How Long Does it Take to Get a Motorcycle Licence?

You need a different kind of licence to ride different kinds of motorbikes in the UK.

In this post we’ll discuss how long you might expect it to take to get any one of these licences, whether it’s an AM licence for mopeds or a full Category A licence.

Getting A Motorcycle Licence – The Basics

Before we begin, bear in mind that you have to be at least 16 years old to ride a moped in the UK, and 17 years old to ride a light motorcycle. Depending on the route you take, you can work towards a full category A licence from age 21, but you have to be 24 or over to take the direct route.

There’s a handy flow chart to the various routes to getting a motorcycle licence on the DVSA website.

You’ll also need a provisional licence before you can do any riding. You can apply for this from age 15 and 9 months. It costs £43 if you apply by post, or £34 if you apply online. The quickest way to get a provisional licence is on the DVSA’s website.

First Steps – The CBT

No matter what type of motorbike or moped you want to ride, it all starts with the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

While you must complete the CBT course, it’s not a test or an exam that you can pass or fail. Rather, it’s practical training to ensure you’ll be able to safely ride by yourself, in order to work towards a full moped or motorbike test.

The CBT will familiarise you with the basics of riding – how to control the vehicle, road safety awareness, and so on. The training usually takes around a day, but it might take longer depending on your skill level and confidence.

When you’re ready, you’ll have to complete a CBT competency assessment. Complete this and you’ll get a certificate, indicating you’re ready to work towards your full licence.

How Much is a CBT?

Different training schools charge different amounts for the CBT, but you should expect to pay around £150.

What Can You Do With a CBT?

Once you have a CBT, you can drive on UK roads – but with certain limits:

• You must use L-plates on the vehicle, or D plates in Wales.
• If you’re aged 16 or over, you can ride a moped.
• If you’re aged 17 or over, you’re restricted to a motorcycle of up to 125cc, with an 11kW power outlet.

What’s more, you’ll have to pass your full moped or motorbike test within two years of getting your CBT. If you do not, you’ll either have to take your CBT again, or you’ll have to stop riding.

How to Work Towards Your Full Motorbike Licence

If you’re aged 24 or over, you can immediately work towards getting your full licence.

What is the Progressive Path to a Motorbike Licence?

But if not, you can take the “progressive path” to getting qualified:

• Age 16 or over – AM Licence – This lets you ride mopeds and small motorcycles and scooters (50cc, with a maximum speed of 28 mph).
• Age 17 or over – A1 Licence – This lets you ride “light motorcycles”, with a power output of up to 125cc and 11kW.
• Age 19 or over – A2 Licence – This lets you ride more powerful motorcycles, with power outputs no more than 35kW power output. These are mostly bikes up to 500cc but there are some 600cc bikes that would qualify
• Age 24 or over – A Licence – This is the full motorcycle licence, with which you can ride any motorcycle. If you want to apply for this directly, you must be aged 24 or over. But you can also start working for it if you’ve had an A2 licence for two years, meaning that you can start the process from as young as 21.

How Does the Motorcycle Theory Test Work?

You can take the motorcycle theory test from age 16, so long as you have your provisional licence. You can take your provisional before you even take your CBT.

There are two parts to the motorcycle theory test. First, you’ll have to answer 50 multiple choice questions. Next, you’ll have to answer 75 hazard perception questions. To qualify, you’ll need to get 43 multiple choice questions correct, and 45 hazard perception questions correct.

It costs around £20 to take the theory test, and you can apply online.

What Happens at a Motorcycle Practical Test?

Once you have your CBT and your theory test certificate, you can take the practical motorcycle test.

There are two parts to the practical test. First, there’s an off-road module, lasting about 20 minutes. This covers essential manoeuvres, including parking, U-turns, figures of eight, and so on.

Next, there’s an on-road module, lasting about 40 minutes. This involves riding on the roads with an examiner, who will assess your abilities in real-world conditions.

You do not have to complete both sections in the same day. However, you do need to complete the off-road section before you attempt the on-road section. Together, the two sections should cost you around £100.

Think you’re ready? Book your motorcycle test online on the DVSA site.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Motorcycle Licence?

Depending on your age and abilities, it could take you a few years, or it could take you a few weeks.

By now it should be clear that the length of time it takes you to get your full motorcycle licence will depend on the route you choose to take. If you start learning at age 16, you will not be able to work towards your full licence until you’re at least 21 – and only then when you’ve had an A2 licence for at least two years. If you’re aged 24 or over, you can immediately start working towards your full licence – but only after you’ve completed CBT.

Beyond all this, it depends on your confidence, and your abilities. You might want to slowly build up your experience on the road over the course of a few years. Or you may want to fast-track the process with a dedicated A1 or A2 licence course, or a Direct Access Scheme (DAS) for your full training.

These courses can cost around £1,000, and they usually take place over a number of days.

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