Full Car licence holders (who passed car test BEFORE February 1st 2001)

If you have a full car licence issued before February 1st 2001, you were automatically given a full moped licence (however, you should always check your licence to ensure you have the correct entitlements). You do not have to complete CBT to ride a moped.

Whilst riding on a moped the following rules apply:
  • You MUST NOT display "L" plates
  • You CAN carry a passenger
  • You MUST NOT ride a moped on motorways
If you wish to ride anything larger/faster (i.e. over 49cc) you must complete the CBT.
Full Car licence holders (who passed car test AFTER February 1st 2001)

If you have a full car licence issued after February 1st 2001, you were still given a full moped licence (however, you should always check your licence to ensure you have the correct entitlements), but you MUST still complete CBT to validate this licence. The CBT certificate will then be valid for life for a moped, or for two years for anything up to and including 125cc.
Provisional licence holders

If you have a provisional licence, you MUST complete a 'Compulsory Basic Training' (CBT) course before you ride a motorcycle or moped on the road.

A CBT certificate it is valid for two years. If you are still riding and have not passed a practical motorcycle or moped test within those two years, you must then renew your CBT by completing the course again.

Whilst riding on a CBT certificate the following rules apply:
  • You MUST have "L" plates displayed at the front and rear of the machine
  • You MUST NOT carry passengers
  • You MUST NOT go on motorways
Age restrictions for provisional motorcycle licence holders

At the age of 16 you can ride a moped (with a valid CBT certificate)

At 17 or over you can ride up to 125cc (max power of 14.6 bhp) on a CBT certificate, or you can go on to complete your A2 licence.

At 21 or over you can opt for the Direct Access licence.

Definitions - What is a moped?

A moped can either be geared or automatic, it does not have to be the "step-through" style that many people first think of when they imagine a moped. The legally defining feature is that it should have a maximum engine size of 49cc, with a maximum top speed of 31 mph/50kmh.