If you previously owned a four-wheel automobile and needed to ditch it in favour of a two-wheeler, know you can ride a bike with a full car licence. Yes, there are bikes that you can ride with your current car licence.
Before, if you didn’t take the CBT test (Compulsory basic training), you could ride certain motorcycles, but now, you are mandated to take a CBT test even with a full car driving licence.
Let’s see if there are bikes you can ride with a car licence and the category of motorcycle licence you must have to ride a bike.
What Motorcycle Can I Ride on a Car Licence? The Short Answer
The engine capacity is essential when selecting a bike to ride with a car driving licence.
According to the UK government, you can ride these motorbikes with a full car licence:
- A moped up to 50cc without an L plate. If you pass your driving test before Feb. 1 2001, you don’t need to take a moped test. The bike must also have a top speed of 50 km/h.
- A 125cc scooter or motorbike, but you must have completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Unfortunately, you are not legally allowed to ride any bike on UK roads, even with a full driving licence. To do that, you must pass the necessary tests for a motorbike licence.
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Does Category “A” on Your Driving Licence Mean You Can Ride a Bike?
It’s a Yes! Having a category A entitlement means you’re legally entitled to ride any bike on motorways. If it’s a category AM, this means you can only ride a moped.
Motorbike Licence Categories in the UK
If you want a motorbike licence, here’s a useful document to guide you through the process. To ensure you get the correct type of licence, below is a brief explanation of each licence category:
Category AM
This is the first moped licence type, and you will be provided with this as a provisional licence during your first application. It allows people aged 16 and above to ride two —or three-wheeled vehicles up to 28 mph. Passing your motorcycle test is necessary for a full moped AM licence, including the two practical tests in any moped or motorcycle category.
Category P
This is more like the old moped category, with a slightly higher speed of 32 mph. This was replaced by AM in 2013. So if you had P on your licence before 2013, you would have both. To ride anything faster than 32 mph, you must complete a CBT, moped, or full motorcycle licence.
Provisional Category A
This is issued automatically for those who get a provisional licence or full car driving licence. The provisional A only allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc if you have a valid CBT certificate.
Category A1
An A1 licence is issued if you complete CBT and pass your motorbike licence theory and practical tests on a 125cc vehicle. You can also carry passengers with no L plates, starting at 17.
Category A2
This is a restricted test, and it can be taken by anyone aged 19 or older. The test system is the same as the category A (Direct Access licence), but it is usually on a lower-powered bike with a maximum speed of 47hp.
Category A
This is an unrestricted motorcycle licence and can be earned in two ways. First, you must be over 24 years old and have passed the theory and the CBT, qualifying you to take the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) tests.
Besides, if you have an A2 licence for over two years, you can decide to upgrade to a progressive access A. Here, you don’t need to wait until you’re 24.
Did you know?
If you’re buying a motorcycle in the UK, obtaining your licence is key to safely and legally riding it on the UK roads. If it’s a used bike, ensure you perform a motorcycle VIN check to reveal important information about the motorcycle’s history, such as whether it has been stolen, written off, or has an outstanding loan or lien.
Is Anyone With a Driving Licence Eligible to Ride a Motorbike?
No, it doesn’t apply to anyone, and it depends largely on whether you passed your driving test. If you pass your driving test on or after 1 February 2001, you must complete the CBT before being eligible to ride a motorbike or moped of any specification.
What Does a CBT Test Mean for Moped or Motorbike Riders?
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training, a five-element training course you must complete to drive a bike legally in the UK. If the trainer thinks you’re not sufficiently qualified to ride a bike, you may have to take more basic training.
The CBT involves on-site and off-site training and must include at least two hours of on-road riding. While on-site training is performed in a safe, controlled, closed environment, off-site training is executed on public roads, where you must show you can ride safely with other road users. The training is usually around £150.
