Despite less traffic on our road over the last couple of years, some of us are still unfortunate enough to get stuck in traffic on the way to work, or on our journey back home. 

Driving along in first gear for what seems like an eternity, you notice motorcyclists filtering through the traffic and could be starting to wonder if it’s time you joined them!

Have you been put off about having to take additional tests and the costs associated with that? It may not be as expensive as you think. You may be able to ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates and without taking a test, in some situations.

If you passed your driving test before 1st February 2001, you can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates.

You don’t need to take a CBT course or take the full moped test, although you must take CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped. However, if you've not ridden before we would strongly recommend doing a CBT course even if you’re not legally required to do so.

If you passed your driving test on or after 1st February 2001 the rules are slightly different.

You can get a full moped licence if you either:

• pass your car driving test and then complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course
• complete a CBT course and then pass your car driving test within two years

You can then ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You don’t need to take the full moped test and you are able to ride a moped for as long as your car driving licence lasts.

For more information, please take a look at our learning to ride section.