Learner Motorbike Insurance

Cover on L plates protects you while you ride on a provisional licence and a CBT certificate. Most learner policies are for a moped or a bike up to 125cc with L plates.

Is learner bike cover right for you?

Where you are in the licence process decides what you can ride and what the insurer needs to know. Find your stage below.

These limits come from the GOV.UK CBT rules. If your bike is bigger than 125cc or 11kW, you need a full licence before you can ride it on your own.

What your CBT certificate lets you ride

A CBT certificate lets you ride a moped from 16, or a bike up to 125cc from 17, on L plates. GOV.UK says the course usually lasts a day and ends with a certificate of completion, sometimes called a DL196.

The certificate has a 2-year clock. Pass your theory and practical tests in that time, or you will need to take CBT again. Riding without a valid certificate can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points.

Your insurer will ask for your CBT date, so keep the certificate somewhere safe.

Rules on L plates that affect your learner policy

Learner riders have limits that a standard policy cannot override. The Highway Code says you must not carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you pass your test.

• Show L plates at all times (L or D plates in Wales)
• No passengers on the back
• No trailers
• Stay off motorways until you hold a full licence

The motorway ban is in Rule 253 of the Highway Code, which covers anyone on a provisional motorcycle licence.

If your policy offers pillion cover, it only applies once you are legally allowed to carry someone.

Learner riders in different situations

Riding to college or work on L plates

Many learners use a 125cc for the daily trip. Choose commuting as your class of use, because social-only cover does not include the ride to work or college.

Buying your first bike

Get quotes before you hand over the money. The make, value and power of the bike make a big difference, and a lower-powered model can be easier to insure. Our 125cc page looks at that band in more depth.

Moving up after your test

Once you pass, your licence category changes what you can ride. Tell your insurer straight away and update the policy before you take a bigger bike out.

What you need before a learner bike quote

• Your provisional licence number
• Your CBT certificate and the date you completed it
• The bike’s registration, or its make, model and engine size
• Where you will park it overnight and what lock you use
• Whether you will commute on it
• Your expected yearly mileage

Third party, fire and theft or comprehensive for a first bike?

Both are common choices for learners. Weigh them up against the value of your bike.

Tiger.co.uk compares quotes from 20+ providers with one short form, and every insurer on the panel is FCA authorised. Use it to see learner prices side by side before you choose.

Can you get insurance with just a CBT?

Yes. Many insurers will quote a rider with a provisional licence and a CBT certificate, usually for a bike up to 125cc. You will need to tell them you are a learner and show L plates when you ride.

Do I need my own insurance for CBT training?

Not usually for the course itself. GOV.UK says you cannot ride your own bike to a CBT course unless you already hold a certificate, so most learners use a school bike. Ask the training school how its bikes are insured.

More cover for new riders

Back on the main motorbike insurance page, you can compare other rider types. Under-25s should read our young riders page, and breakdown cover is worth a look if you will ride alone. If you also drive, see young driver car insurance.

Ready to see prices? Fill in one form on Tiger.co.uk and compare learner motorbike insurance quotes from 20+ providers. Policies vary, so read the cover details and excess before you buy.