Far too many people cling stubbornly to the plethora of erroneous ‘urban myths’, relating to trike legislation, that have circulated in the past. In this article, the NABD Chairman, puts the cat amongst the pigeons by presenting the ‘actual facts’…
Rules for Provisional Licences and Full Tests
Far too many people cling stubbornly to the plethora of erroneous ‘urban myths’, relating to trike legislation, that have circulated in the past. In this article, the NABD Chairman, puts the cat amongst the pigeons by presenting the ‘actual facts’…
Rules for Provisional Licences and Full Tests
Did You Know?
Trike engine type (car or bike) doesn’t affect licensing.
All trikes in Europe now fall under Category A.
A trike licence only permits trike riding — not motorcycles or cars.
UK-Specific Legislation (Post-2014)
From April 10th, 2014, UK law changed to allow anyone aged 21 or over who holds a full Category B (car) licence to ride any size of trike within UK territory — no motorcycle test required.
This rule was introduced to simplify licensing and recognise that trikes are often more similar to cars in handling than motorcycles.
Important: This entitlement only applies within the UK. When travelling abroad, EU and international licensing rules still apply, meaning a motorcycle (Category A) licence may be required.
Trikes – Mirrors:
Trikes must be fitted with at least one offside and one nearside exterior rear view mirror both of which must meet the adjustment requirements and the vibration requirements.
The diameter of the reflecting surface of a circular mirror must be:
- Not less than 94mm
- Not more than 150mm
Where mirrors are not circular, their reflecting surface must be:
- Able to contain a 78mm diameter circle
- No larger than 120mm x 200mm.
Mirrors must be fitted or set in such a way that the centre of the reflective surface is at least 280mm from the centre line of the vehicle with the handlebars in the ‘straight ahead’ position. NB. This legislation applies to all unbodied trikes, irrespective of when they were first registered.
UK-Specific Legislation (Post-2014)
From April 10th, 2014, UK law changed to allow anyone aged 21 or over who holds a full Category B (car) licence to ride any size of trike within UK territory — no motorcycle test required.
This rule was introduced to simplify licensing and recognise that trikes are often more similar to cars in handling than motorcycles.
Important: This entitlement only applies within the UK. When travelling abroad, EU and international licensing rules still apply, meaning a motorcycle (Category A) licence may be required.
Trikes – Mirrors:
Trikes must be fitted with at least one offside and one nearside exterior rear view mirror both of which must meet the adjustment requirements and the vibration requirements.
The diameter of the reflecting surface of a circular mirror must be:
- Not less than 94mm
- Not more than 150mm
Where mirrors are not circular, their reflecting surface must be:
- Able to contain a 78mm diameter circle
- No larger than 120mm x 200mm.
Mirrors must be fitted or set in such a way that the centre of the reflective surface is at least 280mm from the centre line of the vehicle with the handlebars in the ‘straight ahead’ position. NB. This legislation applies to all unbodied trikes, irrespective of when they were first registered.
Learner Loaners
The NABD learner scheme is a unique and extremely successful service provided for NABD members, which provides adapted motorcycles to help people with disabilities to take a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course and can also be used for further training/practice until a formal motorcycle test has been taken.
NB. Please note that all of our adapted learner/loaner bikes are 125cc. We cannot provide adapted motorcycles for Direct Access (DAS) courses/tests.
The first requirement is that you become a member of the NABD, the second is that and you hold a provisional motorcycle entitlement on your driving licence.
The loan will be subject to certain conditions, such as;
- You are responsible for the cleaning and routine maintenance of the motorcycle.
- You are responsible for the security of the motorcycle.
- You must provide a copy of a fully comprehensive insurance policy for the motorcycle prior to delivery.
- Any parking fines or traffic offences incurred during the period of the loan are solely your responsibility.
- You must pay for the repair of any damage done to the motorcycle while it is on loan to you.
- We will take photographs of the bike on delivery and a photograph of the borrower on sitting the bike. When the loan comes to an end, we would like a few words from the borrower for publication in the Open House magazine and online.
- The initial loan will be for a period up to 3 months. This may be extended for a further 3 months if there is evidence of sufficient progress, or mitigating circumstances.
At this time we have eight 125cc motorcycles based on the UK mainland and one based in Ireland. These machines can be adapted to suit a broad range of disabilities.
There is no charge for the fitting of the necessary adaptations to suit your needs and there is no charge for the loan of the adapted motorcycle but there is a single £150.00 charge to cover the delivery and collection of the motorcycle. This charge applies wherever you live on the UK mainland or in Ireland so nobody is penalised for living further away.
NB. For anywhere off the UK mainland or Ireland the additional cost of ferry travel must be met by the person to whom the motorcycle is being loaned.
The delivery/collection fee must be paid, in full, prior to delivery.
To apply for the loan of one of these adapted motorcycles contact loaners@thenabd.org.uk or complete this online form.
You would need to be a member of the NABD to access this scheme and you will need to provide a photocopy of both sides of your driving licence with your application.
Once an adapted learner/loaner motorcycle is allocated for your use, you must obtain fully comprehensive insurance for it and provide a copy to the NABD.
NB. We have nrgotiated discount schemes for insuring these machines with these brokers; (The borrower is free to use other brokers if they wish).
Bikesure Insurance: 0800 089 0340 – www.bikesure.co.uk
Principal Insurance: 0161 972 2597 – www.principalinsurance.co.uk
Be aware that there may be a waiting list for the use of these machines at times, so don’t leave it until the last minute before applying.
Safety and Training Benefits
All NABD learner loaner motorcycles are fully adapted and carefully maintained to ensure maximum safety for our riders. Using a learner loaner allows members to build confidence and develop riding skills in a controlled, supportive environment before taking their full motorcycle test. For first-time riders, instructors or experienced mentors may be available to provide guidance and extra support.
Where neccessary we can arrange to deliver the loaner motorcycle to the borrower’s chosen CBT centre. The borrower must arrange this with the CBT centre and they must be present to accept the bike on delivery.
Accessibility and Adaptations
Every learner loaner bike can be customized to suit a rider’s specific needs. This includes hand controls, adapted seats, modified foot controls, and other specialist adaptations. All modifications are provided at no additional cost, ensuring that every member has equal access to the learner loaner scheme.
We also have learner loaners available with automatic transmission. NB. Any test passed on a motorcycle with an automatic transmission will result in the licence being limited to ‘Automatic motorcycles only’.
How the Loan Works
The loan process is straightforward and designed to get you riding quickly:
- Verify NABD membership.
- Confirm provisional motorcycle entitlement on your driving licence.
- Complete the loan application.
- Receive bike allocation.
- Provide proof of fully comprehensive insurance.
- Begin your loan period.
Delivery and collection of the motorcycle are included in the £150 charge, making it convenient for members across the UK and Ireland. Please note that availability may be limited at times, so early applications are recommended.
Encouraging Participation
We encourage members to practice as much as possible during their loan period to develop skills and confidence. Once your loan is complete, you can share a photo and a short story of your experience for inclusion in NABD’s quarterly magazine, celebrating your achievements with the wider community.
Insurance Tips
NABD has discount schemes in place with recommended insurers to make fully comprehensive coverage affordable. Required documentation includes a copy of both sides of your driving licence and proof of insurance before your loan begins.
FAQ’s
Visit our “Useful Links” section for government contacts, partner organisations, and engineering specialists.
Yes, we have a network of volunteer Regional Reps throughout the UK who can offer guidance and support in your area. See the Rep’s list for details of your most local NABD Rep.
We offer advice on licensing, insurance, legal issues relating to vehicles and vehicle construction, VAT exemptions, control & vehicle adaptations, motorcycle & trike training for riders with disabilities and the use & adaptation of protective motorcycle clothing & equipment
Yes, you must disclose any disability which can effect your ability to ride or drive a standard unadapted vehicle. However, insurers cannot load your premium simply besed on your disability. This is a protection offered by current Disability Discrimination legislation in the UK and throughout Europe.
