Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle
Bike categories, ages and licence requirements
| 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 moped | 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 |
| Same as AM plus 2 or 3-wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h | Q | Granted with AM | 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 vehicle more than twice its power | A2 | Direct access route - theory and practical Progressive access route - 2 years experience on A1 motorbike and a 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 (you must be at least 24) Progressive access route - held an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years - practical test (21 or over) |
24 (direct) or 21 (progressive access) |
You do not need to take the theory or motorcycle tests to apply for a provisional licence.
Read about the rules for the motorcycle theory test and practical riding test.