The rules for a motorcycle licence are different to car licencing rules. Improvements to safety and the introduction of age and power restrictions mean most riders need professional lessons before riding on UK roads. How many motorcycle lessons you’ll need depends on a couple of different factors.

If you’re starting out as a new road user, the path to gaining your licence is fairly straightforward. On the other hand, if you’re jumping on a motorcycle or scooter after decades of driving a car, the rules are a little different. And if you’re moving from abroad and want to ride a motorcycle in the UK, it’s different again.

It can be enough to make your head spin! To straighten things out, this blog covers each route to getting a motorcycle licence. We’ve also included a broad estimate of how many lessons you’ll need. But remember that we’re all different and learn at different rates. There is no exact number of motorcycle lessons that will work for everyone.

Riding a motorcycle as a new road user

If you’ve never held a licence to ride or drive, gaining your motorcycle licence is fairly simple. You’ll start off by applying for your provisional licence. There is no test to pass. You’ll need to be 15 years and 9 months old, or older. You’ll also need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. After meeting these requirements, you’ll pay the licence fee and be sent your provisional licence within a week.

Once you have your provisional licence, you’ll need to get some motorcycle riding lessons. Compulsory basic training teaches you the skills you need to handle a low-powered motorcycle or scooter on the road. Once your motorcycle instructor is confident you’ve got the basics down, you’ll get a CBT certificate. This is otherwise known as a DL196. This lets you ride on public roads and continue to hone your skill.

You can ride with your DL196 certificate for two years before it needs to be renewed. The earliest you’ll be able to take your full motorcycle licence test is on your 17th birthday. It’s a good idea to take additional motorcycle training before taking your licence test.

Because of age and power restrictions, 17-year-olds can only get an A1 licence. This licence restricts the size of the motorcycle or scooter to 125ccs.

Motorcycle age and power restrictions

Minimum Age	Licence Type	Size of training bike	Licence requirements	Size of bike you can ride after passing training
16	CBT	Up to 125cc	Provisional or full UK driving licence	Up to 125cc
16+	AM	50cc	Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), theory test, practical test on an all-powered 2-wheeled moped.	50cc
17 to 19+	A1	125cc	Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), theory test, practical test	125cc
19 to 24+	A2	500cc	Theory and practical test (CBT must have already been obtained to complete these tests) or 2 years experience on an A1 motorbike and a practical test	35Kw (approx. 550 – 600cc)
24 + (or after holding an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years)	A (full motorcycle licence)	600 cc	CBT, theory and practical test at 24 years of age or older, or hold an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years and pass a practical test at age 21 or older	Any sized bike

How many motorcycle lessons will I need as a new rider?

Typically, new riders can gain their CBT certification within a day or two. Knowing how to ride a bicycle makes it easier to balance on a moped or low-powered motorcycle. After riding with a CBT, further training before taking your motorcycle licence test will help you pass on your first try. DAS training prepares you for the highest level licence for your age and takes around two weeks.

Motorcycle licence rules for UK drivers

If you got your driver’s licence before 2001, the rules are a little different. You’ll be able to jump on a low-powered motorcycle or scooter without any lessons. This is known as “grandfather rights”. It means you only need to show your UK driver’s licence to prove you’re legally able to ride a motorcycle or moped up to 50ccs.

How many motorcycle lessons will I need if I can already drive a car?

If you want to ride a more powerful machine than 50ccs, you’ll need to get your CBT certificate. That can usually be done in a day or two. After you have your CBT, DAS training is the fastest route to a full licence. Typically, DAS training takes around 3 -5 days.

Rules for international motorcycle riders

If you’ve been riding a motorcycle abroad, the licencing rules for riding in the UK vary again. It depends on where you’re coming from too. The UK Government website has a tool to figure out what you’ll need to do to ride a motorcycle in the UK with a foreign licence.

Riders from the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA) with full motorcycle licences, can swap their licence for a UK one. If you’re only visiting, you can ride on your EU or EEA licence in the UK for up to 12 months. You may need to support your foreign licence with proof of your vehicle insurance.

If you’re coming from further away, there’s a little more paperwork involved. You’ll be able to ride with your foreign motorcycle licence in the UK for 12 months. If your licence is in a language other than English, or from a country that’s not recognised by the UK licencing system, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit. You’ll need to carry this with your actual licence.

If you want to ride a motorcycle in the UK for more than the 12-month grace period, you’ll need to pass a test for your UK motorcycle licence. This ensures you’re familiar with UK road rules and are competent and capable in UK traffic conditions. Motorcycle training for foreign riders covers the same steps as UK drivers preparing for their motorcycle licence.

How much does a motorcycle licence cost?

There is no one price for a motorcycle licence. This is because there are different elements to learning to ride and different levels of licences you can hold. The motorcycle licence cost depends on the journey you need to take for a UK licence.

A provisional licence, which lets you begin learning to ride or drive on the roads costs £34 if you apply online. It’s a little more expensive if you apply through the post office. CBT training costs around £160. The motorcycle licence theory test costs £23. This first test can be booked online and taken before any DAS training.

Full licence or DAS training varies in cost depending on where you train and also what the training course includes. Some schools charge separately for training, the bike you learn on, insurance, safety kit and petrol. Tests and booking fees are sorted out after the training.

Phoenix motorcycle training courses include everything you need to learn to ride and get your licence.  That includes your test fees and we arrange your tests to be as close to your training as possible too.

How to book your motorcycle licence tests

It is possible to book your practical motorcycle tests directly with the DVSA. If you chose to do this, you’ll need to provide all the equipment needed for the test. Make sure the bike you intend to ride meets the motorcycle test rules. If it doesn’t you could end up being turned away without a refund.

Not all motorcycles are eligible for Mod 1 and Mod 2 practical tests. It’s also worth noting that you can book both elements of your motorcycle licence test at the same time. To take the second practical test you need to pass the first test. If you fail the first test, you need to wait three days before trying again.
Because of the complicated process of booking and taking your motorcycle licence test, we recommend going with a training school. By sorting out your motorcycle licence through a professional training school, you’ll avoid needing to rebook or being turned away with the wrong motorcycle. At Phoenix, we ensure you have the best possible circumstances for passing both tests the first time. That means you’re less likely to waste time and money on your motorcycle licence. Give us a call to chat about getting your motorcycle licence today!