Learning to ride a motorcycle
You can apply for a provisional licence to ride mopeds / motorcycles from the age of 16. This page gives an overview of the requirements for each category.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate DL196.
It is a legal requirement for provisional licence holders to complete CBT to validate their licence. The certificate issued (DL196) is valid for 2 years. The CBT is a basic training course consisting of a combination of off and on road elements. The aim of the CBT is to improve road safety through structured training. If you need L Plates on your moped or motorcycle you MUST hold a valid CBT certificate.
If you aged 16 years and over.
You may ride a moped (category P ) on a public road with L plates providing you hold a valid provisional licence and CBT certificate DL196.
If you are aged 17 years and over.
You may ride a motorcycle up to 125cc (category A ) with L plates on a public road providing you have a valid provisional licence with category A entitlement, a valid CBT certificate or a valid full car licence with provisional entitlement for category A.
If you take and pass a motorcycle test on a 125cc motorcycle you will get full licence entitlement. You will also qualify to ride larger motorcycles if you have passed the hazard perception and theory test and modules 1 and 2 of the practical test.
You will then be entitled to ride a motorcycle that does not exceed 25KW (33BHP) for 2 years. After the 2 year period you may ride any motorcycle without taking further tests.
If you are aged 21 years and over
The Direct Access Scheme (DAS) is a fast track route to riding larger motorcycles. The scheme allows trainees to be taught on motorcycles above 35KW (46.6BHP) providing they are accompanied by a DAS trainer. To pass your Direct Access test you must pass Modules 1 and 2 of the practical test on a motorcycle over 35KW (46.6BHP). Having successfully passed the test you can ride any motorcycle. To apply for this test you must have passed the hazard perception and theory tests and hold a valid CBT certificate.
Accelerated Access
If you have taken a motorcycle test on a 125cc motorcycle and want to progress to larger motorcycles before the end of the 2 year restriction you may take a test on a large motorcycle (35KW (46.6BHP), providing you have reached 21 years old, to accelerate your access to larger motorcycles. To pass the Accelerated Access test you must pass modules 1 and 2 of the practical test. You do not need to re-take your CBT or theory test for this scheme.