By Elena Green Many individuals holding a full car driving licence often wonder about their entitlements regarding motorcycles. The thought of hopping onto a two-wheeled vehicle for commuting or leisure is appealing, but navigating the legalities can seem complex. While a standard car licence (Category B) doesn’t automatically grant you the freedom to ride any motorbike, it does open the door to certain lighter categories. Understanding these specific permissions and any additional requirements is crucial for staying legal and safe on the road.
Understanding Driving Licence Categories and Your Entitlements
The world of driving licences is structured into various categories, each dictating what types of vehicles you are permitted to operate. For motorcycles, these categories are particularly important, as they are based on engine size, power output, and the rider’s age. Your full car licence, typically Category B in the UK and most EU countries, comes with certain automatic entitlements that many people are unaware of. This provides a limited, but significant, starting point for two-wheeled adventures.
Automatic Entitlements with a Full Car Licence (UK/EU Perspective)
If you hold a full Category B car licence, particularly if it was issued before a certain date (e.g., 19 January 2013 in the UK) or after completing specific training, you automatically gain some motorcycle-related privileges. The most common entitlement is for mopeds.
- Category AM: Mopeds and Light Quadricycles
This category allows you to ride two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h (approximately 28 mph) and an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc for internal combustion engines, or a maximum continuous rated power of 4 kW for electric motors. Light quadricycles also fall into this category. If you passed your car test on or after 1 February 2001, you will need to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to validate your AM entitlement.
- Category P: Mopeds (Older Licences)
For those who passed their car test before 1 February 2001, your full car licence (Category B) often includes an automatic entitlement to ride a moped (Category P) without the need for CBT. This applies to two-wheeled vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 50cc and a maximum design speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). However, it’s always advisable to check your specific licence details.
It is important to note that while your car licence might grant these basic entitlements, you must still adhere to all road traffic laws, ensure the vehicle is taxed, insured, and has a valid MOT (if applicable).
Here’s a simplified comparison of motorcycle licence categories:
| Licence Category | Vehicle Type | Max Power/CC | Minimum Age (Direct Access) | Key Restrictions/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds, Light Quadricycles | 50cc, 4kW | 16 (or automatic with B) | Max 45km/h (28 mph). CBT often required if obtained with car licence. |
| A1 | Light Motorcycles | 125cc, 11kW | 17 | Max 0.1 kW/kg power-to-weight ratio. Full licence allows motorway travel & no L-plates. |
| A2 | Medium Motorcycles | Up to 35kW | 19 | Max 0.2 kW/kg power-to-weight ratio. Can be restricted from higher power bikes. |
| A | Unrestricted Motorcycles | Any power/size | 24 (or 2 years A2) | Full unrestricted motorcycle licence. |
Beyond Mopeds: The Path to Larger Bikes
If your ambition extends beyond a 50cc moped, your full car licence alone will not suffice. Riding larger motorcycles, such as 125cc bikes or more powerful machines, requires specific motorcycle training and tests. The system is designed to ensure riders gain competence progressively, enhancing safety for everyone on the road.
Steps to Ride Larger Motorcycles
Here is the typical progression for obtaining a full motorcycle licence, starting from a car licence holder:
- Compulsory Basic Training (CBT): This is the first step for anyone wanting to ride a motorcycle or scooter over 50cc. It’s a day-long course that covers basic road safety, practical riding skills, and theoretical knowledge. Upon completion, you receive a CBT certificate (DL196), which allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc on public roads with L-plates for two years. You cannot carry a passenger or use motorways.
- Theory Test: Before taking your practical motorcycle tests, you must pass a motorcycle theory test, which includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
- Practical Tests (Module 1 & Module 2):
- Module 1 (Off-Road): This test assesses your ability to handle a motorcycle in a controlled environment, performing manoeuvres like emergency stops, U-turns, and slalom.
- Module 2 (On-Road): This test takes place on public roads and evaluates your riding skills, roadcraft, and adherence to traffic laws in real-world scenarios.
- Staged Access: Depending on your age and the power of the bike you wish to ride, you will follow a staged access route (A1, A2, or A).
- A1 Licence: For light motorcycles (up to 125cc, 11kW) at age 17+.
- A2 Licence: For medium motorcycles (up to 35kW) at age 19+. After holding an A2 for two years, you can take a further test to gain a full A licence.
- A Licence (Direct Access Scheme ─ DAS): For unrestricted motorcycles at age 24+. If you’re under 24 but have held an A2 licence for at least two years, you can upgrade to a full A licence.
Important Considerations for Car Licence Holders
Transitioning from four wheels to two demands a different set of skills and awareness. Even for those entitled to ride a moped, several crucial factors must be considered.
Firstly, safety gear is paramount. Helmets, protective jackets, gloves, trousers, and boots are not just recommended but essential for your protection. Secondly, insurance policies for motorcycles differ significantly from cars. You must ensure you have the correct and adequate insurance cover for the specific bike you are riding. Lastly, road awareness and hazard perception are distinct for motorcyclists; Motorbikes are less visible to other road users, so developing a defensive riding style is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I ride any 125cc bike with just a full car licence?
A: No, not directly. With a full car licence (Category B), you can only ride a 125cc bike after completing your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and displaying L-plates. You cannot carry a passenger or use motorways until you pass further practical tests for an A1, A2, or A licence.
Q: Do I need L-plates if I’m riding a moped with my car licence?
A: If you gained your moped entitlement through your car licence after 1 February 2001, you will need to complete CBT and display L-plates. If your car licence was issued before this date and includes Category P, you might not need L-plates, but checking your licence and the latest regulations is always advisable.
Q: What exactly is Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)?
A: CBT is a course that teaches you the essential riding skills and road safety knowledge required to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc on public roads. It’s a legal requirement for most new riders in the UK/EU before they can ride without supervision (except for specific moped entitlements pre-2001).
Q: Are these rules only for the UK/EU?
A: The specific licence categories and entitlements mentioned are primarily based on UK and EU regulations. While many countries have similar progressive licensing systems, the exact rules and automatic entitlements can vary significantly. Always check the local driving licence laws for the country you intend to ride in.
Q: Can I carry a passenger on a moped with just a CBT certificate?
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A: No, if you are riding on a CBT certificate with L-plates, you are not permitted to carry a passenger. This restriction applies even if your car licence grants you the entitlement to ride the moped.
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