There has been some confusion surrounding new licence rules that come into force here in the UK in January, so we thought we’d outline the new rules here for you to clear things up! All explanations have been provided by the fantastic people at Get On.
This legislation is not retrospective, so anyone currently holding a licence will not be affected.
Entry Age 16
Compulsory Basic Training
Valid for 2 years
You can now ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28mph with ‘L’ Plates – No passengers, Not allowed on motorways.
Theory Test
Valid for 2 years
You must hold a valid Motorcycle Theory Test certificate before you take your Practical Category AM Moped Test
Practical Test
2 part test
Module 1 – Off Road
Module 2 – On Road
Pass: AM – Moped Licence
You can now ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28mph. No L Plates – passengers allowed, motorway restrictions apply.
Your options now…
- Keep riding a moped
- At 17 years or over – take a motorcycle test.
Entry Age 17 or Over
Compulsory Basic Training
Valid for 2 years
If you hold a valid CBT Certificate from riding a moped – or have a full moped licence you do not have to re-take a CBT
You can now ride any machine up to 125cc with L Plates – No Passengers, Not allowed on Motorways.
Theory Test
Valid for 2 years
You must hold a valid Motorcycle Theory Test certificate before you take your Practical Category A1 Motorcycle Test.
Practical Test
2 part test
Module 1 – Off Road
Module 2 – On Road
Pass: A1 Licence
You can now ride a 125cc machine.
No L Plates – Passengers allowed.
Your options now…
- Keep riding a 125cc Motorcycle
- At 19 years or over – You can now take your category A2 test and ride a bike of up to 35kw (46.6bhp).
Entry Age 19 or Over
Compulsory Basic Training
Valid for 2 years
You do not have to re-take CBT if you have a valid A1 licence.
You can now ride any machine up to 125cc with L Plates – No Passengers, Not allowed on Motorways.
Theory Test
Valid for 2 years
If you hold a valid Motorcycle theory test certificate, or you have held a category A1 licence for more than 2 years you do not need to re-take your Theory Test.
Practical Test
2 part test
Module 1 – Off Road
Module 2 – On Road
Pass: A2 Licence
You can now ride any bike up to 35kw (47bhp).
No L Plates – Passengers allowed.
Your options now…
- Keep riding a Motorcycle of up to 35kw (46.6bhp)
- After 2 years or on reaching 24 years of age you can take a Full Category A Motorcycle Test to ride whatever machine you like*.
*In certain circumstances and dependant on when you passed your Motorcycle Theory Test, you may need to re-take this. Check with a training expert if in doubt.
Entry Age 24 or Over
Compulsory Basic Training
Valid for 2 years
You do not have to re-take CBT if you have a valid AM, A1 or A2 licence.
You can now ride any machine up to 125cc with L Plates – No Passengers, Not allowed on Motorways.
Theory Test
Valid for 2 years
If you hold a valid Motorcycle Theory Test certificate, or you have held a Category A2 licence for more than 2 years you do not need to re-take your Theory Test. If you are over 24 years of age and new to motorcycling you will need to take a Motorcycle Theory Test before taking your Practical Full Category A Test.
Practical Test
2 part test
Module 1 – Off Road
Module 2 – On Road
Pass: A Licence
You can now ride any machine of your choice.
No L Plates – Passengers allowed.
I am 55 and only hold a provisional licence – what are my best options for CBT and how much does this cost please – i’m hoping to buy a 125cc scooter in the very near future
Hi Josephine,
There is a training school near us. It might be worth giving them a call on 0800 0434125.
All the best
Fowlers Team