Understanding the right age to ride a motorcycle or carry a passenger can be confusing, especially with a mix of age restrictions and licence requirements to navigate.
Whether you’re thinking about getting your motorcycle licence, just passed your test, or you’re the parent of a budding rider, this guide will explain what you need to know.
What age can you ride a motorbike in the UK?
In the UK, the minimum age you can ride a motorcycle depends on the size of your engine and the type of licence you hold.
This table is based on official government guidelines and breaks down the minimum UK motorbike licence age according to age, engine size, and licence requirements.
| Motorbike riding age | Engine size | Licence requirements |
| 16 | 50cc motorbikes with a maximum speed of 28 mph. | Compulsory basic training (CBT). |
| 17+ | 125cc motorbikes. | CBT training and a provisional licence. |
| 19+ | You can progress to riding motorcycles up to 35kW. | A2 licence. |
| 24+ | Any road legal motorbike. | You can take a Direct Access Scheme (DAS) to get an unrestricted full motorcycle licence (Category A). |
What age can you carry a passenger on a motorbike?
You can only carry a pillion passenger on your motorcycle if you hold an A2 category licence, which means you must be at least 19 years old.
Provisional licence holders and those who have only completed a CBT are not legally permitted to carry passengers.
What is the minimum age to be a pillion passenger on a motorbike?
You may be surprised to learn that there are no minimum age restrictions for pillion passengers on motorbikes in the UK.
However, there are legal requirements to consider when carrying a pillion passenger in the UK, including:
- Your passenger must be able to sit securely on the seat designed for a pillion and reach the footrests.
- Your motorbike must be equipped with suitable footrests and pillion seating.
- All passengers must wear a helmet that meets UK safety standards, regardless of their age.
It’s also worth noting that it’s not recommended for young children to ride as pillion passengers. Some insurers and the police suggest that passengers should be at least eight years old, but it’s up to the rider to assess whether the child can hold on safely.
What are the penalties for not following motorbike age rules?
Failing to follow essential motorbike age restrictions or passenger rules can result in penalties, including points on your licence, fines, or the invalidation of your insurance.
It’s also worth noting that riding without insurance can also lead to significant penalties. These include fines of £300 or more, six penalty points on your licence, and even the confiscation or destruction of your motorcycle.
Tips for safe riding with young motorbike passengers
If you have a suitable licence and want to carry younger passengers on your motorcycle, safety is paramount. Here are some practical tips for your consideration:
- Ensure any child passenger you carry understands how to stay still and hold on securely at all times.
- Invest in protective riding gear that fits your passenger properly, including a high-quality helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots.
- Start with short, quiet rides to help your young or new passengers get used to the sensation of being on a motorbike.
- Always check your insurance policy before riding, as some policies may restrict you from carrying pillion passengers or minors.
- Learn how to ride a motorcycle safely in the rain in case you need to ride in wet conditions unexpectedly.
Stay protected wherever you travel with specialist motorbike insurance from Devitt
Knowing the minimum age requirement to drive a motorcycle is crucial for staying safe and compliant on UK roads. You should also secure suitable insurance cover for your riding requirements.
If you need suitable cover, we can help. We’ve arranged motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936, so you’re in good hands.
Whether you ride for leisure, work or business, we can offer a range of policy options to suit your situation.
Request a quote online or call our personable team of in-house specialists on 0345 504 0395. We look forward to helping you.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Devitt, a trading name of Devitt Insurance Services Limited, accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.