Step by Step Process to Get a Motorcycle Licence in the UK
- eliteinformationte
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Getting a motorcycle licence in the UK is not as complicated as it looks. Yes, there are stages involved, a few forms to sort, and some tests to pass. But break it down step by step, and it starts to feel very manageable.
Whether you are 17 and just starting or coming back to riding after years away, this guide covers exactly what to expect.
Why Getting Licensed Properly Matters
Riding on public roads without the correct licence is illegal. Full stop. But beyond the legal side, proper motorcycle training genuinely shapes how you ride for years to come.
The habits you build early stick around. Good ones protect you. Poor ones, well, they tend to show up at the worst possible moments.
Step 1: Get Your Provisional Licence
First things first. You need a valid provisional driving licence before anything else can happen. Apply through the DVLA website; it is straightforward enough. Age requirement is 16 for a moped and 17 for a motorcycle. No provisional licence, no training. Simple as that.
Step 2: Complete Your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
This is where things get real. CBT training is a legal requirement before riding on public roads, and it is less of a formal test and more of a structured training day. Think of it as your foundation. It covers five areas:
• Introduction and eyesight check
• On-site training covering controls, starting, and stopping
• Practical on-site riding, including turns, braking, and gear use
• Road safety theory covering rules and awareness
• Supervised on-road riding in actual traffic
Once done, you get a CBT certificate that is valid for two years, allowing you to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle with L-plates.
Ride53, a Bristol-based motorcycle training school, offers CBT from just £140 for a 3.5-hour session or £195 for a full day. Bikes and safety gear are all included, so you do not need to bring your own.
Step 3: Pass the Motorcycle Theory Test
Before you can book your practical modules, the motorcycle theory test needs to be out of the way. It covers multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception section.
The official DVSA guide is worth getting, and most revision apps do a decent job too. Two to four weeks of regular study tends to be enough for most people.
Step 4: Train and Pass Module 1
Module 1 is an off-road skills test held at a DVSA-approved centre. It is all about how well you handle the bike in controlled conditions. Manoeuvres include:
• Slow riding, figure of eight, and U-turns
• Controlled and emergency stops
• Hazard avoidance through a swerve exercise
At Ride53, sessions run 3.5 hours and cost £195. The focus is on throttle control, balance, and clean braking technique. These skills are not just for passing the test. They genuinely stay with you.
Step 5: Train and Pass Module 2
Module 2 is the on-road part. A DVSA examiner follows behind while you ride in real traffic for roughly 40 minutes. They are watching for:
• Safe road positioning
• Proper mirror and signal use
• Hazard awareness and response
• Independent riding using either a sat-nav or road signs
Ride53 structures its 3.5-hour lessons at £195 around building actual road confidence, not just drilling test routes.
Understanding Licence Categories
The category of licence you earn after passing depends on your age:
• A1 Licence - Age 17 and above, up to 125cc
• A2 Licence - Age 19 and above, up to 47bhp
• Full Category A - Age 24 and above, or 21 via progressive access, unrestricted
Ready to Start Your Riding Journey?
Getting a motorcycle licence in the UK takes a bit of time and commitment, but it is completely achievable. Each stage prepares you for the next. By the time the Module 2 test comes around, the whole thing feels far less daunting than it did at the start.
Ride53 supports riders at every stage, from that first CBT session right through to full licence preparation. Use code RIDE10 for 10% off your first booking and take that first proper step towards life on two wheels.
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