Can you ride a motorcycle with a driver’s license? rules explained

RIDING a motorcycle can be an ambition for people who want a more intense experience on the road.

But what license do you need and how can you get one? Here’s everything you need to know.

1

Can you ride a motorcycle with a driver’s license?

You can drive mopeds up to 50 ccm without an L license plate and in some situations without a moped test if you have a valid driver’s license.

More powerful motorcycles require a motorcycle license and there are a variety of licenses you can hold.

The categories are AM, Q, A1, A2 and A.

The above licenses are for mopeds and scooters, and the performance of the bikes you are allowed to ride will increase as you earn higher licenses.

Can I drive a trike with a car driver’s license?

Provisional category B car driving licenses and provisional category A driving licenses now only entitle you to drive motor tricycles if you have a physical disability. 3-wheel vehicle driving tests are only available for physically challenged drivers.

If you are not physically challenged and wish to ride a powered tricycle, you must now obtain the correct provisional eligibility and pass the CBT.

You can ride a powered tricycle of any power rating if you:

• Are over 21
• You have a full driver’s license

For tricycles with an engine power of up to 15 kilowatts (kW) you need a class A1 motorcycle driving license and for tricycles with a power of over 15 kW you need a class A motorcycle driving licence.

Once you’ve done yours CBT You have 2 years to pass your theory and motorcycle exams or you will have to do CBT again.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is a course that you usually have to complete before operating a moped or motorcycle on the road.

The training ensures you can safely ride alone while practicing for your full moped or motorcycle exam.

You don’t have to take CBT if:

• want to drive a moped (up to 50 ccm) and passed your car driver’s test before February 1, 2001
• want to ride a motorcycle and since 1
• have a full motorcycle license for one category and want to switch to another
• live and ride on some offshore islands
• want to drive a test e-scooter

After completing CBT you can drive:

• Moped from 16
• Motorbikes up to 125 ccm and with an output of up to 11 kW from the age of 17

How long it takes to get a motorcycle license depends on your age and goals.

An AM licence, which covers mopeds with a speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h, small tricycles and light quadricycles (weighing less than 350 kg) can be obtained at the age of 16.

Unrestricted motorcycles with or without a sidecar and motorized tricycles with an output of more than 15 kW require an A driving license.

This can be through direct access at the age of 24 or through a progressive access route where the driver has held an A2 driving license for at least 2 years and then takes their practical test. This is possible from the age of 21.

The process can take up to five years in total.

Do I have to use an L license plate on my motorcycle?

You must use L plates after completing CBT and before passing your full moped or motorcycle test.

You must install L-plates on both the front and rear of your motorcycle. It must be legible for other drivers.