Riding a 125cc Motorcycle in the UK: Your Guide

Embarking on the journey of two-wheeled travel in the UK often begins with a 125cc motorcycle. These nimble and economical machines are a popular choice for new riders and commuters alike. But before you can feel the wind in your hair, it’s crucial to understand the specific rules and regulations governing who can ride a 125cc motorcycle on British roads. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the licensing requirements, essential training, and legal obligations, ensuring you're fully prepared to ride safely and lawfully.

Many aspiring riders frequently ask, 'Can you ride a 125cc motorcycle on the road?' The short answer is yes, but with specific conditions. Your eligibility depends on your age, the type of licence you hold, and whether you've completed the necessary training. Let's delve into the details.

Understanding Provisional Driving Licences and 125cc Motorcycles

For most new riders, the journey starts with a provisional driving licence. This licence grants you the initial permission to learn to ride on public roads, but it comes with important caveats.

If you are aged 17 or over and possess a provisional Category A driving licence, you are permitted to ride a light motorcycle up to 125cc (with a maximum power output of 11kW). However, this is only possible after you have successfully completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). With your provisional licence and CBT certificate in hand, you must display 'L' plates (or 'D' plates in Wales) on your motorcycle.

It's vital to be aware of the restrictions that come with riding on a provisional licence:

• You must not ride on motorways.
• You must not carry a pillion passenger.
• You must display L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) at all times.

These rules are in place to ensure your safety and that of other road users while you gain experience. The provisional licence itself can be either a dedicated provisional driving licence with motorcycle entitlement or a full car licence, which automatically provides provisional motorcycle entitlement. For those interested in sidecar outfits, a provisional licence allows you to ride one with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.

The Indispensable Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

For virtually all learner motorcyclists, the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course is the gateway to riding on public roads. It's not a test you can fail; rather, it’s a course designed to ensure you have the basic skills and knowledge to ride safely.

So, is CBT mandatory for a 125cc? Simply put, yes. In the UK, if you wish to ride a 125cc motorbike on public roads, you must first complete your CBT. This rule applies to anyone over the age of 16. The primary aim of CBT is to ensure you have the fundamental skills to ride safely, making it a pivotal step for 125cc motorbike riders.

What Does Compulsory Basic Training Involve?

CBT is a comprehensive programme designed to equip novices with essential road skills. The training typically covers five key elements:

1. Introduction and Eyesight Check: An overview of the day and a check of your eyesight to ensure you meet the minimum standards.
2. Practical On-Site Training: This covers understanding motorcycle controls, walking and wheeling the motorcycle, starting and stopping the engine, and basic maintenance checks.
3. Practical On-Site Riding: You'll practice riding in a controlled off-road environment, focusing on turns, controlled stops, gear changes, and other fundamental manoeuvres.
4. Practical On-Road Training: This section covers crucial safety guidelines, road positioning, hazard perception, and a thorough discussion on the Highway Code.
5. Practical On-Road Riding: The final element involves at least two hours of riding on public roads with an instructor, demonstrating the skills you’ve learned in various traffic conditions.

The goal is to ensure you're confident and competent, so take the time you need to master the basics.

How Long Does CBT Last and What Does it Cost?

Generally, a CBT session lasts for a full day, typically around 6-8 hours. However, the duration can vary based on individual progress. Some riders might grasp the essentials quickly, while others may require additional sessions to reach the required standard. There's no rush; the emphasis is on competence.

The cost of CBT can vary based on location, training school, and whether you use your own motorbike or hire one. On average, prices in the UK typically range from £90 to £150. It’s advisable to check with multiple training schools in your area to find the best deal, but always prioritise quality and certified instructors over the lowest price.

Validity of Your CBT Certificate

Once you've successfully completed your CBT, you'll be issued a DL196 certificate. This certificate is valid for two years. If you wish to continue riding after this period without having obtained a full motorcycle licence, you will need to retake the CBT course. It's important to note that a CBT obtained on a moped is also valid for a 125cc motorcycle (max 11kW) once the rider turns 17.

Riding a 125cc with a Full Car Licence

A common question is: "Can I ride a 125cc bike with a full car licence?" The answer is yes, but with conditions that depend on when you passed your car driving test.

• Car driving test passed on or after 1 February 2001: Even with a full car licence, you must complete your CBT to ride a moped or motorcycle up to 125cc (11kW max). You will still need to display L-plates. To remove the L-plates or ride a more powerful machine, you will need to take the relevant full motorcycle practical tests and a motorcycle theory and hazard perception test.
• Car driving test passed before 1 February 2001: If you passed your car driving test before this date, you can ride a moped (max 50cc) without L-plates and without needing CBT. However, if you want to ride a motorcycle over 50cc and up to 125cc, you will need to take CBT. Once you have a valid CBT certificate, you can ride a 125cc with L-plates. To remove the L-plates or ride a more powerful machine, you'll need to pass the relevant full motorcycle tests.

In summary, for most people, a CBT is essential for riding a 125cc, even if you hold a full car licence.

Full UK Motorcycle Licence Categories (Brief Overview)

While the focus here is on 125cc motorcycles, it's useful to understand the progression of full motorcycle licences. As of 19th January 2013, there are four main moped/motorcycle licence categories:

• AM – Moped Licence (Age 16+): Allows you to ride a moped up to 50cc (max speed 45km/h) without L-plates and carry a pillion passenger.
• A1 – Light Motorbike Licence (Age 17+): This is the relevant full licence for 125cc machines. It can be taken on a machine between 120 and 125cc (max power output 11kW). Upon passing, you can ride any motorcycle up to 125cc (11kW max) without L-plates and carry a pillion passenger. After holding an A1 licence for a minimum of two years, you can upgrade to an A2 licence by taking another two-part practical test (without needing to retake CBT or theory).
• A2 – Motorbike Licence (Age 19+): Allows you to ride any size/cc motorbike with a power capped at 35kW (47bhp). The test is taken on a machine of a minimum engine size of 395cc. After holding an A2 licence for a minimum of two years, you can upgrade to an A unrestricted licence by taking another two-part practical test on a bigger bike. This is a popular route for many young riders seeking an unrestricted licence.
• A – Unrestricted Motorbike Licence (Age 21+ or 24+): This licence, often obtained via the Direct Access Scheme (DAS), allows you to ride any motorcycle of any engine size or power. You can qualify at 21+ if you've held an A2 licence for at least two years, or at 24+ directly. The test is taken on a machine of a minimum engine size of 595cc that produces at least 50kW.

Gaining a full motorcycle licence requires completing CBT, passing a motorcycle theory and hazard perception test, and then passing a two-part practical test on an appropriately sized motorbike.

Essential Documents and Legal Requirements for Your 125cc

Beyond your licence and training, there are several other crucial legal requirements to consider before your 125cc hits the road.

Getting Your Provisional Driving Licence

To apply for a provisional driving licence for a car, moped, or motorcycle, you can do so online via the DVLA website or by using Form D1, available from the Post Office. To be approved, you must:

• Be a resident of England, Scotland, or Wales (Northern Ireland has a different service).
• Meet the minimum age requirement.
• Meet the minimum eyesight requirement.
• Have a valid UK passport or other valid ID.
• Provide your National Insurance number if known.
• Provide addresses for the previous three years.

As of 2021, the cost is £34, payable by debit or credit card.

Vehicle Registration Document (VRD)

The VRD, also known as the V5C logbook, contains your name and address, along with detailed information about your motorcycle, including its make, model, year of first registration, engine size, and number. If you buy a new motorcycle, the dealer will register it with the DVLA, and the VRD will be sent directly to you. For a second-hand purchase, you'll receive the VRD from the seller. It's an offence not to notify the DVLA immediately of a change of ownership, so fill in the 'Change of ownership' section and send it to the DVLA at the address provided on the document.

Motorcycle Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)

Your motorcycle must be taxed before it can be ridden on the road. Since 2014, the paper tax disc has been abolished. You can tax your bike online via the DVLA website, by phone (0300 123 4321), or at a Post Office. Motorcycles registered before 1st January 1978 are exempt from tax.

*Source: UK Gov official site (Note: Rates are subject to change, always check official sources for current figures)

MOT – The Vehicle Test Certificate

The MOT test applies to all motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters over three years old. This annual test ensures your motorcycle is roadworthy and meets environmental and safety standards. It must be carried out at an appointed vehicle testing station. Upon passing, you'll receive a vehicle test certificate, which is required when you renew your vehicle excise licence. If your motorcycle fails the MOT, you must not ride it on the road unless you're taking it to have the faults corrected or for an arranged retest.

Motorcycle Insurance

It is illegal to ride without insurance. Before taking your motorcycle onto public roads, you must have proper insurance cover. Insurance costs are influenced by factors such as your age, the bike's engine size, and your geographical location. Always use a dedicated motorcycle insurance comparison site to find competitive quotes.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance:

• Third-Party: This is the cheapest and legal minimum cover. It covers injury to other people or damage to their property that you might cause. It does not cover injury to yourself or damage to your motorcycle.
• Third-Party Fire and Theft: This offers the same cover as third-party, plus protection if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged by fire.
• Comprehensive: This is the most extensive, and typically most expensive, insurance. It covers injury to other people and damage to their property, as well as damage to your own machine, replacement of parts damaged in an accident, and personal injury to yourself.

Some policies offer optional pillion passenger insurance, which can be excluded to potentially save costs if you never intend to carry a passenger. The cost of insurance is also affected by the make and model of your motorcycle, and its engine power and capacity. It pays to shop around, as engine-size groups for insurance purposes can vary between insurers. Always read the small print to understand precisely what is and isn't insured, and be aware of the 'excess' – the first portion of any claim you'll typically have to pay yourself.

Helmets

By law, you must wear a safety helmet when riding a motorcycle on the road. All helmets sold in the UK must comply with either British Standard BS 6658:1985 (carrying the BSI kitemark), UNECE Regulation 22.05, or an equivalent standard accepted by a European Economic Area member, carrying an equivalent mark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I ride a 125cc on the motorway?

You can ride a 125cc motorcycle on the motorway only if you possess a full motorcycle licence (A1, A2, or A category). You are expressly forbidden from riding on motorways if you only have a CBT certificate, even if you are riding a 125cc motorcycle.

Is 125cc CBT mandatory?

Yes, for the vast majority of riders, CBT is mandatory to ride a 125cc motorcycle on public roads in the UK. The only exceptions are if you obtained your car driving licence before 1st February 2001 and wish to ride a 50cc moped (not a 125cc), or if you live and ride on specified offshore islands, or passed a full moped test after 1st December 1990. For a 125cc, CBT remains an essential requirement.

How long is a CBT certificate valid?

A CBT certificate (DL196) is valid for two years from the date of completion. If you do not pass your full motorcycle theory and practical tests within this two-year period, you will need to retake the CBT course to legally continue riding on L-plates.

What motorcycle can I ride on a provisional driving licence?

With a provisional Category A driving licence and a valid CBT certificate, you can ride a light motorcycle up to 125cc (maximum power 11kW) if you are 17 or over. If you are 16, you can ride a moped or scooter up to 50cc (maximum speed 45 km/h) with a provisional licence and CBT. In both cases, L-plates must be displayed, and you cannot ride on motorways or carry a pillion passenger.

Conclusion

Riding a 125cc motorcycle in the UK offers an exciting and practical way to navigate roads, but it’s paramount to understand and adhere to the strict legal requirements. From obtaining the correct provisional licence and completing your Compulsory Basic Training to ensuring your vehicle is taxed, MOT'd, and insured, each step is crucial for safe and lawful riding. Remember, safety always comes first, and by following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the freedom of two wheels responsibly.

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