Can I Ride a Quad bike on a Car Licence?

If you’ve ever wondered, “can I ride a quad bike on a car licence?” or “can you ride a quad on a car licence?” you’re not alone. This is a common question for those looking to enjoy the versatility and fun of a quad bike. Here’s what you need to know about riding legally on the road in the UK.

Licensing Requirements

To legally ride a quad bike on the road in the UK, you need a full UK driving licence. If your licence was issued before January 1997, a category B1 licence will suffice. This means that for most people, the answer to “can I ride a quad on a car licence?” is yes, as long as you hold a full UK driving licence.

Quad Bike Registration and Documentation

Your bike must be registered with the DVLA. Additionally, if the quad is over three years old, it requires an MOT certificate to be used on the road. You will also need third-party insurance to legally drive the quad on public roads.

Quad Bike Specifications

When considering “what cc quad can I ride on a car licence?”, it’s important to note that there are no specific cc (cubic centimetres) limitations as long as you meet the licensing and registration requirements. However, ensure your quad bike complies with road safety standards.

Carrying Passengers

Quad bikes are typically not designed to carry passengers unless they are equipped with specific provisions such as an additional seat and foot pegs. It is crucial that passengers can securely reach the foot pegs. If these provisions are not met, you should not carry passengers on the road.

Safety Requirements

While it is recommended to wear crash helmets while riding, it is not a legal requirement in England, Scotland, and Wales. However, in Northern Ireland, wearing a crash helmet is mandatory, with fines of up to £500 for non-compliance. Remember, it is illegal to ride electric quads on pavements.

Agricultural Use

If using a quad for agricultural purposes, it must be registered as a light agricultural vehicle. Such quad bikes can be used on the road without an MOT but must be registered and insured. They should have a number plate and lights if used at night. Agricultural quads are exempt from road tax, but other usage may incur limited use tax.

It’s also worth noting that quads designed for agricultural use typically have only a driver’s seat and are not meant for carrying passengers. Additionally, children under 13 are prohibited from driving quads used in agricultural operations.

Discover More at MPE Quad Centre

The MPE Quad Centre, based in Devon offers a range of quad bikes from top brands like Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, CFMOTO, and HiSun. Whether you’re looking for a new quad bike or need advice on quad safety, we’ve got you covered. For more detailed information on quad bike safety, check out our blog post here Quad Bike Safety: Road Legal Riding, Licensing, and Best Practices

In partnership with Yellow Wellies CFMOTO have also written a great blog on bike safety which can be found here How to Ride Your Quad Safely

Conclusion

In summary, you can ride a quad bike on a car licence in the UK, provided you meet all the necessary requirements for licensing, registration, insurance, and safety. Whether you’re using your quad for agricultural purposes or just for fun, ensure you stay informed about the legalities and best practices for a safe and enjoyable ride.