Off-road vehicles
Quads, scramblers, electric scooters, buzz boards and minibikes (also known as mini-motos) are powered by a 22.5cc stroke engine. These motorised vehicles can do fast speeds. Motorised vehicle driving is restricted to off-road.
Driving an off-road vehicle
If you own one of these vehicles, you mustn’t drive it on public roads or in public places such as:
- footpaths
- forests
- parks
- sports grounds
- car parks
- housing estates
- beaches
When you’re driving off-road for example on a private lane or in a field, you should pay attention to:
- other off-road vehicles
- walkers
- animals
Driving motorised vehicles on public roads
To drive a scrambler, electric scooter, buzz board, quad or mini-moto on a public road, you must be at least 16 years old and have:
- a driving licence
- third party insurance
- number plates
- vehicle tax
- lights
- reflectors
- a crash helmet
Driving licence for a quad
It’s an offence to drive a motorised vehicle on a public road without a driving licence. The minimum driving licences that allow you to drive a quad on a public road are:
- category AM for a 16-year old
- full category B for 17 years+ in a larger quad
Children and young people driving off-road vehicles
Off-road vehicles aren’t toys. But you don’t need a licence to drive an off-road vehicle on private land. If your child has an off-road vehicle, it’s important you teach them about safe driving off-road. To stay safe on a quad or scrambler, your child should wear a helmet and strong, protective clothing.
You should also make sure the landowner allows them to drive the vehicle on their private land.
To ask about children's beginner coaching, contact:
Reporting off-road vehicles in public places
If you see people driving scramblers or quads in parks, forests or other public places, you should contact the police.
If an off-road vehicle driver causes distress or alarm, or you’re concerned about unsafe driving:
- telephone 999
To report off-road vehicle drivers causing nuisance or annoyance:
- telephone 101
- telephone Crimestoppers
The police can investigate an off-road vehicle being driven on a public road.
They can :
- seize the vehicle
- prosecute or fine the driver
- prosecute or fine the child's parent or guardian
Using a quad for agriculture
If you want to use a quad for farming and need to go on the public road, you must have a driving licence. Before driving the quad, you must have one of the licences below:
- category AM for a 16-year old
- full category B for over 17 years old
You'll also need a Lantra certificate if your job involves driving. To find out about courses for agricultural drivers, go to:
More useful links