Age is one of the biggest factors deciding what you can legally ride in the UK, and the rules step up gradually as you get older. Here is a clear breakdown of what age you can ride a moped or motorcycle in the UK.
Minimum Age to Ride a Moped
The minimum legal age to ride a moped in the UK is 16 years old. At 16, you can ride a moped with an engine capacity of up to 50cc and a maximum speed of 31mph, provided you’ve completed your CBT and hold a valid provisional licence.
Minimum Age to Ride a Motorcycle
At 17 years old, a CBT certificate entitles you to ride a learner motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output of no more than 11kW, displaying L-plates. This is the same age at which you can also apply for a full car provisional licence.
Age Requirements by Licence Category
| Licence Category | Minimum Age | What You Can Ride |
|---|---|---|
| AM (Moped) | 16 | Up to 50cc, max 31mph |
| A1 | 17 | Up to 125cc, up to 11kW |
| A2 | 19 | Up to 35kW (47bhp) |
| A (Progressive Access) | 21 | Unrestricted, after 2 years on A2 |
| A (Direct Access) | 24 | Unrestricted, no prior licence needed |
Can You Ride Without L-Plates at 16 or 17?
No. If you obtained your full car driving licence before 1 February 2001, you can ride a 50cc moped without L-plates or a CBT certificate. For everyone else, L-plates are required on a moped or learner motorcycle until you pass your full practical test for that category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to ride a moped in the UK?
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a moped in the UK, and you’ll need to complete CBT and hold a valid provisional licence first.
How old do you have to be to ride a 125cc motorcycle?
You can ride a 125cc motorcycle from age 17, provided you’ve completed your CBT and display L-plates, or hold a full A1 licence.
Can a 16 year old ride a 125cc motorcycle?
No, 16 year olds are restricted to a 50cc moped. You must be 17 or older to ride a 125cc motorcycle, even with L-plates.
Related reading: ready to start your full licence journey? See our guide on how to get a full motorcycle licence in the UK.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK motorcycle licensing guides.
