So, how old do you need to be to ride a motorbike? The simple answer is that the minimum age motorcycle is 16, but this only lets you ride a small moped. The legal riding age motorbike for bigger bikes goes up as you get older and get more training. This guide tells you all about the motorcycle license age rules in the UK. We look at the age limit for moped riding, the age for riding a 125cc motorbike, and much more. Getting a provisional motorcycle license age depends on the bike size you want to ride. We will cover all the motorbike license requirements by age.
Let’s find out the UK motorbike riding age rules.
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Discovering the Starting Age: 16 Years Old
You can start riding on the road when you are 16 years old. But there are rules about what you can ride. At 16, you can only ride a moped.
What is a moped?
* It has an engine no bigger than 50cc.
* It goes no faster than 28 miles per hour (45 km/h).
To ride a moped at 16, you need to do something first. It is called Compulsory Basic Training, or CBT.
Grasping Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
CBT is a training course. Everyone who wants to ride a motorbike or moped must do it. It does not matter if you are 16 or 60. You need to do CBT first.
What happens on the CBT day?
* You learn about motorbike safety gear.
* You learn how the motorbike works.
* You practice riding in a safe place away from roads.
* You practice riding on the road with an instructor.
The CBT is not a test you pass or fail. It is training. When your instructor thinks you are safe to ride on L-plates, they give you a CBT certificate. This certificate is called a DL196.
The CBT Motorbike Age Connection
The CBT motorbike age requirement is 16. If you are 16, you can do your CBT on a moped. Once you have your CBT certificate, you can ride a moped on the road.
What can you do with a CBT at 16?
* Ride a moped (up to 50cc, top speed 28 mph).
* You must display L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) on the front and back of your moped.
* You cannot carry a passenger.
* You cannot ride on motorways.
The CBT certificate lasts for 2 years. After 2 years, you must do your CBT again. Or you can take tests to get a full motorbike license. Getting a full license means you do not need to do CBT again. It also means you do not need L-plates anymore. And you can carry a passenger and ride on motorways (depending on the license type).
Stepping Up at 17: 125cc Motorbikes
When you turn 17, more doors open for riding motorbikes. At 17, you can ride bigger bikes than a moped. You can ride a light motorcycle.
What is a light motorcycle?
* It has an engine no bigger than 125cc.
* Its engine power is no more than 11kW (about 14.7 horsepower).
* Its power-to-weight ratio is no more than 0.1 kW per kg.
To ride a 125cc motorbike at 17, you still need to do CBT.
Age for Riding a 125cc Motorbike
The main age for riding a 125cc motorbike is 17. If you did your CBT on a moped at 16, you can use that same CBT certificate. But you should train on a 125cc bike to get used to it. Most training schools use 125cc bikes for CBT for people aged 17 and older.
Once you have your CBT certificate and you are 17:
* You can ride a 125cc motorbike.
* You must display L-plates (or D-plates).
* You cannot carry a passenger.
* You cannot ride on motorways.
Again, your CBT certificate is only good for 2 years. If you do not get a full license within 2 years, you must do CBT again.
To stop using L-plates and restrictions, you need to get a full motorbike license. The first full motorbike license you can get at 17 is the A1 license.
Getting the A1 Motorcycle License
The A1 license is for light motorcycles (up to 125cc). To get this license at 17, you must:
1. Have a provisional motorcycle license.
2. Complete your CBT course.
3. Pass the motorbike theory test.
4. Pass the practical motorbike test (Module 1 and Module 2).
Let’s look at these steps.
Provisional Motorcycle License Age for A1
You can apply for a provisional motorcycle license when you are 17. This provisional license is needed before you can take the theory and practical tests. It proves you are allowed to learn to ride bigger bikes.
Passing the Theory Test
The theory test checks your knowledge of the Highway Code. It also checks your hazard perception skills. You must pass this test before you can book your practical tests. You can take the theory test any time after you turn 17.
Passing the Practical Tests
The practical motorbike test has two parts:
* Module 1: This is off-road. You show you can control the motorbike. It includes things like riding slowly, doing U-turns, and emergency braking.
* Module 2: This is on-road. An examiner follows you. They watch how you ride in different traffic situations.
You must pass Module 1 before you can take Module 2.
Once you pass both Module 1 and Module 2 at age 17 on a 125cc bike, you get your A1 license.
What can you do with an A1 license?
* Ride motorbikes up to 125cc (max 11kW).
* No need for L-plates.
* You can carry a passenger.
* You can ride on motorways.
This is a full license, but it only lets you ride smaller motorbikes.
Moving to Bigger Bikes: Age 19
If you want to ride a medium-sized motorbike, you need to wait until you are 19. At 19, you can apply for the A2 license.
What is an A2 motorcycle?
* Its engine power is no more than 35kW (about 46.6 horsepower).
* Its power-to-weight ratio is no more than 0.2 kW per kg.
* It must not be a bike changed from a much more powerful bike (its original power should not be more than double the 35kW limit).
To get an A2 license at 19, you have two paths.
Path 1: Direct Access at 19
This is the quickest way if you start at 19.
1. Have a provisional motorcycle license.
2. Complete your CBT (if you haven’t got a full license already).
3. Pass the motorbike theory test (if you haven’t passed it or need a new one).
4. Pass the practical motorbike test (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A2 legal bike (minimum 35kW, minimum 250cc).
This process is similar to getting the A1 license, but you take the tests on a bigger bike.
What can you do with an A2 license?
* Ride motorbikes up to 35kW.
* No need for L-plates.
* You can carry a passenger.
* You can ride on motorways.
The A2 license is sometimes called the “restricted” license. This is because it restricts you to bikes up to 35kW.
Path 2: Progressive Access from A1
If you got your A1 license at 17, you do not have to wait until 19 to get a bigger license. You can use the progressive access route. After you have held your A1 license for 2 years, you can take the A2 practical tests.
If you get your A1 at 17, you will be 19 when you have had it for 2 years. So, you can take your A2 tests at 19.
1. Have held your A1 license for 2 years.
2. You do not need CBT again (because you have a full license).
3. You do not need the theory test again (if you passed it for your A1).
4. Pass the practical motorbike test (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A2 legal bike.
This path is often easier because you already have riding experience from your A1 license.
Riding Any Motorbike: Age 24 or Older
This is the final step for motorbike riders. It lets you ride any motorbike, no matter how big or powerful the engine. This is called the A license or the “unrestricted” license.
What is allowed with an A license?
* Ride any motorbike of any engine size or power.
* No L-plates needed.
* You can carry a passenger.
* You can ride on motorways.
To get the A license, you need to be at least 24 years old. Like the A2, there are two ways to get it.
Path 1: Direct Access at 24
This is for people who start riding later or did not go through the A1 and A2 licenses. If you are 24 or older, you can go straight for the full A license.
1. Have a provisional motorcycle license.
2. Complete your CBT (if needed).
3. Pass the motorbike theory test (if needed).
4. Pass the practical motorbike test (Module 1 and Module 2) on a bike for the A license. This bike must be at least 595cc and have engine power of at least 40kW (about 53.6 horsepower).
Passing these tests on a big bike gives you the A license.
Path 2: Progressive Access from A2
If you got your A2 license at 19 or later, you can get your A license sooner than 24. After you have held your A2 license for 2 years, you can take the A license practical tests.
Example: If you got your A2 license at 19, you will be 21 when you have had it for 2 years. You can take your A license tests at 21.
1. Have held your A2 license for 2 years.
2. You do not need CBT again.
3. You do not need the theory test again.
4. Pass the practical motorbike test (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A legal bike (minimum 595cc, at least 40kW).
This progressive path rewards riders who start earlier and gain experience on smaller bikes first. It means you do not always have to wait until 24 for an unrestricted license. The minimum age using this path is 21, provided you got your A2 at 19.
Summary of Motorbike License Requirements by Age
It can seem a bit confusing with all the ages and license types. Let’s put it in a table. This table shows the motorbike license requirements by age in the UK.
| Age | License Type | What You Can Ride | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Provisional (for AM) | Moped (up to 50cc, max 28 mph) | CBT, L-plates, no passenger, no motorways |
| 17 | Provisional (for A1) | Light Motorcycle (up to 125cc, max 11kW) | CBT, L-plates, no passenger, no motorways |
| 17 | A1 Full License | Light Motorcycle (up to 125cc, max 11kW) | CBT, Provisional license, Theory test, A1 Practical tests |
| 19 | Provisional (for A2) | Medium Motorcycle (up to 35kW) | CBT, L-plates, no passenger, no motorways |
| 19 | A2 Full License | Medium Motorcycle (up to 35kW) | CBT, Provisional license, Theory test, A2 Practical tests |
| 21+ | A Full License (Prog.) | Any Motorbike (any engine size/power) | Held A2 license for 2 years, A Practical tests |
| 24+ | A Full License (Direct) | Any Motorbike (any engine size/power) | CBT, Provisional license, Theory test, A Practical tests |
This table shows the motorcycle age restrictions clearly. It lists the minimum age motorcycle for each step.
Checking Out Each Step in Detail
Let’s look closer at each age step and what it means for your riding journey. This helps explain the legal riding age motorbike rules better.
The World at 16: Mopeds and CBT
At 16, your journey into powered two-wheelers begins with a moped. The age limit for moped riding starts here. You cannot ride anything more powerful. This age restriction is for safety. Mopeds are smaller and slower. They are a good way to learn how to ride on roads.
To start, you need a provisional license for motorcycles (category P or AM). You can apply for this license shortly before your 16th birthday, but it only becomes valid for riding mopeds on your birthday.
The most important step at 16 is the CBT. Without the CBT certificate (DL196), your provisional license is not enough to ride on the road. The CBT teaches you the basic skills. You learn things like:
* How to stop and start the moped.
* How to balance and control it at slow speeds.
* How to use the brakes and gears (if it has them).
* Rules of the road.
* Safe riding tips.
After the CBT, you can ride your moped. Remember, you must have L-plates on display. If you are caught riding without L-plates when you need them, you can get points on your future license. Your CBT certificate is key here. Make sure you keep it safe.
Even with the CBT, you are still a learner. That is why you cannot carry a passenger. This is also why you cannot ride on motorways. Motorways have high speeds and busy traffic. A 16-year-old on a moped is not ready for that environment.
After 2 years, the CBT runs out. If you are still 17 or younger, you will need to do it again to keep riding. If you are 17 or older and want to ride a 125cc bike, you can do your next CBT on that.
The Jump at 17: Hello 125cc!
Turning 17 is a big moment for many young riders. Now you can ride a 125cc motorcycle. These bikes are faster and bigger than mopeds. The age for riding a 125cc motorbike starts at 17.
Again, you need a provisional license that covers larger motorcycles (category A1). You also need to do your CBT. If you did your CBT at 16 on a moped, it is still valid. But it is a very good idea to train on a 125cc bike for your CBT this time. This helps you get used to the bigger size and power. Most training schools will make you do the CBT on a 125cc at this age.
With your CBT and provisional license at 17:
* You can ride a 125cc bike up to 11kW power.
* You must still have L-plates.
* No passengers are allowed.
* No motorways.
This period is often when riders think about getting a full license. The A1 full license lets you ride a 125cc bike without L-plates and with a passenger. To get the A1 license, you need to pass the theory test and the two practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on a 125cc bike.
Getting the A1 license is a good first step into the world of licensed riding. It means you have proven you can ride safely in different conditions. It also means you start building your riding experience properly, which helps if you want bigger bikes later.
The Next Level at 19: A2 License
At 19, the world of medium-power motorbikes opens up. The A2 license is the goal here. This license lets you ride bikes up to 35kW. This includes many popular bikes that are bigger than 125cc.
There are two ways to get the A2 at 19:
1. Direct Access: If you did not get an A1 license, you can go straight for the A2. You need a provisional license, CBT (if needed), theory test, and pass the practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A2 suitable bike.
2. Progressive Access: If you got your A1 license at 17, you just need to hold it for 2 years. Then, at 19, you can take the A2 practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A2 suitable bike. You do not need CBT or the theory test again if you already passed them for your A1.
The A2 practical tests are similar to the A1 tests but done on a more powerful bike. The bike must meet the A2 testing rules (minimum 35kW, minimum 250cc).
With an A2 license:
* You can ride bikes up to 35kW.
* No L-plates.
* You can carry a passenger.
* You can ride on motorways.
The A2 license is a great step. It lets you ride more exciting and powerful bikes than a 125cc. It builds your experience on medium-sized machines. This is important training if you plan to ride even bigger bikes later.
The Top Tier: Full A License at 24 (or 21)
This is the goal for many riders – the full, unrestricted A license. With this license, you can ride any motorbike. The biggest adventure bikes, powerful sports bikes, large cruisers – everything is open to you.
The main age to get the A license is 24. This is the direct access route.
1. Be 24 or older.
2. Have a provisional license.
3. Have a valid CBT (if needed).
4. Have a valid theory test pass (if needed).
5. Pass the practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A license test bike. This bike must be big and powerful enough for the test (minimum 595cc and at least 40kW).
However, you can get the A license sooner if you followed the progressive route. If you got your A2 license at 19, you can take the A tests after you have had your A2 for 2 years. This means you could get your A license at age 21. This progressive route encourages riders to gain experience step-by-step.
If you take the progressive route:
1. Have held your A2 license for 2 years.
2. Pass the practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A license test bike.
With the full A license:
* You can ride any motorbike.
* No L-plates ever again.
* You can carry passengers.
* You can ride on motorways.
This license means you have shown you can handle big, powerful motorbikes safely in all road conditions.
Age Restrictions and What They Mean
The motorcycle age restrictions are there for safety. Riding a motorbike needs skill, experience, and good judgment. Younger riders have less experience on the road. They are still learning how to deal with traffic and risks.
Starting with smaller bikes at younger ages helps riders learn step-by-step.
* 16 (Moped): Low speed, less power. Good for learning basic control and road rules in slower areas.
* 17 (125cc/A1): More speed, more power. Helps riders get used to faster traffic and bigger machines.
* 19 (A2): Medium power. Builds experience on more powerful bikes without going straight to the fastest ones.
* 21/24 (A): Any power. Riders have built up significant experience over several years and different bike types.
This progressive system is in place in the UK and many other countries. It helps new riders gain confidence and skill safely. The motorbike license requirements by age push riders to learn over time.
Checking Your UK Motorbike Riding Age
Always make sure you know what your current license allows.
* If you only have a CBT: Check the date on your DL196 certificate. When does it run out? What age were you when you did it? What bike did you train on (moped or 125cc)? This tells you what bike you can ride and if you need L-plates. Remember the passenger and motorway rules too.
* If you have an A1 license: You can ride 125cc bikes. No L-plates. Passengers allowed. Motorways allowed. Look at the date you passed your test. When will you have held it for 2 years? That is when you can think about the A2 license.
* If you have an A2 license: You can ride bikes up to 35kW. No L-plates. Passengers allowed. Motorways allowed. Look at the date you passed your test. When will you have held it for 2 years? That is when you can think about the full A license.
* If you have an A license: You can ride any bike. You are all set!
Understanding the provisional motorcycle license age rules is also key. You must have the right provisional entitlement before you can do CBT or take tests for a specific category. For example, you need a provisional license with category A1 on it before you can take the A1 theory or practical tests.
The minimum age motorcycle rules are strict. Riding a bike you are not licensed for can lead to big problems. You could get points on your license, a fine, or even be banned from riding. It can also make your insurance invalid. Always ride legally.
Getting Ready to Ride: Steps at Each Age
Let’s look at the steps needed, based on the motorcycle license age you are aiming for.
Steps for Riding a Moped at 16:
- Apply for your provisional driving license (which includes motorcycle categories). You can do this up to 3 months before you turn 16.
- Wait until your 16th birthday for the provisional motorcycle entitlement (Category AM) to become valid.
- Book and attend a CBT course on a moped.
- Get your CBT certificate (DL196).
- Buy or get a moped.
- Get insurance.
- Put L-plates on the moped.
- Wear correct safety gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, strong trousers, boots).
- Start riding your moped! Remember no passengers and no motorways. Keep the CBT certificate safe.
Steps for Riding a 125cc at 17:
- Make sure your provisional license includes category A1. If you got it at 16, it should automatically update at 17.
- If you did your CBT at 16 on a moped, it is still valid. But consider doing another CBT on a 125cc bike for training. If your CBT ran out, do a new one on a 125cc.
- If you want a full A1 license: Study for and pass the motorbike theory test.
- Practice riding on a 125cc with L-plates (if you do not have a full license yet).
- If going for A1: Book and pass the A1 practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on a 125cc bike.
- Once you pass the A1 test, you get your full A1 license. No more L-plates!
Steps for Getting an A2 License at 19:
- Make sure your provisional license includes category A2.
- If you do not have a full A1 license: Complete CBT on a 125cc or A2 bike. Pass the motorbike theory test.
- If you have held an A1 license for 2 years: You do not need CBT or theory test again.
- Practice riding on an A2 suitable bike. This might be a training school bike.
- Book and pass the A2 practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A2 legal test bike.
- Once you pass, you get your full A2 license.
Steps for Getting an A License at 21 (Progressive) or 24 (Direct):
Progressive (Age 21+):
1. You must have held your A2 license for 2 full years.
2. Practice riding on an A legal test bike (minimum 595cc, at least 40kW). This will be a training school bike.
3. Book and pass the A practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A legal test bike.
4. Once you pass, you get your full A license.
Direct Access (Age 24+):
1. Be 24 or older.
2. Have a provisional license with category A.
3. Complete CBT (if needed).
4. Pass the motorbike theory test (if needed).
5. Practice riding on an A legal test bike.
6. Book and pass the A practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) on an A legal test bike.
7. Once you pass, you get your full A license.
These steps outline the journey based on your age and the motorbike age restrictions for each license type.
Final Thoughts on Age Limits
The UK motorbike riding age rules are set up to help riders gain experience safely. They move you from smaller, less powerful bikes to larger ones as you get older and complete training and tests.
The motorcycle license age is not just a number. It is linked to a system of learning and proving your skills. From the age limit for moped riders at 16, through the age for riding a 125cc motorbike at 17, up to the full license at 24 (or 21 via progressive access), each step requires effort and learning.
Completing CBT is the first big step for almost everyone. It gives you the basic knowledge and skills. But remember, CBT does not last forever. Getting a full license for your age group removes the L-plates and the time limit.
The provisional motorcycle license age is the starting point on paper. You need that provisional license before you can legally learn to ride on the road (with CBT and L-plates) and before you can take any tests.
Always respect the motorbike license requirements by age. They are there to keep you and other road users safe. Riding legally means you are properly trained and insured.
Whether you are 16 and dreaming of a moped, 17 and keen on a 125cc, 19 and looking towards an A2, or older and want the freedom of a full A license, the path is clear. Understand the rules for your age, get the right training, and pass the tests. Safe riding begins with riding legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about motorbike age restrictions.
Q: Can I ride a 125cc at 16?
A: No. The age for riding a 125cc motorbike starts at 17. At 16, you can only ride a moped (up to 50cc with a top speed of 28 mph) after completing your CBT.
Q: Does my CBT expire?
A: Yes. A CBT certificate (DL196) is usually valid for 2 years. You must get a full license within this time or do your CBT again to keep riding on L-plates.
Q: What license do I need for a scooter?
A: It depends on the scooter’s engine size. A scooter up to 50cc with a top speed of 28 mph is a moped (AM category). A scooter up to 125cc and 11kW is a light motorcycle (A1 category). A scooter over 125cc will need an A2 or A license depending on its power. The same age rules apply to scooters as to geared motorbikes based on engine size and power.
Q: Can I carry a passenger after doing CBT?
A: No. If you are riding on a provisional license with just a CBT certificate, you cannot carry a passenger. You can only carry a passenger once you have passed the practical tests and hold a full A1, A2, or A license.
Q: Can I ride on motorways with L-plates?
A: No. You cannot ride on motorways if you are riding on a provisional license with just a CBT certificate, regardless of the bike size (moped or 125cc). You need a full A1, A2, or A license to ride on motorways.
Q: What is the difference between direct access and progressive access?
A: Direct access means taking the test for a higher license category without holding the previous one for a set time. For example, going straight for the A license at 24 without having held the A2. Progressive access means moving up license categories after holding the previous one for at least 2 years. For example, getting an A license at 21 after holding an A2 license since 19. Progressive access often means you do not need to retake the theory test or CBT.
Q: What bike must I use for the practical test?
A: The type of bike depends on the license you are testing for:
* A1 test: A motorbike between 120cc and 125cc, with a power output of 5kW to 11kW.
* A2 test: A motorbike of at least 250cc, with power output between 20kW and 35kW.
* A test: A motorbike of at least 595cc, with a power output of at least 40kW.
Test bikes must also meet specific weight and type rules. Training schools provide suitable bikes for tests.
Q: Do the age rules change depending on where I am in the UK?
A: The core motorcycle license age rules and categories (AM, A1, A2, A) are set at the national level (UK). They are the same in England, Scotland, and Wales. Rules for things like L-plates might use different letters (D-plates in Wales), but the age rules for licenses are the same across Great Britain. Northern Ireland has similar but slightly different rules, so check local rules there if needed. This guide focuses on Great Britain rules.
Q: How long does it take to get a full license?
A: This varies a lot! It depends on your age, how quickly you learn, how much training you do, and test waiting times.
* CBT: Usually 1 day.
* Theory Test: You can take this any time after getting your provisional license (for the right age category).
* Practical Tests (Mod 1 & Mod 2): Requires training time before you are ready. This could be days or weeks of lessons. Then there are waiting times to book the tests.
The progressive route means you spend at least 4 years moving from a 125cc (A1 at 17) to an unrestricted bike (A at 21). The direct access route can be faster if you are older, but still requires training time for the tests.
Q: Do I need a driving license before a motorbike license?
A: You need a provisional driving license first. This single license covers cars and motorcycles. When you apply, you get provisional entitlement for different vehicle types. At 16, you get entitlement for mopeds. At 17, you get entitlement for 125cc bikes, and so on, based on age. So, you do not need a separate “car license” before a “motorbike license,” but you need the provisional driving license document itself.
Knowing the UK motorbike riding age rules is important. It sets you on the right path to enjoy riding safely and legally. Start at the right age, get the right training, and follow the steps for the license you want.