• A moped is a motorcycle which has an engine capacity of no more than 50cc with a maximum speed of 31mph (or 50kmh).
• If the vehicle was first used before 1st September 1977 it can be operated using pedals.
• A moped provisional licence entitles you to ride on the roads, but you must display L-plates (D-plates in Wales) and you are not allowed to carry pillion passengers or go on motorways.

How To Obtain A Valid Provisional Moped Licence

• To validate your UK driving licence, you must take compulsory basic training (CBT) given by an approved training body (ATB).
• On completion of the training, you will be given a DL 196 certificate.
• If you want to ride a moped on the road without displaying L-plates you must pass a theory and practical driving test.

Between 17 And 21 And Interested In A Moped Or Motorcycle Licence?

• When you reach 17 years old a CBT certificate entitles you to ride both a moped and a learner motorcycle.
• A learner motorcycle has an engine capacity of no more than 125cc and a power output of no more than 11kW.

How To Obtain A Valid Provisional Moped Or Learner Motorcycle Licence

• To validate your UK driving licence, you must take compulsory basic training (CBT) given by an approved training body (ATB).
• On completion of the training, you will be given a DL 196 certificate.
• If you want to ride a moped or motorcycle on the road without displaying L-plates you must pass a theory and practical driving test.

Over 21 And Interested In A Moped Or Motorcycle Licence?
If you obtained your full car licence before 1st February 2001 you are automatically entitled to ride a moped without L-plates.
For a motorcycle, you must obtain a full motorcycle licence. There are two types of full motorcycle licence:

• A light motorcycle licence (A1), which restricts riders to a motorbike with an engine capacity up to 125cc and a power output of 11kW. The practical test must be taken on a motorbike between 75cc and 125cc.
• A standard motorcycle licence (A), is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike with an engine capacity of or between 120cc and 125cc. It must be capable of at least 60mph (100kmh).
• After passing the practical test, you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.
• After this, you may ride any size of bike. If you are over the age of 21, or you reach 21 before your two-year restriction ends, you have additional options.

Direct Access

• For direct access, you will need to have completed CBT and passed a Theory Test. The practical test may then be taken on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35kW.
• A pass allows you to ride any size of bike.
• All or part of the CBT course may be taken on either a learner bike or a large bike. You may practice for the practical test on bikes larger than the learner bike specification, provided:
  • You are accompanied at all times by an approved instructor on another bike and in radio contact.
  • You wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.