Motocross & Motorsport Licences

There is no single licence that every motocross rider needs. What you need depends on where and how you ride: on private land, at a practice track, in organised competition, or on public roads.

Riding recreationally on private land with the landowner's permission does not usually need a licence. Practice tracks set their own rules, and many ask for membership of a recognised body, proof of insurance or protective kit. Organised competition usually needs a competition licence or membership from the organising body, such as the ACU or AMCA, for the event's permit. Riding on public roads needs a road-legal, registered, taxed and insured bike and the right DVLA driving licence. Car and kart motorsport is governed by Motorsport UK.

A competition licence or membership lets you enter events run under that organisation's permits and rules, normally with event insurance. It does not make a non-road-legal bike legal on public roads.

1. Decide how you will ride: private land, practice track or competition.
2. For tracks, check the track's own entry requirements before you go.
3. For competition, choose the organising body that runs the events you want to enter and apply for its licence or membership.
4. For road use, make sure your bike is registered, taxed, insured and has an MOT if required, and that you hold the right driving licence.

• Proof of identity and date of birth
• A parent or guardian's consent for young riders
• Membership or licence fees for the organising body
• Approved protective kit, such as a helmet, as required by tracks and events
• Club membership, where the organising body requires it

Track day fees and event entry fees are separate. Fees can change, so check the official source.

Set by each organising body. Some offer same-day or one-event options.

Processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed.

Competition licences are usually annual. Renew with the organising body.

• Riding off-road on land without the owner's permission, or on footpaths and bridleways, is illegal.
• Motorbikes used on public roads must be road legal, registered, taxed and insured.
• Always follow track rules and wear approved protective kit.

Always apply directly with the official authority (Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), a UK governing body for motorcycle sport).

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