Information for moped riders

A moped has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). It has an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc and can be moved by pedals.

What is a moped?

A moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:

maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km per hour (about 31 miles per hour)
an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc
it can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 September 1977

Moped provisional licences

You can only hold a provisional moped licence if you are at least 16 years old. It entitles you to ride a moped on the road as a learner with L-plates but you must not carry a pillion passenger or go on a motorway.

If you want to ride a moped on the road without displaying L-plates you must take and pass a theory and practical driving test. If you obtained your full car licence before 1 February 2001 you are automatically entitled to ride a moped without L-plates.

Full motorcycle licence

There are two types of full motorcycle licence:

a light motorcycle licence (A1) will give you full licence entitlement to ride machines up to 125cc with a power output of up to 11kW; if your motorcycle is less than 75cc it is not suitable for the practical test
a standard motorcycle licence (A) is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120cc but not more than 125cc and is capable of at least 100km/h; after passing the standard motorcycle practical test you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25kW and a power /weight ratio not exceeding 0.16Kw/KG; after this you may ride a bike of any size.

Sidecars

Only candidates with certain disabilities can use a motorcycle and sidecar combination for the test. The licence obtained as a result of this test will be restricted to such combinations.