FAQs

TRAINING

What does CBT stand for?

CBT stand for Compulsory Basic Training which is a one day course that allows provisional moped licence holders to ride on the road before they get their full moped licence.

How long does the CBT certificate last?

If you pass your CBT then you will be awarded with a DL196 certificate which lasts for 2 years and allows you to drive on UK roads with ‘L’ plates.

How long does Compulsory Basic Training take?

Compulsory Basic Training takes a day to complete typically from 9am-5pm, and this will vary slightly between trainers. There are 5 elements to complete in the CBT and that’s why it takes a day to complete.

REQUIREMENTS

CBT if you have a car driving licence

If you already have a car driving licence then you can ride a 50cc moped without L plates and this is broken down by the date you passed.

  • If you passed your driving test before 1 February 2001 then you don’t need to take a CBT and should already have the entitlement on your licence to ride a moped. It is advised that you take the CBT anyway as this provides great safety and awareness training.
  • If you passed on or after 1 February 2001 then you will need to take a CBT test, but this difference it that your CBT certificate will be valid for as long as your driving licence as opposed to the general 2 year rule for CBT certificates.

Do you need a licence to drive a moped?

You don’t need a full ‘Category P’ moped licence to ride a moped on the road but you must have a provisional licence which costs £50 and you must also pass Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) which is a 1 day training course before you can ride on the road. One you have these you can ride a moped but will have to display ‘L’ plates and cannot take any passengers. If you pass you full moped licence then these restrictions are lifted.

BUYING A MOPED

Do mopeds need road tax?

Mopeds do need road/vehicle tax but this only costs £17 a year and is a case of going to the Post Office with your log book, MOT, and insurance.

How much is moped insurance?

The cost of insurance depends on the driver but a 19 year old male could expect to pay around £165 a year for example which could be 10% of the cost of car insurance. You can read more about moped insurance here.

GENERAL

What is a moped?

A moped is a motorcycle which has an engine capacity of no more than 50cc and which is designed to achieve a speed of no more than 50 kph (roughly 30mph).

What types of motorcycle licences are there?

The moped licence is the first level of licence you can get and here are the details and requirements of all the other categories:

Moped Licence

  • Must be 17 years and over.
  • CBT has been obtained.
  • Motorcycle Theory Test has been obtained.
  • Training and a Practical Test on a machine between up to 50cc.
  • Once you’ve passed the Practical Test you now have a licence to ride any 50cc scooter without L-plates and you can even carry a pillion passenger.

‘A1’ Light Motorcycle Licence (max power 11kW)

  • Must be 17 years and over.
  • The CBT has been obtained.
  • Motorcycle Theory Test has been obtained.
  • You’ve had training and a Practical Test on a machine between 75cc & 125cc.
  • If you complete all the above you will have a licence to ride any machine up to 125cc, so long as its power is restricted to 11kW, without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.

‘A2’ Restricted Licence (max power 25kW)

  • 17 years and over.
  • CBT has been obtained.
  • Motorcycle Theory Test has been obtained.
  • Training and a Practical Test on a 120cc – 125cc machine (the machine must be capable of 100kph).
  • Passed Practical Test you now have a licence to ride any machine so long as its power is restricted to 25kW, without L-Plates and you may carry a pillion passenger and after 2 years you can automatically upgrade your licence to a full category ‘A’ licence without taking any further training or tests and be able to ride any machine you want! This is the only big bike licence option available to those aged 17-20.

Full Unrestricted Category ‘A’ Licence (Direct Access)

  • Must be 21 years old and over.
  • CBT has been obtained.
  • Motorcycle Theory Test has been obtained.
  • Practical Test on a machine with a minimum power output of 47bhp.
  • This is the best motorcycle licence you can get and means you can ride any machine without L-plates and can carry a pillion passenger.

Can I take a passenger on a moped?

Drivers without full licenses and with only a CBT certificate cannot take a pillion passenger.

SAFETY

Do I need to have special clothing?

It is essential to wear a helmet when driving your moped. This is the law in the UK and many European countries, but advisable everywhere. In the event of an accident your head is most susceptible to serious injury and a properly fitted helmet will protect it. It is certainly best to buy a new helmet to the correct standards and you must never use one which has been damaged in a crash or accident. It is sensible to wear other protective clothing and make sure your arms and legs are covered.