Motorcycle Licenses: 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 license, 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 license (other than an EU license), you must apply for a provisional driving license first.
If you hold an EU license, you need to either:
- - exchange it for a UK one, or
- Apply to the DVLA to register a non UK driving license. You will need your original driving license 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 License 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 license, Full UK driving license, or an EU driving license 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 Licenses
'AM' Moped License (with CBT only)
If you are 16 years old and pass a CBT with a provisional license, 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 License (with theory and practical tests)
The minimum age for this license 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 License (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' license.
'A2' Restricted License (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' License.
Full Unrestricted Category 'A' License (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' license 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 license, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test. The test is not required for the 'AM' Moped License 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 license.
Click here to read more about our Full Motorbike Training Courses...
