Archive Website of the UK government

If you are taking your test before 19 January 2024

The new rules in this article are for all practical riding tests taken from 19 January 2013.

You must follow the current rules if you are taking your riding test before then. You can read these by clicking the link below.

• Rules for mopeds and motorcycles used for riding tests

Rules for riding tests from 19 January 2024

All mopeds and motorcycles used for riding tests from 19 January 2024 must:

• be fitted with a speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour (mph)
• display L-plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and rear
• be legal and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing

Use the same sub-category for both test modules

You must use the same sub-category of vehicle for both modules of the practical test.

The sub-category of vehicle you take your test on will affect the sub-categories you can ride after passing your test.

There are different rules if you pass the module 1 test before 19 January 2013, but still need to pass the module 2 test after that date. See the section 'Passing module 1 before 19 January 2024' below.

Motorcycles with automatic or semi-automatic transmission

If you pass your test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission:

• it will be recorded on your licence
• your full licence rights will be limited to motorcycles in that category
  

Enclosed motorcycles can't be used for riding tests

Enclosed motorcycles, like the BMW C1, can't be used for the test.

If your moped or motorcycle doesn't meet the rules

If your moped or motorcycle doesn't meet the rules:

• your test will be cancelled
• you may lose your fee

Passing module 1 before 19 January 2024

You might have to take your module 2 test on a lower sub-category of motorcycle if you pass your module 1 test before 19 January 2013.

You'll get a licence for the sub-category of motorcycle that you use for your module 2 test if you pass.

The table below shows what sub-category of motorcycle you'll need to use for module 2. This will depend on your age and what sub-category you used for module 1.

AM (moped)

A solo moped must:

• be 50 cubic centimetres (cc) capacity or less and below 4 kilowatts (kW)
• have a top design speed of no more than 28 miles per hour (mph)

You'll be allowed to use any category AM machine for your test unless there's clear evidence that it doesn't meet these rules.

A1 (light motorcycle)

A sub-category A1 solo motorcycle must:

• be between 120cc and 125cc capacity
• have an engine power no more than 11 kilowatts (kW) - 14.6 brake horse power (bhp)
• be capable of at least 55 mph

You'll be allowed to use any sub-category A1 machine between 120cc and 125cc for your test unless there's clear evidence that it doesn't meet these rules.

A2 (standard motorcycle)

A sub-category A2 solo motorcycle must:

• be at least 395cc capacity
• have an engine power between 25kW (33 bhp) and 35kW (46.6 bhp)
• have a power to weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW per kilogram

Restricted A2 motorcycles

Some large motorcycles can have their power restricted to fit sub-category A2. You can only restrict the power of an A2 motorcycle down as far as half its original power.

You must be able to show the examiner proof of the restriction on headed notepaper from a main dealer, official importer or recognised specialist. It must show the motorcycle's registration number. A dyno test certificate will not be accepted as proof.

It must be clear what power mode any switchable engine control unit (ECU) or variable power device is set to. If you are using one of these, your motorcycle cannot have:

• interchangeable carburrettor heads
• an exhaust manifold restrictor
• a hidden ECU

• Download 'List of motorcycles for test from 19 January 2013' (PDF, 13K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Proposed changes to A2 rules from 31 December 2023

From 31 December 2023 it's proposed that the rules for sub-category A2 standard motorcycles will change again. Motorcycles used from then must have an engine power between 20kW (27 bhp) and 35kW (46.6 bhp).

All the other rules will stay the same.

Category A (unrestricted)

A category A unrestricted solo motorcycle must:

• be at least 595cc capacity
• have an engine power of at least 40kW (53.6 bhp)

DSA will accept evidence from manufacturers or official importers that a specific model of motorcycle meets these rules.

Using a motorcycle that can have its power restricted

It must be clear what power mode any switchable ECU or variable power device is set to if the motorcycle can have its power restricted. If you are using one of these, your motorcycle cannot have:

• interchangeable carburrettor heads
• an exhaust manifold restrictor
• a hidden ECU
  

• Download 'List of motorcycles for test from 19 Janaury 2013' (PDF, 13K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Proposed changes to category A rules from 31 December 2023

From 31 December 2023 it's proposed that the rules for category A unrestricted motorcycles will change again. Motorcycles used from then must:

• have an engine power of at least 50 kW (67 bhp)
• weigh at least 180 kg when it's not carrying any goods or burden

All the other rules will stay the same.

Motorcycles with a sidecar

You can only use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your test if you have certain disabilities.

These extra rules apply:

• categories A and A1 must not have a power to weight ratio of more than 0.16 kW per kilogram
• passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test

The licence you get from passing this test will only allow you to use a motorcycle with a sidecar.

More useful links

• New driving licence rules for mopeds, motorcycles and tricycles

• New rules for vehicles you can drive and minimum ages

• Changes to driving licence rules in Great Britain