unrestricted licence if you are old enough, but it is not suitable for complete novices with no prior riding experience — most schools recommend at least some riding background before attempting DAS. Riders under 24 must follow the progressive route through A1 and A2 categories instead.
Are there plans to change the motorcycle licence system in the UK in 2026?
Yes — significant reforms are under consultation, though nothing has changed yet as of early 2026. The DVSA launched a major consultation in January 2026 exploring changes including a “progressive access via training” route, which would let riders upgrade from A2 to a full A licence by completing a training course rather than retaking Module 1 and Module 2 tests. Other proposals include adding a theory element to CBT, restricting automatic CBT certificates to automatic bikes only, and discouraging riders from indefinitely renewing their CBT without progressing to a full licence. Even if reforms are approved after the consultation closes, expect at least 18 months before any changes become law. Riders should proceed with training under the current system as normal.
Do I need a separate licence for an electric motorcycle in the UK?
Yes. Electric motorcycles in the UK require the same licence categories as petrol-powered bikes — the classification is based on the vehicle’s power output and top speed, not its fuel type. You need a CBT and provisional licence to ride an electric moped under 28mph. For an electric motorcycle capable of over 28mph, you need either a valid CBT or a full motorcycle licence. The exception is EPACs (electrically assisted pedal cycles) with a maximum continuous power output of 250W and a maximum assisted speed of 15.5mph — these do not require a licence or insurance. For anything beyond that threshold, standard motorcycle licensing rules apply.
Is a UK motorcycle licence valid in the USA?
A UK motorcycle licence is valid in the USA for short visits, but the rules vary by state. Generally, you can ride for up to three months on your UK licence alongside an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you should obtain before travelling. You will also need valid motorcycle insurance in almost every state, which rental companies or friends can help arrange. If you plan to stay longer or live in the USA, you will need to obtain a US state motorcycle licence through that state’s local process, as UK licences are not permanently transferable.
