Minimum Age and Licence Types to Go Bike Racing
From your Novice to your National, we explore the ACU motorcycle race licence structure, what you can ride and when and at what age.
Age and Licence Type per ACU Class
The issuing of new Intermediate Novice ACU licence has now come to an end (as of 2026).
To simplify the current ACU licence structure, we’ve created this lovely little table below summarising the minimum licence type you need to ride each bike class and at what age (does that make sense?).
You can find the Capacity and Licence Restriction table in the 2026 ACU Road Race Standing Regulations, a copy of which can be found in the resource section in your Sport80 profile on the ACU website.
If you spot any glaring errors or think we've interpreted the ACU incorrectly, drop us an email or PM us on Facebook.
How old do you have to be to get an ACU licence?
- 11-12 years old: Can apply for junior licences to compete in a junior race series, but this is not with the ACU.
- 13-15 years old: This is the earliest you can complete a CTC and BRA. The age and licence and grade restricts you to the bikes you can race by their capacity.
- 16 years old Novice: Option for some bigger bike classes, depending on licence class, e.g. Up to Formula 400 or 450cc production based machines; up to 500cc four-stroke singles/twins; up to 700cc production four-stroke singles/twins; ‘Sportbike’ (where not already covered) and Supermono.
- 16 years old Clubman: As per Novice, plus BMW F900R.
- 16 years old National: Any classic or Vintage machine up to 750cc (up to 1996); Up to Formula 600 or Supersport 600 specification machine; 675cc 3-cylinder 4 stroke Production based machine; Up to 250cc Grand Prix Machine; BMW F900R and SuperSport Next Generation.
- 17 years old Novice: As per 16 years old National, excluding SuperSport Next Generation.
- 17 years old Clubman: As per Novice, plus Supersport Next Generation.
- 17 and above (17+) National: Unlimited capacity.
- 18 and above (18+) Novice: Until you’ve completed your 10 individual race days across 3 circuits, you will be limited as a “Novice” to the same restrictions as a 17 year old Novice (the old ‘Intermediate Novice Licence’ is no longer available).
- 18 and above Clubman: Unlimited capacity starts at clubman for 18+.
Check out the latest version of the Road Racing Standing Regulations.
How do I get an ACU licence?
Switching it up from doing track days to starting racing can be a bit of a minefield. So to help you navigate through it, we've created a guide to getting your ACU race licence - what it takes to get that orange novice bib and line up on your first grid start.
Which club should I race with?
Which club you should race with depends on a lot of things.
What bike you intend to race and in how many different classes, along with your geographic location and which are your favourite, or nearest, tracks! Some bikes qualify for use in multiple classes (depending on the club).
Check out this guide to see all the UK motorcycle road racing clubs.
Can I use my road bike to go racing?
Yes, you can use your road bike for racing as long as it qualifies for a racing class within a race club.
Check out our guide on how to turn your road bike into a race bike here.
