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💷 How Much Does a UK Motorcycle Licence Cost? (2026 Updated Costs)
A realistic budget plan including official fees, training, and gear
Contents
Why Total Cost Varies in 2026
The UK motorcycle licence does not have one fixed "all-in" cost. Official test fees are fixed, but your total depends on CBT school pricing, training package quality, number of retests, London travel costs, and gear choices.
Figures in this guide reflect GOV.UK fees and typical London training ranges as of February 2026.
Figures in this guide reflect GOV.UK fees and typical London training ranges as of February 2026.
🔹 Goal: not just the cheapest route, but the best cost-to-pass balance.
Official Fees (Fixed Part)
| Item | 2026 Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional licence | £34 online / £43 by post | First mandatory step |
| Theory test | £23 | Multiple choice + hazard perception |
| Module 1 | £15.50 | Off-road manoeuvres |
| Module 2 | £75 / £88.50 | Weekday / evening-weekend |
💷 Official minimum total: £147.50 (online provisional + weekday Mod 2)
This is excluding training; training and gear drive real-world cost.
Training and Gear Costs (Real Budget)
Typical London ranges:
• CBT: £180–£260 (location, weekend slots, and bike hire affect pricing)
• Mod 1+2 training package: £700–£1,300 (varies by licence route)
• Extra training/retest day: £120–£220 per day
• Starter gear: £350–£900 (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, trousers)
• CBT: £180–£260 (location, weekend slots, and bike hire affect pricing)
• Mod 1+2 training package: £700–£1,300 (varies by licence route)
• Extra training/retest day: £120–£220 per day
• Starter gear: £350–£900 (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, trousers)
⚠️ Choosing by exam fee alone often increases retest risk and total spend.
3 Scenarios: Minimum, Balanced, Comfortable Budget
| Scenario | Estimated Total | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | £1,250–£1,650 | Disciplined learners with low retest risk |
| Balanced | £1,700–£2,350 | Most realistic range for new riders |
| Comfortable | £2,400–£3,300+ | More coaching days and premium gear |
The balanced route is often cheaper over time by reducing retest probability.
7 Practical Ways to Reduce Cost
1) Complete provisional and theory early, then block your training calendar.
2) Prefer weekday Mod 2 slots to cut test fees.
3) Choose transparent package terms; read retest clauses carefully.
4) Confirm cancellation/reschedule policy before paying.
5) Do not compromise on helmet/gloves; save on less critical items via sales.
6) Do not book practical tests until mock scores are stable.
7) Track all costs (training, travel, gear, test fees) in one sheet.
2) Prefer weekday Mod 2 slots to cut test fees.
3) Choose transparent package terms; read retest clauses carefully.
4) Confirm cancellation/reschedule policy before paying.
5) Do not compromise on helmet/gloves; save on less critical items via sales.
6) Do not book practical tests until mock scores are stable.
7) Track all costs (training, travel, gear, test fees) in one sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I get licensed by paying only official fees?
A: No. Official fees are only the test part; CBT/training/gear are the major real costs.
Q: Is the cheapest school always best value?
A: Usually no. Poor training quality can increase retests and overall spend.
Q: How long is CBT valid?
A: A DL196 is generally valid for 2 years; if you do not pass full tests, you retake CBT.
Q: How long is theory valid?
A: 2 years; practical modules must be completed within that period.
A: No. Official fees are only the test part; CBT/training/gear are the major real costs.
Q: Is the cheapest school always best value?
A: Usually no. Poor training quality can increase retests and overall spend.
Q: How long is CBT valid?
A: A DL196 is generally valid for 2 years; if you do not pass full tests, you retake CBT.
Q: How long is theory valid?
A: 2 years; practical modules must be completed within that period.
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