Your provisional licence

Before you begin your motorcycle training, you must have a provisional licence with Category A entitlement, or a full car licence with Category A provisional entitlement.

It is also worthwhile having an eyesight test to check that you meet the minimum eyesight standard for riding.

Minimum ages

The minimum age, which you can legally, ride a moped on the public roads is 16, when supported with a valid CBT certificate.

The minimum age for a 125cc is 17 again if supported with a valid CBT certificate.

Until the day you pass the practical part of the riding test, learner restrictions apply, you must display 'L' Plates, you cannot carry a passenger and you cannot ride on a motorway.

The tests

The process of getting your full motorcycle test involves passing three elements: the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT); the two-part theory test and the practical driving test.

What is a CBT?

This is Compulsory Basic Training, and is the starting point for learning to ride. It validates the provisional portion of your licence allowing you to ride a moped or 125cc (If 17 or over) with 'L' Plates. The CBT must be completed successfully before progressing onto a Part II or a DAS Course. It is generally a 1-day course (although it can take longer) introducing you to all the basics of learning to ride in an off-road area and culminates in a minimum of a 2-Hour on road session.

What size of bike can I ride with a CBT certificate?

It depends upon your age at 16 you can ride up to a 50cc moped at 17 or over you can ride up to a 125cc. The CBT is valid for two years. If you have not successfully passed both your theory and practical tests within two years, you will have to retake the CBT.

Even if you already have a full car licence, you must successfully complete a CBT course before riding a 125CC with L plates.

If you passed your car test prior to February 2001 you can ride a 50cc moped without 'L' plates. If you passed after this date you must successfully complete a CBT first before riding a moped.

Full details of the CBT are here and here.

The Tests

In order to get your full drivers licence you must pass both the two-part theory test and the practical driving test.

The Theory test consists of a hazard perception test followed by a multiple choice test based on the Highway Code.

As the motorcycle theory test examines road use from the perspective of the motorcyclist, you will have to pass it before you can be allowed to sit you practical test, even if you have already passed the car Theory test.

Your theory test Certificate of Completion is valid for two years. If you have not successfully passed your practical test within that time, you will have to retake the Theory test.

Full details of the theory test are here and here.

The practical test is a 40min practical riding examination taken with a Driving Standards Agency examiner.

Full details of the requirements of the practical test are here and here.

Direct Access or Restricted Access?

After completing the CBT, learner riders have two options, based on their age: Direct Access for riders over the age of 21, and Restricted Access.

Direct Access is only available to riders aged 21 years and older. Passing your test on a machine producing 46.6BHP or more (typically a 500cc) allows you to ride any size of machine once you have passed your test.

More details are here.

Restricted Access means you have sat your test on a 125cc motorcycle. This would restrict you to a machine having a power output, which does not exceed 33BHP. Restrictor kits can be fitted to machines with a more powerful output.

This restriction lasts for a 2-year period, at the end of the restriction period any size machine can be ridden. Restricted access is popular for those under 21, or those who lack the physical attributes to ride a larger machine, or for those who do not wish to have access to a large powerful machine straight away.