Essential documents

Every vehicle should have a registration document showing the registered keeper. It's your legal responsibility to make sure all the information is correct. This includes make, model and engine size. If you buy a new vehicle, the dealer will register it with DVLA, who will send the registration document to you.

CBT courses can only be given by training bodies that are approved by DVSA. The standard of training is monitored by DVSA examiners. The course is designed to teach riders basic skills before they start riding on the road.

If you borrow a motorcycle, you must make sure that you're insured to ride it. It's better to find this out for yourself, rather than taking somebody else's word for it.

An ordinary motorcycle in Great Britain needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, unless exempt, and then normally each year. It must always be roadworthy, including between tests. Northern Ireland has separate testing arrangements.

The V5C registration document records the registered keeper and vehicle details such as registration number, make, colour and date of first registration. The registered keeper is not necessarily the owner: a V5C is not proof of ownership. Keep the recorded details up to date.

DVLA need to keep their records up to date. They'll send you a reminder when you need to tax your vehicle. To do this, they need your current address. Every vehicle in the country is registered so that its history can be traced.

Third-party insurance covers liability for injury to other people and damage to their property. It does not cover damage to your own motorcycle, its theft or your own injuries in the same way as additional cover may. Check the actual policy; the cover type alone does not guarantee a cheaper premium.

The minimum insurance cover required by law is third-party only. This covers the other people and vehicles involved in a collision, but not you or your vehicle. Also, basic third-party insurance won't cover you for theft or fire damage. Make sure you read your policy carefully and understand what it covers.

The V5C includes the date of first registration and the vehicle’s registered details. Tell DVLA about changes such as an engine or colour change. Follow its separate notification procedure for replacing or restoring a motorcycle frame, even like for like. Not every accessory changes a V5C field. Check the full rules and your insurer’s separate disclosure requirements.

An MOT checks specified safety and roadworthiness requirements at the time of the test. The rider remains responsible for the motorcycle’s condition afterwards. A journey to repairs or a pre-arranged retest is not permission to ride an unsafe motorcycle: it must meet minimum roadworthiness requirements. Do not ride with a dangerous defect; arrange safe transport instead.

Bring a valid CBT certificate along with the other required test documents. Someone upgrading an existing full motorcycle licence does not need a CBT certificate for that test. CBT develops basic knowledge and control skills, but it is not a substitute for preparation for the full practical test.

Notify DVLA in Great Britain, or DVA in Northern Ireland, about a notifiable health condition or disability that affects safe riding. Check the authority’s condition-specific guidance, including whether an existing condition has worsened. This does not mean every brief minor illness must be reported, but you must not ride while medically unfit.

After your first full test, further penalty points taking the total to six or more within two years lead to revocation. Unexpired provisional-licence points carry over; passing with points does not by itself trigger revocation. If revoked, apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical tests again, following learner conditions meanwhile.

Provisional entitlement means that restrictions apply to your use of motorcycles. For example, you may not ride on a motorway or carry a passenger. The requirements are there to protect you and other road users. Make sure you're aware of all the restrictions that apply before you ride your motorcycle on the road.

Category A1 permits a light motorcycle up to 125 cc, with power no greater than 11 kW and a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.1 kW/kg. Engine size alone is not enough: all these entitlement limits must be met.

Before carrying a passenger on a motorcycle, the rider must hold a full licence for the category of motorcycle being ridden. They must also ensure that a proper passenger seat and footrests are fitted.

A CBT certificate is normally valid for two years. If you have not passed the relevant full test before it expires, complete CBT again before continuing to ride as a learner. Most new riders need CBT, but specific exemptions exist, including some existing licence entitlements; check the official rules for your circumstances.

By law, you can only carry a pillion passenger after you've gained a full motorcycle licence for the class of motorcycle you're using. It makes no difference if the passenger holds a full licence. As a learner, you're also prohibited from towing a trailer or riding on motorways.

For a claim to which a £100 excess applies, you contribute the first £100 and the insurer deals with the covered balance under the policy terms. Different kinds of claim can have different excesses. Do not assume that this own-damage excess applies to every third-party claim.

Some garages will remind you that your vehicle is due for its annual MOT test, but not all do. To ensure continuous cover, you may take your vehicle for its MOT up to one month before its existing MOT certificate expires. The expiry date on the new certificate will be 12 months after the expiry date on the old certificate.