When do I have to take the theory test?

You do not need to take the theory test to ride a moped or motorcycle on L-plates, but you must take it and pass it before the practical test. If you wish to train with The Art of Motorcycling, you must pass before the start of DAS training.
From 1 February 2001 all provisional motorcycle licence holders must pass a theory test before they can book the practical test, even if they hold a full licence in another group. Before this date holders of a full car licence were exempt from the theory test requirement when seeking to gain a licence for the other category of vehicle - i.e. a car driver only needed to take a practical motorcycle test. (The reciprocal situation exists - a holder of a full motorcycle licence will have to take a car theory test.)

The exemption from the motorcycle theory test will remain for those persons who gained a full moped licence (not those who have a full moped licence by virtue of having passed the car test) by taking a moped theory and practical test - the moped and motorcycle theory tests are the same

The theory test pass certificate has a life of 2 years, after which it will be necessary to take the test again before taking a practical driving test.

How can I find out about the theory test?

The theory test can be taken at over 145 centres throughout Great Britain and
Northern Ireland. Sessions are available on weekdays, evenings and on Saturdays. You can find out where your local centre is from:
Your Approved Driving Instructor / A DSA or DVTA driving test centre
The telephone information line 0870 0101 372
The test paper is available in the following languages:
English / Welsh (in Wales) / Hindi / Urdu / Gujerati / Punjabi / Bengali / Chinese

What is CBT all about?

As a new rider, you are required by law to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before you can ride on L-plates. The Driving Standards Agency syllabus will introduce you to safety equipment and riding gear, basic machine control, and the concepts behind road safety. A qualified instructor will accompany you on a minimum of a two-hour road ride. Having reached a safe and proficient level of riding, you will receive a CBT certificate (DL196). This certificate is valid for two years, and allows you to ride displaying L-plates unaccompanied on the road.

From 1st January 1997, all learner motorcyclists must complete CBT before riding on the road. This includes riders who hold a full car licence dated before 1 December 1990, who were previously exempt under transitional rules.

From 1st February 2001, car drivers who qualify after 1 February 2001 will be required to complete CBT before riding a moped.

If you are still riding on a provisional licence without a CBT certificate, you MUST stop riding and take CBT to validate your licence.

Note: you do not need to take CBT if you have passed a full moped test, or if you live and ride on specified offshore islands

What can I ride as a learner rider?

If you are 16 years old, you can ride a moped. If you are 17 or older, you can ride a motorcycle or scooter not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp).

What can I ride on a provisional motorcycle licence?

A provisional motorcycle licence entitles you to ride a solo motorcycle up to 125cc
with a maximum power output of 11kW

Learners who wish to ride a sidecar can do so with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg

You must not
· ride on motorways
· carry a pillion passenger
· Ride without L plates (or D plates in Wales - however note that if you cross into England you must display L plates!)

Note: the two-year limit on motorcycle entitlement on a provisional licence has been scrapped as of 1 February 2001

What is the Light Motorcycle licence?

If you pass your test on a motorcycle of between 75 and 125cc, with a top speed of less than 100kph, you'll obtain a full light motorcycle licence of category A1, allowing you to ride a motorcycle of up to 125cc with a power output up to 11kW (14.6hp). NOTE - all our 125 motorcycles are capable of more than 100kph, and thus eligible for the standard category A motorcycle licences.

What can I take my test on - I'm under 21?

If you are 17 but under 21, you must take your test on a motorcycle not exceeding 125cc and 11kW (14.6hp), sometimes known as Restricted Access. On passing you'll obtain a full standard category A motorcycle licence, subject to a two year qualifying period where you may only ride motorcycles with a power output not exceeding 25kW (33hp) with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.15kW/kg. After two years, you may ride any motorcycle without taking any further test

What can I take my test on - I'm 21 or over?

If you are 21 or over, you have the option of taking your test on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW (46.6hp), known as Direct Access. On passing you'll obtain a full standard category A motorcycle licence, and may ride any motorcycle without needing to serve the two-year qualifying period
Note: these are the new "Europe" groups - if you hold an older style licence, the groups indicated will be different

How can I get more information about licences?

Contact The Driver Enquiry Unit:
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Swansea SA6 7JL
Telephone 01792 772151