New rules for riding a motorcycle or moped from 19 January 2013

Friday, 11th January, 2013

The rules for motorcycle and moped licences will change from 19 January 2013.

See the video

New drivers

If you’re a new rider and pass your test on or after 19 January 2013 you’ll be affected by the new rules.
You’re allowed to ride any vehicle listed across from your licence category.

Licence category	Vehicles you can ride	Requirements for licence	Minimum age
AM	Mopeds with speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h	Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test on all powered 2-wheeled moped	16
AM	Small three-wheelers (up to 50 cc and below 4 Kilowatt)	Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test	16
AM	Light quadricycles (weighing under 350 kg, top speed 45 km/h)	Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test	16
Q	Same as AM plus 2 or 3 wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h	Granted with AM	16
A1	Small motorcycles up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc	Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test	17
A1	Motor tricycles with a power output not more than 15 kW	Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test	17
A2	Medium motorcycles up to 35 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2 kW per kg), bike mustn’t be derived from vehicle more than twice its power	Direct access - theory and practical; staged access - two years experience on A1 motorcycle and a further practical test	19
A	Motorcycles unlimited in size/power, with or without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with power output over 15 kW	Direct access - CBT theory and practical (you must be at least 24 years old); Progressive access route - held an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years - practical test (21 or over)	24 (direct) or 21 (progressive access)

Riders holding a licence before 19 January 2013

Mopeds
If you’re already licensed to ride a moped your driving licence will show a category P. The new rules won’t affect you, but any new licences issued to you will show categories AM and Q in the table above, plus category P, which will also allow you to ride two- or three-wheeled mopeds with a top speed of 50 km/h.

Motorcycles or tricycles
If you’re already licensed to ride a motorcycle, your licence should show category A. This will be the same when you replace your licence after 19 January 2013.
If you hold category B1 (trikes and quads), when you renew or replace your licence after 19 January 2013 it will show categories B1 and A (limited to tricycles).

You’ll only be offered a test for mopeds with 3 or 4 wheels, or A1 tricycles and A tricycles if you have a physical disability.

More information about Riding a motorcycle or moped, can be found at the GOV.UK Website