Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle
Licences issued before 19 January 2013
If you held a motorcycle or moped licence before 19 January 2013 then you’ll keep your existing entitlements and can still ride the same kind of bikes as you did before.
However, if you get a new licence your entitlements may be shown differently.
You’ll have to follow the new rules if you want to get higher entitlements - eg ride a larger motorbike.
Mopeds
Changes to moped categories
If you’re already licensed to ride a moped your driving licence will show as category P.
The new rules will not affect you, but any new licences issued to you will show categories AM and Q, as well as category P. This means you will also be allowed to ride 2 or 3-wheeled mopeds with a top speed of 50 km/h.
Car driving test passed before 1 February 2001
You do not need to take compulsory basic training (CBT) to ride a moped if you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001. You’ll still need to complete CBT to ride a motorbike, however.
Car driving test passed on or after 1 February 2001
You need to take CBT to ride a moped if you passed your car driving test on or after 1 February 2001.
However, you will not need to take further theory and practical tests or take CBT again.
Motorcycles
If you’re already licensed to ride a motorcycle, your licence should show category A. This will be the same if you renew or replace your licence after 19 January 2013.
Motor tricycles
If you hold category B1 entitlement (trikes and quads), when you renew or replace your licence after 19 January 2013 it will show categories B1 and A. The A entitlement will be limited to tricycles and you will not be able to ride motorbikes you were not previously allowed to.
Provisional licences now only cover you to ride motor tricycles if you have a physical disability. Driving tests for 3-wheeled vehicles are only available for physically disabled drivers.
Non-disabled drivers who want to ride motor tricycles need to pass CBT and the theory and practical tests on a 2-wheeled motorbike.