The Short Answer
To ride a motorcycle on UK roads, you need a provisional licence and a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate before you can ride with L-plates. To ride without restrictions, you then need to pass a theory test and two practical tests, Module 1 and Module 2. Which full licence you end up with, and which bikes it lets you ride, depends mostly on your age.
Step 1: Get Your Provisional Licence
If you already hold a full UK car licence, provisional motorcycle entitlement is usually already included. If not, you can apply for a provisional licence through GOV.UK from age 17 (16 for a moped).
Step 2: Complete Your CBT
Compulsory Basic Training is not a test you pass or fail. It is a one-day course covering:
- Basic bike control in an off-road area
- Highway Code theory relevant to riding
- A supervised ride on public roads with an instructor
Once complete, you receive a DL196 certificate, valid for two years. This lets you ride a 125cc bike (up to 14.8bhp) with L-plates, without a pillion passenger and not on motorways.
Step 3: Pass Your Theory Test
You need a valid CBT certificate before booking your theory test. It consists of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test, and must be passed before you can book Module 1.
Step 4: Module 1 and Module 2 Practical Tests
| Test | What it covers | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Off-road manoeuvres: slow riding, U-turns, slalom, emergency stop | Around 20 minutes |
| Module 2 | On-road riding, an eyesight check, and questions on safety and maintenance | Around 40 minutes riding plus briefing |
You must pass Module 2 within six months of passing Module 1, or you will need to retake Module 1.
Licence Categories by Age
| Licence | Minimum age | What you can ride |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 16 | Mopeds up to 50cc, 28mph |
| A1 | 17 | Light motorcycles up to 125cc, up to 11kW |
| A2 | 19 | Motorcycles up to 35kW (46.6bhp) |
| A (Direct Access) | 24, or 21 with 2 years on A2 | Any motorcycle, no power limit |
Riders can also progress through “staged access”: pass your test on an A1 bike, hold it for two years, then take a further test to move up to A2, and again to reach A. This avoids repeating CBT each time, provided the certificate is still in date or a further test is taken.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary by training school and region, so treat these as rough, commonly quoted ranges rather than fixed prices:
- CBT: roughly £100 to £150
- Theory test: a set government fee, currently around £23
- Module 1 and 2 tests: government test fees plus instructor bike hire and lesson time, commonly £300 to £600 in total for a full DAS (Direct Access Scheme) course
Always confirm current prices directly with your chosen training school, since these change over time.
Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failures
- Rushing the slow-speed manoeuvres in Module 1, particularly the slalom and U-turn
- Not performing enough lifesaver shoulder checks in Module 2
- Poor observation at junctions
- Booking Module 2 without enough on-road practice after Module 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to redo my CBT if it expires?
Yes. If your CBT certificate expires before you pass your full test, you will need to complete it again before continuing to ride on L-plates.
Can I skip CBT if I already have a car licence?
No. CBT is required for all new riders regardless of car licence status, with very limited exceptions for those who already hold full moped or motorcycle entitlement.
Is a full car licence enough to ride a moped?
If you passed your car test before 2001, you may have moped entitlement without needing CBT. If you passed after 2001, you still need to complete CBT to ride a moped.
How long does the whole process take?
With good weather and instructor availability, some riders go from CBT to a full A licence in as little as two to three weeks, though many spread it over several months.
This guide reflects the general UK licensing process. Rules can change, so always check the current requirements on GOV.UK before booking training or tests.
