The cost of getting a motorcycle licence in the UK depends on your age, experience, licence route and how much training you need before you are safe and ready for test. There is not one fixed price for every rider. The total is usually made up of several separate costs, including CBT, the motorcycle theory test, practical training, motorcycle hire, DVSA Module 1 and Module 2 test fees, protective clothing, and the costs of owning and insuring your own bike.
What makes up the cost of a motorcycle licence?
Most riders should budget for the whole route, not just the course price. A cheap-looking option can become expensive if it leaves you underprepared, causes failed tests, or means you need extra training later.
CBT
Compulsory Basic Training, usually called CBT, is the first step for many learner riders. It allows you to ride a moped or motorcycle up to 125cc on L plates, subject to your age and licence entitlement. At Universal Motorcycle Training, CBT is currently £205. You can read more about our CBT course here: CBT in London.
CBT is training, not a guaranteed certificate. If you need more time to reach a safe standard, your instructor may recommend further training before you ride unaccompanied on the road. That is not a failure. It is part of learning properly.
Introduction to Motorcycling
If you have never ridden before, or you feel nervous about balance, controls or slow-speed handling, an Introduction to Motorcycling course can be a sensible investment before CBT. At Universal Motorcycle Training, this course is currently £125. It can reduce pressure on the day and help you get better value from your CBT training.
Gear conversion
If you completed CBT on an automatic scooter but now want to ride a geared motorcycle, you may benefit from gear conversion training. At Universal Motorcycle Training, gear conversion is currently £125 for a two-hour session or £250 for a four-hour session. You can view the course here: gear conversion training.
Motorcycle theory test
Before taking the practical tests for a full motorcycle licence, you usually need to pass the motorcycle theory test. The fee is set by the DVSA and can change, so check GOV.UK for the current amount rather than relying on figures in old articles.
Practical training and motorcycle hire
This is often the part that varies most. Some riders need a short course because they already have strong road experience, good clutch control and confident observation. Others need more time to build safe habits, especially if they are moving from a scooter to a larger manual motorcycle.
Training time may include on-site handling, slow control, road riding, Mod 1 preparation and Mod 2 preparation. Motorcycle hire, fuel, insurance cover for school bikes, instructor time and test escort may also be built into the course structure. For current full licence course prices, please check the relevant course page, including DAS full licence training.
DVSA Module 1 and Module 2 test fees
The practical motorcycle test is split into two parts. Module 1 is the off-road manoeuvres test. Module 2 is the on-road riding test. These test fees are separate DVSA fees and may change. Always check GOV.UK driving test costs for the current theory test, Module 1 and Module 2 amounts.
Protective clothing
You will need suitable protective clothing for training and riding. A legal motorcycle helmet is essential. You should also budget for gloves, a suitable jacket, sturdy trousers and over-the-ankle boots. Good kit does not have to be the most expensive, but it should fit properly and protect you from impact, abrasion and weather.
Insurance and running costs
If you plan to buy your own bike, include insurance, road tax where applicable, MOT, servicing, tyres, security, fuel and parking. Insurance can be a major cost for new riders, especially in London, so check quotes before buying a motorcycle. A bike that seems affordable to buy may be expensive to insure.
What affects the total cost?
The biggest factor is the route you take. A 17-year-old aiming for A1, a 19-year-old aiming for A2, and a 24-year-old doing DAS will have different training and test requirements. Your previous experience also matters. Riders with good bicycle road sense, scooter experience or regular 125cc riding may progress faster than someone starting from zero.
Manual skills can also affect cost. Clutch control, gear changes, hill starts and slow-speed balance take practice. If those skills are weak, paying for extra preparation can be better value than rushing into a test and paying again after a fail.
Your availability can also affect the route. Spreading training out may suit some riders, while others learn better with more intensive blocks. Weather, test availability and DVSA test centre scheduling can also influence the final cost and timescale.
How to budget sensibly
- Start with CBT and basic kit, then decide whether you want to stay on a 125cc or move towards a full licence.
- Check the current DVSA theory, Module 1 and Module 2 fees on GOV.UK before setting your budget.
- Allow for extra training rather than budgeting for the minimum possible number of days.
- Get insurance quotes before buying a motorcycle.
- Choose training based on safety, preparation and support, not just the lowest headline price.
How to avoid wasting money
Read the Highway Code before training, arrive on time, bring your correct driving licence, wear suitable clothing and listen carefully to your instructor’s feedback. These simple steps help you make the most of the training you have paid for.
Do not rush into a test before you are ready. Failed tests cost money, but more importantly, weak preparation can leave you unsafe after you pass. A good instructor will help you understand what standard is needed and whether extra training is worthwhile.
If you are unsure which route suits your age, experience and goals, use our CBT to full licence roadmap to understand the steps before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a motorcycle licence cost in total?
There is no single total for every rider. Your cost depends on whether you are doing CBT only, A1, A2 or Category A, how much training you need, whether you need bike hire, and the current DVSA test fees.
Is CBT included in a full motorcycle licence?
CBT is normally the starting point before full licence training unless you already have a valid CBT or an exemption applies. It is separate from the motorcycle theory test and the Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests.
Can I get a full licence with the minimum amount of training?
Some experienced riders need less training than beginners, but the aim is to be safe and test-ready, not simply to book the shortest course. The cheapest option is not always the best value if it leads to poor preparation or repeat test fees.
Do DVSA test fees stay the same?
DVSA fees for the motorcycle theory test, Module 1 and Module 2 are set by the DVSA and can change. Check GOV.UK for current amounts before booking or budgeting.
Book motorcycle training in London and Hertfordshire
Universal Motorcycle Training offers CBT, gear conversion and full motorcycle licence training at our seven centres across London and Hertfordshire: Alperton, Croydon, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon, Dagenham and Hoddesdon. To discuss the right route for your experience, budget and licence goal, contact our team and book your training.