What is a moped and what is a motorcycle?

Click HERE to view Moped Law Summary
A moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:

Maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph).
Does not have an engine over 50cc.
Can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 August 1977.

A learner motorcycle has the following features:

Engine up to 125cc.
Power output not exceeding 11kW.
Provisional Moped Licence
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. You MUST not carry pillion passengers or use motorways.

Your provisional licence is only valid when you have the DL196 Certificate issued on completion of CBT by an approved training body.
Provisional moped licences are not time limited.

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.

Full Moped 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.

Provisional Motorcycle Licence

You can only hold this licence if you are at least 17 years old. It entitles you to ride a moped or a motorcycle as a learner with L-plates. You may practice unaccompanied on a bike up to 125cc after a compulsory basic training (CBT) course has been completed. For larger machines the Direct Access accompanying rider rules apply. You MUST not carry pillion passengers or use motorways.

Provisional motorcycle licences issued before 1 February 2001 are valid for two years from the date of issue. Provisional motorcycle licences issued from 1 February 2001 will be valid until age 70. Persons whose licences have lapsed under the pre-February 2001 rules, or who fail to pass a test within the 2 year life of their current licence, will be able to apply to have their provisional motorcycle licence restored immediately.

Full Car Licence
If you passed a car test before 1 February 2001, you are automatically entitled to ride a moped without L-plates and without taking CBT (although it is recommended that you do). If you passed a car test on or after that date, you will still receive moped entitlement but will need to complete a basic moped riding course before riding on the road.

Your full car licence also gives you provisional motorcycle entitlement - you may ride as a learner with L-plates.

You MUST not carry pillion passengers or use motorways.