Can you ride a motorbike with a car licence? Rules explained

RIDING a motorbike is a less expensive way of getting on the road.

But what licence do you require and how can you get one? Here's all you need to know.

Can you ride a motorbike with a car licence?

Yes, some people can legally jump on a motorbike with just a car licence.

Those who passed their driving test before February 1, 2001, can hop on a moped up to 50cc without L plates or taking the compulsory basic training (CBT) course.

Anyone who passed their driving test after February 1, 2001, must undertake a CBT course before legally heading out on a bike.

The course is not a test, and completion allows you to ride a moped or motorbike up to 125cc.

More powerful bikes require a motorcycle licence, and there is a variety of licences that you can hold.

The categories are AM, Q, A1, A2 and A.

AM licences are for mopeds and scooters, and the power of the bikes you are allowed to ride will increase if you gain higher licences.

Can I ride a trike with a car licence?

Provisional category B car licences and provisional category A licences now only cover you to ride motor tricycles if you have a physical disability.

Driving tests for three-wheeled vehicles are only available for physically disabled drivers.

If you’re not physically disabled and want to ride a motor tricycle you’ll now need to get the right provisional entitlement and pass CBT.

You can drive a motor tricycle of any power rating if you:

• Are over 21
• you have a full car driving licence

You’ll need a full category A1 motorbike licence to ride motor tricycles up to power output 15 Kilowatts (kW), and a full category A motorbike licence to ride trikes with a power output more than 15 kW.

Once you’ve done your CBT, you have two years to pass your theory and motorcycle tests or you’ll have to do CBT again.

How long does it take to get a motorbike licence?

CBT is a course you usually have to take before you ride a moped or motorcycle on the road.

The training makes sure you can ride safely on your own while you practice for your full moped or motorcycle test.

You do not have to take CBT if:

• want to ride a moped (up to 50cc) and you passed your car driving test before February 1, 2001
• want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped licence from passing a moped test since December 1, 1990
• have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another
• live and ride on some offshore islands
• want to ride a trial e-scooter

After you’ve completed CBT, you can ride a:

• moped if you’re 16 or over
• motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW if you’re 17 or over

How long it takes to get a motorcycle licence depends on your age and what you are aiming for.

An AM licence, which covers mopeds with a speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h, small 3-wheelers and light quadricycles (weighing under 350 kg, can be achieved at 16.

Unrestricted motorcycles in size or power, with or without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with power output over 15 kW, require an A licence.

This can be done through direct access aged 24 or through a progressive access route, which is where the rider has held an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years, and then takes their practical test. This can be done aged 21 and over.

Overall, the process can take up to five years.

Do I legally have to use L plates on my motorbike?

You must use L plates after you have completed CBT and before you pass your full moped or motorcycle test.

You must display L plates at both the front and back of your motorcycle.

It must be clear to read for other motorists.