The law around bikes
Own your ride by getting to know the key motorbike laws - so you can ride with confidence, stay in control, and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
The law
The government regards motorbikes as motor vehicles, so they must be constructed to a specific standard in order to be ridden on a public road.
You can find out more about these standards at: Driving and transport - GOV.UK
In addition, motorbikes and their riders also need the following if they are to be used on public roads:
- The motorbike must have a DVLA registration road tax
- The motorbike must have a valid MOT
- The motorbike must be fitted with number plates and lights
- The rider of the motorbike must be aged 17 or over (or 16 if the vehicle meets the definition of a moped)
- The rider of the motorbike must hold a valid driving licence (suitable to the power of the bike)
- The rider of the motorbike must have valid motor insurance
- The rider of the motorbike must wear suitable safety equipment (e.g. motorcycle helmet)
If the above conditions are not met, it is illegal to ride the bike on a public road. Bikes that don’t meet the criteria should only be used on privately-owned land with the permission of the landowner, or at a specialist site.
If you ride a motorcycle illegally it could result in:
- A fixed penalty fine of £100.
- Court proceedings, which could result in a criminal record and a fine up to £2,500.
- Additional financial implications, such as needing to pay for the recovery costs involved in the prosecution and a £150 recovery fee plus storage charge.
- A civil court injunction
- A Criminal Behaviour Order
- The immediate seizure of the vehicle
- Crushing of the vehicle – leading to not being able to have it returned.
- If you also have no insurance, then you could face an additional fine of £5,000
- If you also have no licence, then you could face an additional fine of £1,000
- Even if you do not currently hold a licence, you could gain three to eight points on your licence. If you are too young, these would still be held should you get one in the future.
Motorcycle licence requirements
The different motorcycle licenses are explained below:
- A1 motorcycle licence: When aged 17 or over, you can take the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) test on a motorcycle with an engine between 120 and 125cc. If you pass, you can then ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output up to 11 kW, or a motor tricycle with power not exceeding 15 kW. 16 year olds can also ride mopeds up to 50cc, but must also complete a CBT. The CBT test requires refreshing every two years.
- A2 motorcycle licence: When aged 19 or over, you take a test on a motorcycle without sidecar of at least 395cc with a power output of at least 25 kW but not exceeding 35 kW. If you pass, you can ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg.
- Full A motorcycle licence: You need to take the full theory test and practical test on a motorcycle without sidecar, of at least 595cc and an engine power of at least 40 kW to gain your full motorcycle licence. This gives you full access to all motorcycles and motor tricycles. You can obtain this licence by taking progressive access training from age 21, or under the direct access scheme from age 24.
You cannot carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your full motorcycle test.
Moped licence requirements
To ride a moped up to 50cc, learners must be 16 or over, have a provisional moped licence and complete CBT training.
You must first pass the theory test for motorcycles and then the moped practical test to obtain your full moped licence.
If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you are qualified to ride a moped without L plates, although it is recommended that you complete CBT before riding on the road.
If you passed your car driving test after this date you must complete CBT before riding a moped on the road.
To find out more about the legal requirements of motor vehicles, please visit the Highway Code website.