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Age Restrictions for UK Motorcycle Licences
Olivia C · January 10, 2025
When it comes to getting your motorcycle licence in the UK, the process can seem confusing, especially with the age restrictions in place. Whether you’re 16 and ready to start riding, or 24+ and looking to jump straight into larger motorcycles, this guide breaks it all down to help you navigate getting the best licence type for your age.
Overview of Motorcycle Licence Category By Minimum Age:
Jump to:
- CBT Minimum Age
- Motorcycle Theory Minimum Age
- AM Licence Minimum Age
- A1 Licence Minimum Age
- A2 Licence Minimum Age
- A Licence Minimum Age
|
Bike Category |
Licence Category |
Requirements for Licence |
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 mopeds |
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 |
|
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 a vehicle more than twice its power |
A2 |
Direct access route: theory and practical test | Progressive access route: 2 years on A1 and 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 (minimum age 24) | Progressive access route: 2 years on A2, practical test |
24 (direct) or 21 (progressive) |
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Age Requirements
The CBT is the starting point for almost every new rider. It’s a one-day training course that allows you to legally ride a moped or learner-legal motorcycle on UK roads.
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- What You Can Ride:
- 50cc moped (restricted) for 16-year-olds
- 125cc motorcycle (max power 11 kW) for riders aged 17+
- Duration: 1 day
If you passed your car driving test before 1st February 2001, you can ride a 50cc moped without taking a CBT, without L plates, and can carry a passenger.
For a detailed overview, check out our guide on CBT age restrictions.
Motorcycle Theory Test Age Requirements
To move on from your CBT and start taking practical motorcycle tests in order to progress to a higher licence, you’ll need to take a motorcycle theory test.
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- What You Can Ride Post-Theory Test: You’ll need to complete further practical tests for an upgraded licence
- Duration: Around 2 hours
The test covers 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test. Your certificate is valid for two years. Book your test on the government website.
AM Moped Licence Age Requirements
You'll need your CBT in order to gain an AM Licence, but it doesn't need renewing every two years unlike the CBT certificate.
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- What You Can Ride:
- Mopeds up to 50cc (top speed 28 mph)
- Carry passengers
- No L plates required
- Test Details:
- Module 1: 15 minutes (off-road maneuvers)
- Module 2: 50 minutes (on-road test)
You can get this licence at 16, but most people hold off until they’re 17 to go for the A1 licence instead since it comes with fewer restrictions.
A1 Licence Age Requirements
The A1 Licence is seen almost as a permanent CBT, as it doesn't need renewing and has similar restrictions to the CBT.
- Minimum Age: 17 years old
- What You Can Ride:
- 125cc motorcycles (max power 11 kW)
- Carry passengers
- Ride on motorways
- L Plates: Not required
- Test Details: Same as AM licence (Module 1 and 2)
A2 Licence Age Requirements
The A2 Licence allows you to ride more powerful bikes than the CBT or A1, but still has restrictions on the power of the bike.
- Minimum Age: 19 years old
- What You Can Ride:
- Any size bike, but restricted to a max of 35 kW (47 bhp)
- Power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW per kg
- Carry passengers and ride on motorways
- L Plates: Not required
- Test Details:
- Module 1: 15 minutes
- Module 2: 50 minutes
The A2 licence is a great stepping stone for riders under 24 who want access to larger bikes while staying within safe limits.
A Licence (Full Licence) Age Requirements
An A licence removes any restrictions on what bikes you can ride, making it a 'full' motorcycle licence.
- Minimum Age:
- 24 years old via Direct Access Course (CBT, theory, and practical tests required)
- 21 years old if progressing from an A2 Licence (having held one for 2 years or more)
- What You Can Ride:
- Any motorcycle, unrestricted
- Carry passengers
- Ride on motorways
- L Plates: Not required
- Test Details: Same as A2 licence (Module 1 and 2)
If you're over 24 and want to skip the progressive steps, the Direct Access Course (DAS) is a great fast track option to go straight from a CBT to an A licence, letting you ride any bike straight away.
While it might be tempting to take smaller steps and stick with lower-category licences, it’s often more cost-effective and practical to go for the highest licence available for your age and experience. For instance, if you’re 24 or over, taking the DAS for an A licence means you won’t need to repeat tests and can ride any bike you like.
Now you know what you CAN get for your age, read up on the best way to get a motorcycle licence, comparing DAS Vs the Progressive Route to getting an A licence.
