Do I need a licence to ride a quad bike?

Key takeaways

• It is illegal to ride a quad bike on the road unless it is registered, taxed, insured and meets road safety standards

• You need a full car licence or a category B1 licence to ride a quad bike on public roads but you don’t need one if you’re using your quad bike on private land

• There are different rules for agricultural quad bikes

Do I need a licence to ride a quad bike?

Yes, if you want to ride your quad bike or all-terrain vehicles (ATV)on public roads in the UK you’ll need a full car licence (category B) or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997.

However, if your quad bike doesn’t meet road safety standards (most don’t) you won’t be able to use it on public roads - even with the right licence.

You should check with the manufacturer whether your quad bike is road-approved.

If you’re only using your quad bike off the road, with no public access, then you don’t need a driving licence.

What are the requirements for road-legal quad bikes?

Road-approved quad bikes must tick several boxes:

• MOT certificate: Quad bikes over three years old must have a valid MOT to ensure they are roadworthy

• Insurance: Much like regular cars, it is a legal requirement to have a quad bike covered by a relevant quad bike insurance policy at all times

• Registration: The DVLA must have a record of your quad bike, complete with a unique registration number

• Number plates: Visible front and rear number plates are a must to identify your vehicle

• Helmet use: While not mandatory in England, Scotland and Wales, crash helmets are highly recommended for your safety, and in Northern Ireland, they are a legal requirement

• Passengers: Your quad bike must be designed to carry passengers and have the correct number of seats to carry otherwise you can risk being fined up to £2,500 and getting three penalty points on your licence

What is type approval and how can I get it for my quad bike?

Vehicle type approval is a product certification process that confirms your quad bike meets safety, environmental and security requirements before it is used on UK roads.

First, check whether there is manufacturer’s certificate of conformity. If there isn’t one you’ll need to go through the motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) scheme to get your quad bike approved.

This involves paying a fee for DVSA to inspect your vehicle at an approved test station. If your quad bike passes the inspections you’ll be issued with a Minister’s Approval Certificate (MAC), which you use to register your vehicle.

What are the requirements to use my quad bike off-road?

Off-road use of quad bikes comes with fewer legal strings attached than use on public roads.

There's no need for tax or MOT when using a quad bike on private land, and you don’t need to have a driving licence.

Although it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to add your quad bike to the DVLA’s off-road register to help the police recover your quad bike if it gets stolen.

Did you know?

It’s estimated that 900 to 1,200 quad bikes and ATVs are stolen in England and Wales each year, according to the Home Office.

What are rules if I have an agricultural quad bike?

Quad bikes that are used primarily for agricultural, horticulture and forestry work have certain privileges.

By registering them as light agricultural vehicles, they are exempt from the usual MOT and vehicle tax requirements, easing the burden on farmers and rural workers.

However, to use them on the road (even if it’s just to go on a road between fields) you will need:

• A number plate

• Third party insurance

• Lights, if your agricultural quad bike is being used on the road after dark

• A speedometer and a horn if your agricultural quad bike can go above 20mph

Quad bikes, which are used as light agricultural vehicles should only have a driver’s seat and you’re not allowed to carry any passengers.

What age do I need to be to ride a quad bike?

You need to be at least 17 years old and have a full car driving licence to use a quad bike on public roads. Additionally, the quad bike must be registered, taxed and insured.

If you want to use a quad bike off-road on private land, there are rules you must follow, depending on the age of the rider.

Check the manufacturer’s minimum age recommendation for your quad bike and be aware of speed regulations for children aged 12 and under.

Do I need to have quad bike insurance?

Yes, if you’re going to use your quad bike on public roads you need to have at least third party insurance otherwise you risk:

• A £300 fine

• Six penalty points

• Having your quad bike seized and destroyed

If your quad bike is gathering dust in the garage you’ll need to officially declare it off-road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

It’s still a good idea to take out quad bike insurance so you’re protected against fire and theft.

Sam Meadows
Insurance Expert

Our expert says

Quad bikes are incredibly useful for outdoor work and recreation, but it's crucial to follow the rules to avoid unnecessary fines and points on your licence. Always verify that your model is road-approved and properly insured before taking it out.

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