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The starting point for all learners is the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course which was introduced in 1990 to help reduce the very high accident rate among inexperienced motorcyclists. The course is conducted by training organisations that have been approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must complete a CBT course before riding on the road.

All new car drivers wanting to validate the full moped entitlement granted with their full car licence must complete a CBT course.

CBT courses can only be provided by approved training bodies (ATBs). To gain this approval ATBs must have:

Instructors who have successfully completed a two day assessment by DSA examiners

sites approved by DSA for the off-road training aspects of the course

This is a legal document which serves to validate the relevant entitlements on the driving licence. It is important that the holder of a DL196 certificate considers the following points:

A DL196 certificate issued after 1 February, 2001 validating a provisional moped or provisional motorcycle entitlement lasts for two years. CBT will have to be re-taken if both theory/practical tests are not passed within the two year certificate life

DL196 certificate validating a full moped entitlement is not subject to expiry

You do not have to take CBT again if you hold a full motorcycle licence and wish to obtain a licence for another category of motorcycle.

Riders completing their CBT course on a moped with more than two wheels or who use a motorcycle/sidecar combination will be restricted to riding those machines as a learner.

The motorcycle entitlement on provisional motorcycle licences issued before 1 February, 2001 expires after two years. The law has now changed and holders of these licences can apply to have the licence replaced with one that will include provisional motorcycle entitlement valid to age 70. Replacement licences should be applied for from the DVLA using the normal application forms (available from post offices).

Once you have your certificate (DL196) you are advised to take additional training to pass your tests and qualify for a full motorcycle or moped licence.

You will need to pass a theory test before taking a practical test for a moped or motorcycle.

You do not need to take a theory test if you have passed a moped test since 1 July, 1996.

The theory test pass certificate is valid for two years. The practical test must be passed within this period otherwise the theory test will have to be taken again.

A light motorcycle licence (A1), which restricts riders to any bike up to 125cc and a power output of 11kW. The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc

A standard motorcycle licence (A) is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120cc but not more than 125cc and capable of at least 100km per hour. After passing the standard motorcycle 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.

Riders age 21 or over, or those who reach 21 before their two-year restriction ends, have other options.

Learners who wish to ride with a sidecar can practice on a combination with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. On obtaining a standard licence, you will be restricted to a combination with the same power/weight ratio for two years. At age 21 learners may, only within direct or accelerated access, practice on a larger combination. But the test must be taken on a solo bike (although physically disabled riders can use a combination).

Maximum design speed not exceeding 50kmh (approx. 31mph)

An engine capacity no greater than 50cc

Can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 August, 1977

Engine up to 125cc

Power output not exceeding 11kW

If you have a full car licence, you are automatically entitled to ride a moped without L-Plates although if the licence relates to a car test passed on or after 1 February, 2001 you must first complete a CBT course and obtain a DL196 certificate to validate your entitlement.

Your full car licence also gives you provisional motorcycle entitlement for learner machines (up to 125cc) ie you may ride a motorcycle as a learner with L-Plates and no pillion passengers or motorway use after completing CBT.

You can only hold this if you are at least 16 years old. It entitles you to ride a moped on the road as a learner with L-Plates and no pillion passengers or motorway use. Your provisional licence is only valid when you have the DL196 certificate issued on completion of CBT by an ATB. A CBT certificate obtained on a moped is also valid for motorcycles once the rider has reached the age of 17 years and has the necessary licence.

A full moped licence automatically gives you provisional motorcycle entitlement. However, you must be at least 17 years old to take up the provisional entitlement.

You can only hold this licence if you are at least 17 years old. It entitles you to ride a moped or a learner motorcycle (up to 125cc) as a learner with L-Plates. You:

Must have a valid CBT certificate

Must not carry pillion passengers or use motorways. The motorcycle entitlement on provisional motorcycle licences issued before 1 February, 2001 expires after two years. The law has now changed and holders of these licences can apply to have the licence replaced with one that will include provisional motorcycle entitlement valid to age 70. Replacement licences should be applied for from the DVLA using the normal application forms (available from post offices)

If you have any queries or require details of your local approved training bodies, please contact the DSA on 0115 901 2595.

Rules for learner riders

Approved training bodies

CBT course syllabus

Certificate of completion of training (DL196)

Qualifying for a full motorcycle or moped licence

Direct and accelerated access

Sidecars

Mopeds and motorcycles

Licences

Further information