Age Restrictions
What is the minimum age to ride a moped?
The minimum age to ride a moped is 16.
What is the minimum age to ride a motorcycle?
The minimum age is 17.
C.B.T.
What is compulsory basic training (CBT)?
CBT is a course of basic motorcycle training which must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride unaccompanied on the road with L-plates.
What does compulsory basic training (CBT) involve?
The course involves five elements:
- Introduction
- Practical on-site training
- Practical on-site riding
- Practical on-road training
- Practical on-road riding (you will go out on the road for a period of not less than two hours in radio contact with your instructor)
The five elements have to be completed in sequence, although the order of the exercises within the element can be varied. You will only move on to the next element when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.
What happens at the end of the CBT course?
When all five of elements have been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of completion (DL196) is issued.
How long is the CBT certificate valid for?
Certificates issued since 1 February 2001 are valid for two years. However, if you passed a car test on or after 1 February 2001 you will receive moped entitlement on your licence but will need to hold a valid CBT certificate on the date you passed your test or subsequently take CBT. In this instance your moped entitlement will be validated for your driving career.
Can I take compulsory basic training on a large machine if I am over 21 and intend to take a direct access test?
Yes.
Can I use a foreign licence to take compulsory basic training?
No. You must either obtain a UK provisional, or, if you hold an EU licence, obtain a UK counterpart licence.
Do all learner moped and motorcycle riders have to complete CBT?
If you passed a car test before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete CBT to ride a moped but you do have to take a CBT to ride a motorcycle.
However, if you passed your car test after 1 February 2001 and you wish to ride a moped or motorcycle you will need to complete CBT.
Theory Test
I want to take a motorcycle test and I already hold a full car licence. Do I need to take a theory test?
Yes. Your car licence does not exempt you from taking the motorcycle theory test.
Do I need to take a theory test?
UK licence holders
You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test. If however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not need to take a theory test, for example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test
Foreign licence holders
If you hold a full driving licence issued in the European Economic Area (EEA) you will not have to apply for a British driving licence. If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent GB licence.
You can contact the DVLA to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence. If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to apply for a provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.
Moped/Motorbike
What is the definition of a learner motor bicycle?
LEARNER MOTOR BICYCLE (S.97 RTA 1988)
A “learner motor bicycle” is a motor bicycle which either is propelled by electric power or has the following characteristics—
(a) the cylinder capacity of its engine does not exceed 125 cubic centimetres,
(b) the maximum net power output of its engine does not exceed eleven kilowatts.
What is the definition of a Moped?
MOPED (S.108 RTA 1988 as amended)
“moped” means a motor vehicle which has fewer than four wheels and—
(a) in the case of a vehicle the first use (as defined in regulations made for the purpose of section 97(3)(d) of this Act) of which occurred before 1st August 1977, has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres and is equipped with pedals by means of which the vehicle is capable of being propelled, and
(b) in any other case, has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour and, if propelled by an internal combustion engine, has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres.
Practical Test
What documents do I need to take to the practical test?
You will need to take your photocard licence and paper counterpart to the test centre.
If you have an old-style paper licence you will also need to take a suitable form of photographic
- Identity card
- Passport
- Employer’s identity card
- Student union card
- Trade union card
- School bus pass
- A card issued in connection with purchasing rail tickets, or
- A photograph which has been endorsed with a certificate in the prescribed form signed by an acceptable person.
- Theory test certificate
- CBT certificate
What restrictions are there when I first pass my motorcycle test (progressive)?
A standard motorcycle test pass restricts the full licence holder to machines of a set maximum power dependant upon which of the tests have been passed (AM, A1, A2, or A)
Who can sign a photograph to be used as identity on a driving test?
A bank official, a certified motorcycle instructor, a commissioned officer in her Majesty’s Forces, an established civil servant, an ADI, a local authority councillor, a Justice of the Peace, a doctor, a Member of Parliament, a minister of religion, a police officer, a solicitor, a barrister or a teacher.