Biking and The Law
This section does not attempt to relate all details relating to The Law and Motorcycling. Its purpose is to explain the different routes available to you when you choose to take up riding a moped or motorcycle. This information is intended as a guide only. For full, comprehensive and up to date information, contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
There are important notes at the base of this page.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
All learner motorcyclists and moped riders must obtain a CBT Certificate (DL196) before riding on a public road unaccompanied by a qualified instructor. The only exceptions are as follows:
- You have passed a full moped test after 1 December 1990
- You live and ride on certain offshore islands
- You already hold a valid DL196 (note: a certificate obtained on a moped is valid for a motorcycle (if you are 17 years of age or older) and visa versa
- You hold a full car licence issued prior to February 2001 (this provides full moped entitlement). If you passed your car test after this date you will require a CBT Certificate to ride even a moped
- A DL196 has a two year life
Theory Test
Before you can take the practical moped or motorcycle test you must pass the motorcycle theory test. Whilst there will be some guidance provided on our non-CBT courses, we do not offer full theory classes. However, we will loan educational material free of charge (once you are enrolled on a training course). We can also arrange the theory test appointment for you.
Full Licence
There are basically five routes to obtaining a full licence; Moped Test, Light Motorcycle Test, Standard Motorcycle Test, Direct Access Scheme Test and Accelerated Access Test. These are dealt with individually below. We offer training courses catering for each of these tests.
Moped Test
To take the test you must:
- be at least 16 years old
- have a licence that allows you to ride a moped
- have access to a moped
On passing the test you will be allowed to do the following:
- ride a moped without L plates (or D plates in Wales)
- carry a pillion passenger
A moped is defined as follows:
- has an engine under 50cc
- has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph (31 mph)
- weighs no more than 250 kg
- can be moved by pedals if registered before 1 August 1977
Light Motorcycle Test
To take the test you must:
- be at least 17 years old
- have a licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle
- have access to a light motorcycle
On passing the test you will be allowed to do the following:
- ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc
- ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales)
- carry a pillion passenger
- ride on motorways
A light motorcycle is defined as follows:
- has an engine between 75 cc and 125 cc
- has a maximum power output of 11Kw (14.6 bhp)
Standard Motorcycle Test
To take the test you must:
- be at least 17 years old
- have a licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle
- have access to a standard motorcycle
On passing the test you will be allowed to do the following:
- ride a motorcycle with a maximum power output of 25 Kw (33 bhp)
- ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales)
- carry a pillion passenger
- ride on motorways
A standard motorcycle is defined as follows:
- has an engine between 120 cc and 125 cc
- has a maximum power output of 11Kw (14.6 bhp)
- capable of exceeding 100 Kph (62.5 mph)
DAS Test
To take the test you must:
- be at least 21 years old
- have a licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle
- have access to a DAS motorcycle
On passing the test you will be allowed to do the following:
- ride a motorcycle of any engine size
- ride a motorcycle of any power output
- ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales)
- carry a pillion passenger
- ride on motorways
A DAS motorcycle is defined as follows:
- has an engine of any cc
- has a minimum power output of 35 Kw (46.6 bhp)
Accelerated Access Motorcycle Test
(This allows you to avoid the 2 year restriction that applies to a standard motorcycle licence)
To take the test you must:
- be at least 21 years old
- have a standard motorcycle licence
- have access to a DAS motorcycle
On passing the test you will be allowed to do the following:
- ride a motorcycle of any engine size
- ride a motorcycle of any power output
- ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales)
- carry a pillion passenger
- ride on motorways
A DAS motorcycle is defined as follows:
- has an engine of any cc
- has a minimum power output of 35 Kw (46.6 bhp)
Important Note 1:
To practice on a DAS or bike you must:
- be accompanied by a DSA approved, motorcycle mounted, instructor
- be able to receive radio communications from the instructor (unless registered profoundly deaf)
- wear reflective and/or fluorescent clothing.
Important Note 2:
It is NOT necessary to take a DAS Test in order to ride a bike without power restrictions! If you have passed your Standard Bike Test (Light Bike Licence does not qualify) then after two years, you may ride any size of bike.
Important Note 3:
Having passed the Standard Motorcycle Test you may wish, during the two year restriction period, ride any engine size (cc) of motorcycle provided that it does not exceed 25Kw (33 bhp). Many motorcycles that exceed this figure can be 'restricted' to comply; ask your dealer for further information.