LEARNING TO RIDE

🏍️ How to Start Riding a Motorbike in the UK (Without Losing Your Mind)

So, you want to ride a motorbike in the UK? Brilliant idea. It’s fun, fast, cheaper than a car, and just generally makes you feel cooler than anyone stuck in traffic. But yeah... at first glance, the rules and licences can look like a bowl of alphabet soup (CBT? A1? A2? A what now?). Don’t worry — here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting on two wheels.

🎯 Step 1: How Old Are You?

The type of motorbike you can ride depends on how old you are. Think of it like unlocking bikes as you level up:

16 - Small scooter or moped. AM Licence. Up to 50cc (top speed 28mph)

17+. - Light motorbike. A1 Licence. - Up to 125cc

19+ - Medium motorbike. A2 Licence - Up to 47bhp (decent speed!)

24+. - Any motorbike you want - Full A Licence. - No limits – go wild (safely)

⚡ If you’ve held the A2 licence for 2 years, you can upgrade early to the full A licence at 21 — that’s called the progressive route.

🧠 Step 2: Do a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

This is your first step, no matter how old you are. It’s not a test — it’s a one-day course that shows you the basics and if the instructors are happy you will be safe on the roads solo then you will be able to get your certificate that day and ride as soon as you leave!

The course takes about 6-8 hours, will include basic knowledge, some in center training and some on the road training.

✅ What you do on a CBT:

Learn how the bike works
Ride around cones in a car park
Go for a short road ride with an instructor

✅ After CBT:

You can ride a 125cc bike (if you’re 17+), or a 50cc (if you’re 16)
BUT: You must have front and back L plates, can’t take passengers, and can’t ride on motorways

💡 Cost: Usually around £120–£180 depending on the center you choose
⏳ Lasts for: 2 years (then you need to do it again or move up to a full licence)

The Basic FAQ"s, not for dummies - you just don't know yet!

Do I need experience on a bike?

No this is why they train you, if they think for any reason you are not ready they will ask you to come back for additional training or redo the course.

Which center do I pick?

There is not one specific just have a look on Google and see where your nearest CBT center is, just bare in mind during summer months you may be waiting a month or two.

Do I need a car licence?

No, you just need to order and have your provisional licence that is in date, or your full driving licence.

Do I need to bring my own gear and bike?

All the centres supply the bikes, you can pick to do your CBT on a geared bike or a moped. They will cover you for the day on insurance which is included in the price. I personally went with a moped as I had never been on a geared bike and thought I may struggle with the gears. I got my cert and then went on to a geared bike with some training at the center on gears after I had got used to two wheels.

You will need to bring your own gloves, wear jeans, jacket and boots as a minimum - some centres will supply a helmet but check first but I would recommend getting your own and taking it with you.

Is the road part scary?

I was nervous for sure, I had zero experience but the instructor takes you out and everyone has a bluetooth headset so he can talk to you all, the bikes dont go past about 30mph and cars in these areas are usually used to the groups going out so dont stress just do it in your own time.

How many are on the course?

This will depend, I only had one person, some people have 4/5 but most centres offer a higher CBT fee for a 121 CBT. I thought I would hate doing mine with someone else but he was actually brilliant and helped me along the way too.

🧩 Step 3: Understand the Licence Types (No More Alphabet Soup)

Let’s break down the A1, A2, and Full A licences like it’s a video game:

🎮 A1 Licence (Age 17+)

Think of this as Level 1.

You can ride bikes up to 125cc
You get rid of the L plates
You can carry passengers and go on motorways
Great if you’re not old enough for bigger bikes yet

To get it, you’ll need:

To take your Motorbike theory test (can be booked online and last 2 years)
Practical tests (Mod 1 and Mod 2 — explained below)

🎮 A2 Licence (Age 19+)

Level 2 – the bikes get more powerful.

You can ride bikes up to 47bhp (which is fast, don’t worry)
You can ride bigger bikes that have been “restricted” to 47bhp (loads of options)

Again, you’ll need:

Theory test (if you haven’t done it yet)
Mod 1 + Mod 2 practical tests

🎮 Full A Licence (Age 24+, or 21 with experience)

Boss level unlocked.

Ride any motorbike you want — no restrictions
Big cruisers, fast sports bikes, the lot

This is what most riders eventually want, and it’s usually done through something called...

🚀 The DAS Course (Direct Access Scheme)

If you’re 24 or over, this is your shortcut to the Full A licence.

You’ll do:

CBT (if not already done)
Theory test
A week of training on a big bike (usually 600cc+)
Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests

💰 Cost: Around £700–£1,200 all in (including training + tests)
💥 It’s intense, but you could have your full licence in a week or two.

🛠️ The Two Tests You Have to Pass

Once you’ve done your theory test, you’ll take two practical tests:

✅ Module 1 (Mod 1) - There is a full run through of this on my socials

This is done in a special off-road area at a DVLA center and includes:

Slalom (weaving through cones)
U-turn
Emergency stop
Hazard avoidance
Bike handling
Figure of 8

✅ Module 2 (Mod 2)

This is your proper road test with an examiner.

Includes a road ride (about 40 mins)
They’ll follow you on a bike and talk to you through a radio
There’s a part where you ride independently for 10 mins (don’t worry, they just want to see you use common sense)
Think of it as a police bike behind you and you just taking directions through a sat nav

🧤 What Gear Do I Need?

When you train or take your tests, you’ll need proper riding gear:

Helmet (legal requirement)
Jacket, gloves, trousers, boots — not mandatory by law, but many training centres won’t let you ride without them

Bonus: Riding in jeans and a T-shirt might look cool... until you hit the ground. Wear the gear.

🗺️ Recap: Your Road to Riding

Here’s the simple route:

✅ Get a provisional licence
✅ Do your CBT
✅ Ride with L plates or choose to go for a full licence (A1/A2/A)
✅ Pass theory test
✅ Pass Mod 1 & Mod 2
✅ Enjoy the freedom of two wheels!

🏁 Final Thoughts

Getting into biking in the UK sounds complicated — but once you break it down, it’s totally doable. Whether you want to start small or go straight to the big bikes, there’s a path for you.

Riding a motorbike is more than just transport. It’s freedom, fun, and a community of people who love the open road.

Any more questions - just shout me!