New motorcycle licence regulations explained For all tests you must first gain a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate, which ensures you can perform basic manoeuvres without falling off. With this, from age 17 you can ride a bike up to 125cc with L-plates. The next step is the theory test, similar to the car one, which is valid for two years after you've passed. You don't need to retake this if you're upgrading a full licence which is more than two years old. The practical test for each category comprises Module 1, a machine handling test not on public roads, and Module 2, on-road riding under observation. The bikes used and some of the details differ according to the licence being aimed at.