Moped licence in the UK (2026): AM licence, CBT and age

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: A moped needs a category AM licence from age 16, a protective helmet and motor insurance. Learners must complete compulsory basic training.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to ridePrivately owned; Moped (category AM)16 years [1]
LicencePrivately owned; Moped (category AM)Category AM licence. Learners need a provisional licence and compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road; a full licence needs the theory test and the practical moped test. [1]
Helmet requiredPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)Yes [2]
Insurance requiredPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)Yes [3]
Plate / registrationPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)A registration plate must be fixed on the rear of vehicles first registered on or after 1 September 2001. [4]
Maximum design speedPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)up to 45 km/h (design speed) [1]

Notes

  • Based on GOV.UK guidance for Great Britain. Northern Ireland was not checked.
  • Regulations of 2001; applies to vehicles first registered on or after 1 September 2001. Rules for older vehicles were not checked.
  • GOV.UK describes the AM moped category as vehicles with a speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (DVLA / DVSA): Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle: Bike categories, ages and licence requirements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. GOV.UK (Department for Transport): The Highway Code - Rules for motorcyclists (83 to 88) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. GOV.UK (DVLA / DVSA): Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle: Overview (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. legislation.gov.uk: The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.