Learning to ride a motorbike

Plenty of people start thinking about a motorbike when they want an easier way to get to work or college. Others simply want to ride. In Great Britain the path from first lesson to full licence follows a set order. This page walks through it, step by step.

Your provisional licence

The first step is a provisional driving licence from DVLA. You can apply online from the age of 15 years and 9 months. You need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

Your provisional licence covers the category you are learning for. You do not need to have taken any test to get one.

Compulsory basic training

Next comes compulsory basic training, usually called CBT. It is a course, not a test, so there is no pass or fail. It usually takes a full day, and longer if you need more time.

The course has five parts. It starts with an introduction and an eyesight check. Then you train and ride off the road, and then train and ride on it. The on-road riding must last at least 2 hours. On the road, one trainer can take no more than 2 learners.

You book CBT directly with a motorcycle training school. Brush up on The Highway Code and road signs before you go. Your trainer can stop the course if your knowledge is not good enough to ride safely.

Riding as a learner

When you finish, the school gives you a certificate of completion. From 17 you can then ride a motorbike of up to 125cc and 11kW on the road. From 16 you can ride a moped. You display L plates, or L or D plates in Wales.

A learner rider cannot carry a pillion passenger or tow a trailer. Learners cannot use motorways either. Your bike needs to be taxed, insured, and have an MOT if it needs one.

The certificate lasts 2 years. Pass your full test in that time, or take CBT again.

Choosing the licence you want

There are three motorbike licence categories. Each one has its own minimum age.

A1, from 17, covers light motorbikes up to 125cc and 11kW.
A2, from 19, covers motorbikes up to 35kW.
A covers any motorbike. You can take it from 24 by direct access, or from 21 if you have held A2 for 2 years.

Moving up a category after 2 years on a smaller bike is called progressive access. You do not need another theory test to do it.

The tests

All riders pass a theory test before the riding tests. It has multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception video test.

The riding test comes in two modules. Module 1 takes about 20 minutes on an off-road site. It includes a slalom, a figure of 8, a U-turn and an emergency stop. You pass with no serious or dangerous faults and no more than 5 riding faults.

Module 2 takes about 40 minutes on real roads. It includes an eyesight check, two safety questions and about 10 minutes of independent riding. The examiner usually follows on a motorbike and talks to you by radio. You pass with no serious or dangerous faults and no more than 10 riding faults.

There is no minimum number of lessons before you book.

Kit and practical points

Everyone on a motorbike or moped must wear a helmet that meets the safety rules, unless they are a Sikh wearing a turban. For CBT and the tests you also need sturdy boots, gloves, and a motorcycle jacket and trousers or heavy denim.

Riding without a valid CBT certificate can bring a fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points. Once you pass, the DVSA enhanced rider scheme offers further training, and some insurers give a discount for it.