Motorcycle licences: How to Learn to Ride a Motorcycle in London
London Motorcycle Training provides 1-day basic rider training courses, called Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), seven days a week at various locations across London. For pricing, please visit our Book Online page. The prices listed include everything: bike hire, helmet and gloves, and insurance. If you hold a Provisional or Full UK car licence, this CBT course is all you need to legally ride a scooter or motorcycle with an engine capacity of up to 125cc in the UK.
If you hold an international driving licence (other than an EU licence), you must apply for a provisional driving licence first.
If you hold an EU licence, you need to either:
- - exchange it for a UK one, or
- Apply to the DVLA to register a non UK driving licence. You will need your original driving licence along with the registration document from the DVLA to book a CBT training course.
Where to Start
The first step is deciding what type of motorcycle you’d like to ride, considering how you plan to use it and the distance you’ll be traveling regularly.
Click here to browse our great selection of Motorcycles and Scooters. Our experienced staff at Motoden and Scooterden are happy to assist you with any questions regarding the bikes.
Motorcycle licence Categories and Tests
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
If you passed a car test before February 2001, you can legally ride a 49cc moped with a passenger, without L-plates, and are restricted to 28mph. However, if you haven't ridden before, we strongly recommend taking a basic rider training course (CBT).
Anyone else must take a basic motorcycle training course called Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This is a 1-day course that can be taken with a UK provisional driving licence, Full UK driving licence, or an EU driving licence registered with the DVLA. You must be at least 17 years old. After obtaining your CBT certificate, you can ride any motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc for two years. You cannot take passengers or ride on motorways, and you must display L-plates.
Click here to read more about CBT, or book your CBT course in London today!
Types of Motorcycle licences
'AM' Moped licence (with CBT only)
If you are 16 years old and pass a CBT with a provisional licence, you can ride any 49cc scooter or motorcycle restricted to 28mph with L-plates. You cannot carry passengers or ride on motorways, and this entitlement lasts for two years.
'AM' Moped licence (with theory and practical tests)
The minimum age for this licence is 16. After completing CBT, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and the Practical Test on a 50cc machine. You can then ride a 50cc moped without L-plates and carry a passenger.
'A1' Light Motorcycle licence (max power 11kW)
The minimum age requirement is 17. After completing CBT, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and the Practical Test on a 75cc-125cc machine. You can then ride any machine up to 125cc (restricted to 11kW) without L-plates and carry a passenger. After two years, you can upgrade to an 'A2' licence.
'A2' Restricted licence (max power 35kW)
The minimum age requirement is 19. After completing CBT, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and the Practical Test on a motorcycle exceeding 395cc but with a power output between 25kW and 35kW. After two years, you can upgrade to a Full Unrestricted Category 'A' licence.
Full Unrestricted Category 'A' licence (Direct Access)
The minimum age requirement is 24. After completing CBT, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and the Practical Test on a machine with a power output of at least 35kW. If you hold an 'A2' licence for at least two years, the minimum age drops to 21.
Motorcycle Theory and Practical Tests
Motorcycle Theory Test
To obtain an A1, A2, or A licence, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test. The test is not required for the 'AM' Moped licence with CBT only.
Motorcycle Practical Test
The Motorcycle Practical Test consists of two parts: Module 1 (off-road maneuvers) and Module 2 (on-road riding). You must pass both to receive your licence.
Click here to read more about our Full Motorbike Training Courses...
