Getting a motorbike licence can feel more complicated than obtaining a standard car licence and in many ways, it is. With different age categories, licence types and training requirements, it’s important to understand your options before getting started.
Whether you’re buying your very first bike or adding another motorcycle to your collection, having the right information will help you choose the most suitable route.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a motorbike licence in the UK.
Yes. Before you can begin learning to ride, you must hold a valid provisional driving licence. This is the first step and is required before you can complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Without a provisional licence, you cannot legally start training or ride a motorbike on the road.
You will also need valid motorbike insurance before riding, even as a learner.
CBT is a mandatory training course that must be completed before riding a moped or motorcycle on public roads.
Importantly, CBT is a course, not a test. However, your instructor must be satisfied that you can ride safely. If they believe you require further training, you may need additional tuition before receiving your certificate.
The course consists of five elements and includes both:
The course typically costs around £150 and, upon completion, you’ll receive a DL196 certificate.
Your CBT certificate allows you to ride:
Your CBT is valid for two years and allows you to progress towards a full motorcycle licence.
The answer depends on when you passed your car driving test.
You may also be exempt from CBT if you already hold a full moped licence (obtained after passing a moped test since 1 December 1990) or if you live and ride on certain offshore islands.
There are two primary ways to obtain a full motorcycle licence: the Direct Access Route and the Progressive Route. The right choice depends on your age and riding experience.
The Direct Access Route is designed for new riders who want to obtain the highest licence available to their age group without progressing through each category over time.
This route entitles you to:
This is often the quickest route for riders aged 24 or over who want immediate access to unrestricted motorcycles.
The Progressive Route allows riders to move up through licence categories over time, gaining experience at each stage.
For example, someone starting at 16 can work through each category consecutively and potentially obtain a full Category A licence by age 21 rather than waiting until 24.
Under this route:
An additional benefit of the progressive route is that, provided your theory test certificate remains valid, you will not need to retake the motorcycle theory test when upgrading your licence.
To obtain a full motorcycle licence (A1, A2 or A), you must:
Both are designed to ensure you can ride safely and confidently in real-world conditions.
| Licence | Minimum Age | What You Can Ride |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 16 | 50cc moped |
| A1 | 17 | 125cc motorcycle |
| A2 | 19 | Motorcycle up to 35kW (47bhp) |
| A | 21 (progressive) / 24 (direct) | Any motorcycle |
Although the motorbike licensing system may appear complex at first, it becomes much clearer once you understand the routes available and how they relate to your age and experience.
Taking the time to choose the right pathway ensures you progress safely, legally and with the confidence needed to enjoy riding.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, seeking advice from an approved motorcycle training school is always a sensible first step.
At Happy Motor Finance we have a large and diverse panel of lenders, meaning obtaining motorbike finance is much easier. No matter what licence type you hold, we have you covered.
All initial applications are on a soft search basis, and many customers secure their finance and their bike before completing
