What are the steps to a motorcycle licence, and what does each cost?
These are Edinburgh Motorcycle Training's own prices at Straiton, Edinburgh, plus the DVSA theory test fee.
| Step | What it is | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to Motorcycling | 1.5 hours off-road. Required before CBT if you have never ridden. | £55 |
| 2. CBT | One day. Lets you ride up to 125cc with L-plates for 2 years. | £195 weekdays, £210 weekends |
| 3. Theory test | Multiple choice and hazard perception, booked with DVSA. | £23 |
| 4. Direct Access | Pre-DAS assessment, then 4 or 5 days covering Module 1 and Module 2 training and tests. | £1,140 (4-day) or £1,440 (5-day) |
| Total | Complete beginner to full licence | £1,413 to £1,728 |
The theory test fee is set by DVSA and was £23 when this guide was last updated. Check GOV.UK for the current fee.
How much does it cost if I only want to ride a 125cc?
Much less. You only need steps 1 and 2:
- £250 if you are a complete beginner: ITM (£55) plus a weekday CBT (£195)
- £195 if you have ridden before and go straight to a weekday CBT
Your CBT lasts 2 years. After that a CBT renewal costs £175.
Which licence can I get at my age?
| Age | What you can do |
|---|---|
| 16 | CBT, then ride a moped up to 50cc |
| 17 | CBT, then ride up to 125cc. A1 licence available. |
| 19 | A2 licence: motorcycles up to 35kW (47bhp) |
| 21 | Full A licence if you have held A2 for 2 years |
| 24 | Full A licence by Direct Access |
A1 and A2 training, and A2 to A upgrades, are charged by the hour: £55 per hour with 2 students per instructor or £75 per hour one-to-one, plus test fees.
Why are there two Direct Access prices?
Because not everyone needs the same amount of training. Every DAS student does a 3 hour pre-DAS assessment, and the instructor then places you on the 4-day or the 5-day course. The fifth day is a conversion day from a 125cc to the bigger bike. If you are already comfortable on the larger machine you skip it and save £300.
What is not included?
- Riding kit. Helmets can be provided for training, but you will want your own helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. Our students get 10% off at J and S Accessories.
- Resits. If you need to retake Module 1 or Module 2 you pay the DVSA test fee again plus extra training by the hour.
- A provisional licence, if you do not already hold a UK driving licence.
- The bike you buy afterwards, plus insurance and tax.
How can I keep the cost down?
- Do the ITM. £55 spent getting your balance and clutch control sorted makes it far more likely you finish your CBT in a day.
- Book a weekday CBT. It is £15 cheaper than a weekend.
- Ride on your CBT before DAS. Time on a 125cc is the cheapest practice there is, and it may put you on the 4-day course.
- Pass your theory early. You cannot start DAS without it, and it is valid for 2 years.
How do I pay?
ITM and CBT are paid in full at booking, and can be booked online. For Direct Access a deposit of £440 is payable on the day of booking, with two further instalments at the start of Day 1 and Day 4.
See the full price list, or call 01721 728398.