What motorcycle training do you need to do to ride a motorcycle or a moped?

All new learners must pass a COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING COURSE (CBT) before being allowed on the road. This will validate your provisional licence and allow you (according to your age and licence) to ride a moped or learner motorcycle, on the road with L plates.

After you complete the course you will be issued with a certificate which lasts 2 years, if you do not pass a test before that time, then you will have to take the CBT again.

Usually, you will want to gain a FULL CATEGORY "A" LICENCE, which means that you take your test on a machine of 125cc, and after you pass you can ride any size machine but it must be restricted to 33bhp. You ride that for two years, then the restrictor can be removed and you can ride any size machine.

If you are 21 or over you have another option. You can take DIRECT ACCESS; this removes the two year wait and allows you to ride any size machine straight away.

If you have passed the 125cc test, and then reach the age of 21 before your 2 year restricted period is finished, you can if you wish, take ACCELERATED ACCESS. This means you take the test again on a larger bike, if you pass you can then ride any size machine.

Before you take any practical test you must pass a theory test. This is done at a special test center (book your test here). The pass certificate lasts 2 years.