Information for moped riders
The European rules have now changed and because of this the category on your new driving licence will now show as AM and Q instead of the old category P.
Moped category definition
A moped (category AM) is defined as having a maximum design speed over 25km/h (15.5mph) but not exceeding 45 km/h (28 mph); or a light quadricycle with an unladen weight not more than 350kg and up to 45km/h. It has an engine capacity no greater than 50 cubic centimetres (cc) and can be moved by pedals if it was first used before 1 September 1977.
Existing driving licence holders with moped entitlement
Previously your entitlement was shown on your driving licence as category P and covered you to ride mopeds with:
- an engine size up to 50 cc (cylinder capacity)
- a maximum speed up to 50 kilometres per hour (km/h)
Category P entitlement is not lost from the licence but you will also be awarded categories AM and Q as detailed below.
Your entitlement is shown as:
- category AM - gives you entitlement to ride mopeds with a maximum design speed over 25 km/h but not more than 45 km/h, small three wheelers (up to 50 cc and below 4 Kilowatt (kW)), and light quadricycles (unladen weight less than 350 kilograms (kg) and up to 45 km/h)
- category P - extending the above to include two or three-wheeled mopeds with a higher maximum speed of up to 50 km/h (to retain your existing entitlement)
- category Q - extending the above to include two or three-wheeled mopeds with a maximum speed up to 25 km/h (to retain your existing entitlement)
Becoming a moped rider
The minimum age to ride a moped is 16 years and you will need to:
- complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for the relevant motorcycle category
- pass a theory test
- pass practical tests
Once you have passed your tests, your moped entitlement will be shown on the driving licence as:
- category AM
- category Q
If you pass a test for a car or any of the motorcycle categories, you will also receive entitlement to ride a moped. However, a valid CBT certificate will still be required to ride a moped on the road if a full motorcycle test category has not been awarded. This moped entitlement will be shown as above (categories AM and Q).
For rules on motorcycle and tricycle riders see the link below: