At 16 years old you can apply for a provisional licence to ride a moped/scooter.

A moped is a motorcycle which meets the following criteria.

• 1) cannot go faster than 50km/h
• 2) must not have an engine over 50cc
• 3) can be moved by pedals, if the moped was used before 1 August 1977.
  4) Must not weigh over 250kg
  5) Must not exceed 28mph (45 km/h)

You must complete a compulsory basic training course (CBT) before you are allowed to ride a moped or scooter on the road. The only time you can ride on the road without passing a CBT is under the supervision of an approved instructor as part of the course.

If you are under 21, can only get a restricted licence (category A1 Light Motorcycle).

Light motorcycle licence (A1): test on a motorcycle of between 75 and 125 cc.

If you pass you may ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc with power output up to 11 kW.

If you are over 21, you can apply for a either a restricted or full motorcycle licence.

Standard motorcycle licence (A): test vehicle is between 120 and 125 cc and capable of more than 100 km/h you will be given a standard (A) licence.

You will then be restricted to motorcycles of up to 25 kW for two years. After two years you may ride any size machine.

Direct or Accelerated Access enables riders over the age of 21, or those who reach 21 before their two-year restriction ends, to ride larger motorcycles sooner.

If you DO NOT have a full car licence, you will need to take the theory test before taking your full motorcycle test.

From February 2001, any person who passes their car driving test will be required to undertake a moped riding course before they can ride a moped on the road.

Persons who already hold a full car licence, or who passed a car test before February 2001, are not required to take training before riding a moped.

When you have your provisional entitlement on your licence, you need a CBT Certificate. Contact your local training centre - we have some listed in our Directory. So check that out.

A CBT Certificate lasts for 2 years, after this time, if you have not passed your test you will be required to retake your CBT.

From Feb 1st 2001 all new motorcycle riders even if they have a full car licence need to take the motorcycle theory test.

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