If you own an ATV or quad bike, or you are looking to purchase one, then it is important to understand the licensing requirements.
In this post we will discuss what licence you need for a quad bike, along with a few other important rules.
What Licence Do You Need for a Quad Bike?
The licence you need to ride a quad bike or ATV will depend on whether you are using it on roads, or off road. You need a full car licence to ride a quad bike on UK roads but if you only intend to ride your quid bike off-road, then you do not need a driving licence. In all cases, you must be aged 16 or over to ride a quad bike.
What Do You Need to Use A Quad Bike on UK Roads?
You need a full car licence to ride a quad bike on UK roads. If your licence was issued before January 1997, then it needs to be a category B1 licence.
You also need a minimum of third party insurance to use a quad bike on the road, and you will need a valid MOT certificate if the quad bike is more than three years old. On top of this, you will need to tax the vehicle, and if you are driving in Northern Ireland, you must wear a crash helmet.
Bear in mind that many quad bikes and ATVs do not meet road safety standards. So, before you take your quad bike on the road, you will need to check with the manufacturer that the vehicle has been approved for road use. You may also have to apply for type approval.
Finally, you will have to register the quad bike or ATV with the DVLA, and fit number plates to the front and the rear of the vehicle.
Do You Need Tax and Insurance To Use Your Quad Bike Off-Road?
If you only intend to ride your quad bike off-road, then you do not need a driving licence. There is also no requirement to tax or register an off-road quad bike. However, you may choose to add your quad bike to the off-road register. This lets you record some of your vehicle’s key details, which can help the police recover the quad bike if it is ever stolen.
Agricultural Quad Bikes and ATVs
You do not need a licence to ride a quad bike on agricultural land. However, if you are using your quad bike for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry work, you must register it as a light agricultural vehicle.
You do not usually have to pay tax on an agricultural quad bike.
There may be times when you have to temporarily ride your quad bike on a public road, such as when you are travelling from one field to another. In this case, you must register the vehicle with the DVLA, and you must attach number plates to the front and rear. The quad bike will also need working lights, if you ever ride it after dark.
You do not need an MOT certificate to ride an agricultural quad bike on public roads. But you will need a minimum of third party insurance cover.
Dedicated Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets. Read our full guide to quad bike insurance here.
We provide specialist ATV insurance for clients who use their ATVs in connection with agricultural work or shoots. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.
Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.