Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle

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Bike categories, ages and licence requirements

Licence category Requirements for licence Minimum age
Mopeds with speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h AM Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test on all powered 2-wheeled moped 16
Small 3-wheelers (up to 50 cc and below 4 kW) AM CBT, theory test, practical test 16
Light quadricycles (weighing under 350 kg, top speed 45 km/h) AM CBT, theory test, practical test 16
Same as AM plus 2 or 3-wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h Q Granted with AM 16
Light motorcycle up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc A1 CBT, theory test, practical test 17
Motor tricycles with a power output not more than 15 kW A1 CBT, theory test, practical test 17
Standard motorcycle up to 35 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2 kW per kg), bike must not be derived from vehicle more than twice its power A2 Direct access route - theory and practical

Progressive access route - 2 years experience on A1 motorbike and a further practical test
19
Unrestricted motorcycles in size/power, with or without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with power output over 15 kW A Direct access route - CBT, theory and practical (you must be at least 24)

Progressive access route - held an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years - practical test (21 or over)
24 (direct) or 21 (progressive access)

You do not need to take the theory or motorcycle tests to apply for a provisional licence.

Read about the rules for the motorcycle theory test and practical riding test.