Can you start taking driving lessons with a motorbike licence?

Here’s the nice short answer – yes, you can.

However, there is actually no such thing as a motorbike licence. Everyone who has passed a motorbike or moped test will surrender their provisional licence at the time of passing, then receive a driving licence.

On the back of the driving licence, it will show which categories the person is entitled to drive. It will show a date the category test was passed and a date the licence is valid until.

If you have passed the motorbike test do you have to take the driving theory test?

Yes, you do. The theory test for bikes is different to the one for cars. To find out more about the theory test for cars, click here.

Concerned about having to take the theory test again?

Fear not, if you have passed the theory test for bikes, you will see many questions are the same. This includes road signs, what to do in the event of an accident, the rules of the road and more.

On top of that, at driveJohnson’s, we have an amazing theory test application available on your phone, tablet (iPad/Android), desktop/laptop, and it’s FREE to all driveJohnson’s learners. You can analyse each category to see which areas you are stronger in than others, do mock tests and more.

What does each category mean on your licence?

AM: Mopeds (2 or 3 wheels) with a maximum speed of 28mph.
A1: Motorcycles up to 125cc. Tricycles are permitted on this category too. Maximum power output 11kW.
A2: Motorcycles with a power output up to 35kW. This licence enables you to ride any motorbike type.

B1: 4 Wheel vehicles up to 400kg or 550kg if carrying goods.
B: General cars. See direct.gov website for rules on entitlement pre-1997*
BE: Car/vehicle with a trailer up to 3,500kg in weight.*

* See Direct.gov website for further detailed information on weights/loads etc.

For larger vehicle categories C onwards visit the Direct.gov website.

Is the car driving test easier for motorbike riders?

Most of the time, both the instructor and biker learning to drive agree their experience of learning to drive was relatively easy. Because the rider has been on the roads for a while, they have developed their ability to judge speed, gaps in traffic, co-ordination, they often understand when to go up a gear and when to go down a gear and much more.

Biker Testimonials

Liam Forde

I had been riding for 5 years before I started to take my driving lessons in Leicester. I have to say my instructor Remit was fantastic and he wasted no time. On the first lesson he said book the test. 10 Hours later I passed first time with zero minors.

Rob Scanlon

I passed my bike test 6 months ago. Riding in the rain/ice/snow was not the one for me so I decided to take up driving lessons in Milton Keynes. My instructor Paul was very good and I would recommend him to anyone wanting to pass fast.
I took 12 hours of driving lessons and passed with 2 minor faults. I’ll keep my bike but stick to riding it between May and September time.