At 16 yrs old, you can only ride a 50 cc machine. This can be either an automatic (scooter type machine) or it could be a geared type machine.

The machine must not be de-restricted and must only be capable of 30mph maximum.

If these conditions are not met then the moped is deemed to be a motorcycle and your insurance and licence are invalid.

To be able to do a CBT at 16 you must present the instructor on the day of your CBT with your valid provisional driving licence, which must show the 'P' Entitlement on the licence.

However, once you have completed your CBT at 16 and then turned 17 yrs of age then you could legally ride a 125-cc machine without completing another CBT until the life of your current CBT expires.

If you are 17 years old or more, you may do your CBT on a 125cc machine. Again this could be either an automatic or a geared machine.

To be able to complete a CBT for a 125cc machine at 17 yrs old or more, then you must present the instructor on the day of your CBT with your valid driving licence which must show the 'A' Entitlement on the licence.

You may also complete a CBT on a 500cc machine provided you are going on to do a big bike practical test and are over 21 yrs of age.

Again you must have the provisional 'A' category on your licence.

This option is used only rarely on occasions as most riders doing a CBT have never ridden before or have only ridden many years ago.

The instructor must also be a direct access qualified instructor.

Eyesight Check

All the above CBT courses will also be subject to the trainee being asked to read a number plate correctly from a distance of 20.5 meters (that’s 67 feet in old money).

Tips

If your licence is the New Style PHOTO ID licence then you must bring both parts (the green paper counterpart and the plastic photo card.

This is because any endorsements or bans will only appear on the paper counterpart.

If you have the old style paper licence then obviously you can only bring that with you.

Some licences did have an expiry date for the motorcycle category. So you may want to check this on your licence.

Also some licences do have the category you require listed BUT the start date may not be valid.