Motorbike Insurance for Young Riders
Cover for riders aged 16 to 24
- Mopeds at 16 and 125cc bikes at 17
- Quotes as your licence moves up
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Motorbike insurance for young riders covers you from age 16, starting with a moped and moving up as your licence grows. The bike you can ride, and so the cover you need, changes at 16, 17, 19, 21 and 24.
Which licence and bike fit your age?
The ages below come from the GOV.UK licence categories. Each step up opens a new class of bike, and a new kind of quote.
| Age | What you can ride | Licence route |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | A moped with a top speed of 25 to 45 km/h | CBT on a provisional licence, then the AM test |
| 17 | A bike up to 125cc and 11kW | CBT on L plates, then the A1 test |
| 19 | A bike up to 35kW | A2 test |
| 21 | Any bike, by the progressive route | Held A2 for 2 years, then a practical test |
| 24 | Any bike, by direct access | CBT, theory and practical tests |
Age 16: moped insurance for 16 year olds
At 16 you can ride a moped once you have a provisional licence and a CBT certificate. You must use L plates, and you have 2 years to pass your full moped test, according to GOV.UK.
Expect the insurer to ask about where you park and who else rides the moped. Our moped page covers the bike itself.
Age 17 and 18: your first 125cc
From 17, CBT lets you ride a bike up to 125cc and 11kW on L plates. Pass the A1 test and the L plates come off, and you can carry a passenger.
Many riders start on a 125cc at 17, because CBT allows it from that age. A modest, well-locked bike with off-road parking is easier to insure than a high-value one.
Age 19 to 24: moving up to a bigger bike
From 19 you can take the A2 test and ride a bike up to 35kW. From 21 you can step up to an unrestricted bike, if you have held A2 for 2 years, or wait until 24 for direct access.
Each step means a more powerful bike, which usually changes the quote. Tell your insurer when you pass a test, and get prices for the new bike before you buy it.
How young riders could bring the price down
You cannot change your age, but these steps are in your hands when you shop for motorbike insurance for young riders.
| Step | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Start on a lower-powered bike | Lower value and power can mean a lower quote | Less room to grow into |
| Park off the road with a ground anchor | Lower theft risk | Not possible for everyone |
| Take the DVSA enhanced rider scheme once you pass | DVSA says most insurers give discounts | Needs a full licence first |
| Keep your mileage realistic | Fewer miles can lower the price | Going over the limit can affect claims |
| Build no claims each year | Your discount grows over time | Takes years to build |
Name the right main rider. If the young rider uses the bike most, they should be the main rider on the policy, even when a parent pays for it.
What you need before a young rider quote
- Your provisional or full licence, and the dates of any tests
- Your CBT certificate if you are riding on L plates
- The bike’s details: make, model, engine size and value
- Where it is parked overnight and what security you use
- Whether you ride to school, college or work
Tiger.co.uk compares quotes from 20+ providers with one short form, and every insurer on the panel is FCA authorised. That lets you see how much the price moves between bikes before you buy.
What is the youngest age you can insure a motorbike?
You can ride a moped from 16, so that is the youngest age most insurers will quote. GOV.UK says you need a provisional licence and a CBT certificate first, and you must show L plates.
Can a 17 year old get insurance on a 125cc?
Yes. From 17, a CBT certificate lets you ride a bike up to 125cc and 11kW on L plates, and insurers will quote for it. Passing your A1 test removes the L plates and lets you carry a passenger.
Can my parents insure the bike for me?
A parent can be on the policy, but the person who rides the bike most should be named as the main rider. Give accurate answers on the form, because wrong details can cause problems if you claim.
Does rider training lower the price for under 25s?
It can. The DVSA enhanced rider scheme is open once you have a full licence, and DVSA says most motorcycle insurers give discounts for its certificate.
Is a moped cheaper to insure than a 125cc for a 16 year old?
At 16 a moped is the only bike you can ride, so it is the only quote you can get. From 17 you can compare both, and the price depends on the bike, its value and where you live.
Do I need a new policy when I pass my A2 test?
Tell your insurer as soon as you pass. If you then buy a more powerful bike, the policy needs to cover that bike, so get quotes before you buy.
More pages for new and young riders
If you are just starting out, our 125cc bike page explains how CBT fits in. You can also go back to the main bike insurance page, or look at young driver car insurance and breakdown cover.
Ready to see prices? Fill in one form on Tiger.co.uk and compare young rider bike insurance quotes from 20+ providers. Policies vary, so read the cover details and excess before you buy.
Fact-checked by Ian Wilson, Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk. 20+ years in price comparison; MEng, Queen’s University Belfast.
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