Frequently Asked Questions
I have a full car licence, what can I ride?
If your licence was issued before 1st February 2001, then you can ride a 50cc
moped, capable of not more than 30mph. Strangely enough, you will not need to
display L plates, and you can carry a passenger if the motorcycle has a
passenger seat and rear footrests. If you want to ride a motorcycle of over
50cc, up to 125cc, you must take Compulsory Basic
What if my full car licence was issued after 1st
February 2001?
Then you will need to take Compulsory Basic training (CBT). Once you have
completed this course, you will be able to ride a 50cc moped without L plates,
until your licence expires at age 70, and you will also be able to ride a
motorcycle of up to 125cc with L plates (no passengers allowed) for 2 years
from the date you completed the CBT course.
I have a full car licence, do I need to do a theory
test and take CBT to get a full motorcycle licence?
Yes. Everyone must take a motorcycle theory test and CBT before they can take
the motorcycle practical test. The only exception is for someone who has
already passed a Motorcycle or Moped test, and wants to upgrade to a higher
power machine.
I have a provisional licence, what can I ride?
With a provisional licence, you are not allowed to ride on the road until you
have completed Compulsory Basic
I want to ride a big bike, around 600cc, what do I need
to do?
To ride a big bike, you will need a full(A) motorcycle licence. To get one of
these, first, you need to be over 21 years old, with either a full car
licence, or a provisional licence showing Category A. Next, you will need to
pass the Motorcycle Theory test (phone 0870 0101372, with your driving licence
number, to book.) Then you will need to complete Compulsory Basic training (CBT).
Then you can go on to take your Motorcycle Practical Test, which must be taken
on a machine of OVER 46.6bhp or 35kw to qualify for the full licence. (if you
want to practice for the test on a motorcycle of more than 125cc, you MUST be
accompanied by a qualified instructor, not just a friend with a full licence.)
I want to ride a big bike, around 600cc, but I'm not 21
years old yet. Is there anything I can do?
Yes! If you are between 17 and 20 years old you can take the restricted
licence route. You will need to start with a licence showing provisional
Category A, then you need to pass the Motorcycle theory test, complete
Compulsory Basic
I took my CBT on a 50cc moped when I was 16 years old.
I'm now 17 and I would like to ride a 125cc bike. What do I need to do?
First, check that your licence shows Category A provisional. If so, you can
ride a 125cc machine for as long as your CBT certificate lasts. If your
licence doesn't have Category A showing, you will need to apply to DVLA
Swansea to get it added on. Once you have got your licence back, you will be
able to ride a 125cc machine until your CBT certificate expires.
I took my CBT on an automatic scooter. Can I ride a
motorcycle with clutch and gears?
Yes, provided you comply with the age and engine size/power restrictions
mentioned above, the CBT is normally valid for either type of transmission.
I took my full licence test on an automatic scooter.
Can I ride a motorcycle with clutch and gears?
A full licence taken on a motorcycle with automatic transmission will only act
as a PROVISIONAL licence for manual bikes, so you will be limited to 125cc
with L plates, until you pass a Practical test on a motorcycle with manual
transmission.
I'm 16 years old, and I've completed my CBT. Is there a
test I can do to ride a bigger bike?
No. You can take a full Moped test, by first passing the theory and then the
moped practical test. You would then be entitled to ride without L plates, and
carry a passenger, but you would still be limited to 50cc and 31mph.
I have a Full Car licence. Do I need to change it, to
add provisional motorcycle entitlement to it, before I can start training for
a Motorcycle Licence?
In most cases, no. Normally a full car licence would already have provisional
motorcycle entitlement, shown as Category A in the green section of an old
style paper licence, or on the counterpart of a photocard licence.( You must
still have a valid Compulsory Basic training certificate before riding any
motorcycle on the road).
I have a provisional licence, issued a few years ago.
Will I need to change it or renew it before I start training for a Motorcycle
Licence?
Probably yes! Many older provisional licences had a 2 year limit on Category A
(motorcycle) entitlement. The good news is that the 2 year limit no longer
applies, but you MUST have it renewed by DVLA Swansea if it has expired,
otherwise you will not be able to ride anything bigger than a 50cc moped, even
if you have a valid CBT Certificate. DVLA usually take about 3 weeks to
exchange a licence.
Definitions:
Moped (category P)
A moped is a vehicle with an engine size of 50cc or less, with a maximum speed
of 30mph. (if your 50cc motorcycle can do significantly more than 30mph, due
to modification or tuning, then it is no longer a moped, so your licence and
insurance may not be valid!)
Learner legal 125cc
A motorcycle of 125cc or less, with a maximum power output of 14.6bhp or 11kw.
If you want to take a restricted licence (A2) test, you must use a motorcycle
of between 121cc and 125cc, capable of at least 100kmh, or 62.5 mph. If you
take your test on, say, a 100cc machine, you will only qualify for a 125cc
full licence (A1 Lightweight licence)
Restricted Licence
If you pass your Practical Motorcycle test on a machine of between 121 and
125cc, capable of 100kmh/62.5mph, then you will qualify for the restricted
(A2) licence. This will enable you to ride any motorcycle, provided it does
not produce more than 33bhp/25kw, and subject to a maximum power/weight ratio.
There is no engine SIZE limit, so you can have a very large engine provided
its power output is limited. This licence is available to anyone of 17yrs old
or over.
Direct Access
This is the quick way to a Full motorcycle licence. You must be over 21 years
old, and you must pass your test on a motorcycle of OVER 46.6bhp or 35kw.
(usually a motorcycle of around 500cc or over) Remember that if you want to
practice for your test on this size bike, you can only do so if accompanied by
a suitably qualified motorcycle instructor, not just your mate with a full
licence!
Compulsory Basic
A course designed by the Driving Standards Agency, to provide a minimum
standard of competence for riders of mopeds and motorcycles before the are
allowed on the road on L plates. Although this course is primarily designed
for beginners, experienced riders often find useful benefits from the course.
As well as lots of off-road exercises, the CBT also includes 2 hours of on
road tuition.
Theory Test
This is now in 2 parts, first 35 multiple choice questions, out of which you
must score 30 to pass. Second, the hazard perception test, which involves
spotting hazards in a sequence of video clips. The test is conducted on a
computer at a Driving Standards Agency Theory Test Centre. Phone 0870 0101372
to book an appointment.
Automatic and Manual machines
As far as CBT is concerned, the certificate is valid for either automatic or
manual machines, regardless of the type of machine used on the course.