Trike Licensing & Tests

Trike Licensing & Tests

UK trike licensing rules changed significantly on 19 January 2013. Before that date, drivers with a full Category B (car) licence automatically held full trike entitlement. Drivers who gained their Category B licence before 19 January 2013 still retain this entitlement under “grandfather rights”.

On 19 January 2013, regulators moved trikes into the Category A (motorcycle) licence. As a result, most new riders now require motorcycle entitlement.

Riding a Trike on a Provisional Licence

Since 19 January 2013, only riders who have declared a physical disability to the DVLA may ride or take a test on a trike using a provisional licence.

Before riding on the road, the rider must complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course adapted for trikes. The CBT certificate remains valid for two years. After it expires, the rider must complete another CBT course.

A provisional licence holder may ride a trike over 125cc only when accompanied by a qualified instructor. The same Direct Access Scheme (DAS) rules apply as for motorcycles.

Authorities have strengthened enforcement in recent years. Therefore, riders should ensure they comply fully with current requirements.

1. The interpretation and enforcement of these rules have been toughened up recently due to selfish individuals who abused the system by continually riding on provisional licences with no intention of ever taking a test. Unsurprisingly, they are the very same people who are now complaining the most about the toughening up of the system. This is not the first time that a benefit fought long and hard for by the NABD has been lost due to the selfishness of a small number of individuals.

Trike Tests

Disabled riders may take modified Module 1 and Module 2 motorcycle tests on:

• A trike

• A motorcycle with sidecar

After passing the test, the DVLA issues a Category A licence restricted to:

• Trikes only, or

• Sidecar-equipped motorcycles only

The theory test remains identical to the standard motorcycle theory test.

Licensing Categories

Licence requirements depend on engine power output:

• Category A1: Required for trikes over 125cc up to 15 kilowatts

• Category A: Required for trikes exceeding 15 kilowatts

• Full unrestricted Category A: Includes full trike and motorcycle/sidecar entitlement when the rider passed the test on a motorcycle

Riders should confirm their entitlement before riding.

Trike and Motorcycle/Sidecar Riding for People Without Physical Disabilities:

People who have not declared physical disability to the DVLA (or the equivalent licensing authority where they live) cannot ride trikes or motorcycle/sidecar outfits on a provisional licence nor can they take a test on a trike or motorcycle/sidecar outfit.

Riding Trikes on a Car Licence in the UK:

In the UK a specific rule amendment was made on the 10^th of April 2014, which allows anyone over the age of 21 who holds a full UK Category B car licence to ride trikes.  This legislation is only applicable within UK territories.  Throughout the EU a post-2013 Category B licence does not carry a trike entitlement.

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman