If you already hold a full car licence and fancy adding two wheels to your life, you don’t have to start entirely from scratch. Here is exactly what size motorbike you can ride with a car licence in the UK.
What Can You Ride on a Car Licence Alone?
With a full UK car licence, you can ride a 50cc moped in some cases without L-plates or a moped test, provided you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001. If you passed after this date, you’ll still need to complete CBT before riding any moped or motorcycle, regardless of engine size.
Riding a 125cc Motorbike on a Car Licence
To ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike with a car licence, you need to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Once completed, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW with L-plates displayed, no motorway riding, and no pillion passengers, for up to two years before your CBT certificate expires.
Pre-2001 Car Licence Holders: Special Rules
If you obtained your full car licence before 1 February 2001, your licence includes provisional entitlement to ride a moped without L-plates and without a CBT certificate. This is a legacy rule that only applies to those specific pre-2001 licence holders, so always check your licence for category P if you fall into this group.
What a Car Licence Does NOT Cover
- Motorcycles above 125cc: you’ll need to pass a full A1, A2, or Category A motorcycle test.
- Riding without L-plates on a 125cc (post-2001 licences): a full motorcycle test is required to remove this restriction.
- Motorway riding on a CBT-only entitlement: motorways remain off-limits until you hold a full motorcycle licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a 125cc with just a car licence?
Yes, but only after completing CBT, and you must display L-plates and avoid motorways and pillion passengers.
Does a car licence let me ride any moped without a test?
Only if you obtained your full car licence before 1 February 2001. Everyone else needs to complete CBT first, regardless of moped engine size.
Can I carry a passenger on a 125cc with just CBT?
No, pillion passengers are not permitted while riding on CBT entitlement alone, regardless of your car licence status.
Related reading: thinking about upgrading further? See our guide on A1 vs A2 motorcycle licence.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK motorcycle licensing guides.
