Motorcycle licenses can be obtained by high school students! However, be aware that the minimum age varies depending on engine displacement.

Motorcycle licenses for bikes under 400cc can be obtained from age 16

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	Moped license	Small limited motorcycle license (including AT-only)	Standard motorcycle license (including AT-only)	Large motorcycle license (including AT-only)
Minimum age	From 16	From 16	From 16	From 18
Displacement	Up to 50cc	Up to 125cc	Up to 400cc	No limit
Legal speed limit	30Km/h	60Km/h	60Km/h	60Km/h
Riding with a passenger	×	◯	◯	◯
Highway driving	×	×	◯	◯

A standard motorcycle license (including AT-only licenses) that allows you to ride motorcycles up to 400cc can be obtained from the age of 16.

In addition to moped licenses, there are also small limited motorcycle licenses, standard motorcycle licenses, and large motorcycle licenses.

Excluding moped licenses, each is divided into two categories: MT (manual transmission) and AT (automatic transmission) limited, resulting in a total of seven types of licenses. Among these, the two types of large motorcycle licenses (both MT and AT-limited) cannot be obtained at age 16.

Moped license (up to 50cc) from age 16

The minimum age to obtain a moped license (motorized bicycle license) is 16. Once you have a moped license, you can ride moped motorcycles with a displacement of up to 50cc.

There is no distinction between MT and AT-limited for moped licenses, so once you obtain a moped license, you can ride any moped regardless of its transmission type.

A moped license can be obtained with a written exam only, so there is no need to attend a driving school as with other motorcycle licenses. However, since the license can only be obtained from age 16, you must have already turned 16 on the day of the written exam.

Small Limited Standard Motorcycle License (including AT-only / up to 125cc) from age 16

Similar to a moped license, you can take the small limited standard motorcycle license exam once you've turned 16.

This license allows you to ride motorcycles with a displacement of up to 125cc. However, since there is a distinction between MT and AT-limited for this license, if you obtain an AT-limited license, you cannot ride MT motorcycles.

(If you have an MT license, you can also ride AT motorcycles)

A major difference between the 125cc class and mopeds (50cc class), besides engine displacement, is that you can ride with a passenger after one year of obtaining the license.

(You cannot drive on expressways with a 125cc class motorcycle)

Standard Motorcycle License (including AT-only / up to 400cc) from age 16

A standard motorcycle license allows you to ride motorcycles with a displacement of up to 400cc and can be obtained from the age of 16.

There are two ways to obtain a standard motorcycle license: by taking the "one-shot" direct exam at a driver's license center or by attending a driving school.

For the direct exam, you must memorize the riding course announced on the day, pass the riding test, and then take the written exam. However, this is quite difficult, so it's generally more common to attend a driving school, complete the practical training, and then take only the written exam at the license center to obtain the license.

Large Motorcycle License (including AT-only / 401cc and above, no limit) from age 18

A large motorcycle license allows you to ride all motorcycles, regardless of engine displacement. It is the only motorcycle license that can only be obtained from the age of 18 (regardless of MT or AT-limited).

You can ride 1,000cc class motorcycles, often called liter bikes. After one year of obtaining the license, you can ride with a passenger and also drive on expressways.

While there is a sense of ownership unique to large motorcycles, bikes with a displacement exceeding 250cc require a vehicle inspection once every two years, and they consume more fuel compared to other classes, thus requiring higher maintenance and running costs.

Do the difficulty and cost of obtaining a motorcycle license change with age?

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While the difficulty of obtaining a motorcycle license does not change with age, the handling of the motorcycle varies depending on the type of motorcycle license you are trying to obtain, and therefore the difficulty also changes.

Also, the cost of obtaining a motorcycle license varies greatly depending on the license. Below is a table summarizing the approximate difficulty and cost for each license.

		Moped license	Small limited standard motorcycle license (including AT-only)	Standard motorcycle license (including AT-only)	Large motorcycle license (including AT-only)
Minimum age		From 16	From 16	From 16	From 18
Difficulty to obtain		Easy	Easy	Moderately difficult	Difficult
Estimated cost	With car license	4,200 yen	75,000 yen~	90,000 yen~	125,000 yen~
	Without car license	4,200 yen	110,000 yen~	125,000 yen~	230,000 yen~

In addition to age requirements and difficulty, the ability to properly operate a motorcycle of the desired displacement is also a factor. If you find it difficult to reach the ground or lift the bike due to your physique or physical strength, you may not be able to take the training.

Difficulty varies depending on the license obtained

The difficulty of a motorcycle license is also the difficulty of practical training, but the difficulty changes because the skills required differ depending on the license you are trying to obtain.

For example, on a balance beam called a 15-meter long narrow plank, a standard motorcycle license requires you to ride for at least 7 seconds without falling, while a large motorcycle license requires at least 10 seconds, meaning the required time to stay on is longer.

Also, the larger the displacement, the heavier the motorcycle becomes, which affects handling when picking it up from a fall or maneuvering it while riding, increasing the difficulty.

The cost of obtaining a license varies by driving school

The cost of obtaining a motorcycle license varies depending on the type of license, but even for the same license, the cost can differ depending on the driving school you attend.

Furthermore, even at the same driving school, the cost varies between attending classes and a training camp, and sometimes even by month.

During peak seasons when many people apply for licenses, the cost of obtaining a license often increases. If you want to save money, it is advisable to choose a period when fewer people apply (May-July, October-December).

How to choose a safe motorcycle based on age?

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We will introduce how to choose a motorcycle that suits your age, along with recommended models.

The circumstances for riding a motorcycle vary, such as first-time riders, or "return riders" who are getting back on a bike after a long absence.

We will explain how to choose a motorcycle that suits various situations, such as teenagers riding a motorcycle for the first time, return riders, and seniors, so please refer to it.

Young beginners such as 16-year-olds and high school students

If you obtain a motorcycle license at age 16, you can get a moped license, a small limited standard motorcycle license, or a standard motorcycle license (excluding large motorcycle licenses, which are from age 18), allowing you to ride bikes from 50cc to 400cc.

For 16-year-olds and high school students riding a motorcycle for the first time, it's also their first time riding on public roads, so a moped-class motorcycle is recommended to understand traffic flow.

While a moped license allows you to ride both MT and AT vehicles, choosing a scooter type that doesn't require clutch operation means you can focus on driving with only the accelerator and brake, which enhances safety.

If you want to ride a stylish moped, the Cross Cub 50 is recommended. It offers a manual-like riding experience without the need for clutch operation and boasts excellent fuel efficiency.

HONDA Cross Cub 50

鍵の方では前から言ってましたが、中古のクロスカブ50を購入し先日納車されました～
まだ変速など慣れない部分はありますが、安全運転に努めていきたいです pic.twitter.com/xdW5jCyvJT
— 七瀬 (@kurikoma80139) September 3, 2024

The Cross Cub 50 is a stylish Cub based on the Super Cub 50, featuring an outdoor design with the removal of leg guards and the addition of a headlight guard.

Like the Super Cub series, it features a 4-speed rotary transmission that doesn't require clutch operation, allowing you to enjoy MT-like shifting.

With an astonishing fuel efficiency of 69.4 Km/L (WMTC mode value), it is a stylish and economically friendly moped class motorcycle recommended for those who want to keep running costs down.

Vehicle weight: 100Kg
Engine type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder
Total displacement: 49cc
Fuel efficiency: (WMTC mode value) 69.4Km/L
Overall length × Overall width × Overall height (mm): 1,840×720×1,050
Reference retail price (incl. tax): 308,000 yen
Used vehicle market price: Around 200,000 to 300,000 yen

Return riders in their 40s and 50s

For return riders who are getting back on a motorcycle after a long break of 10 to 20 years, a 250cc class motorcycle is recommended.

Many 250cc models are lightweight, making them easy to handle, and they can also be ridden on expressways, so you can enjoy long-distance touring.

A word of caution for returning riders: as you age, your reaction time, dynamic visual acuity, and other physical abilities may decline. Therefore, it's dangerous to ride a motorcycle with the same感覚 as when you were in your teens or twenties.

HONDA CB250R

本日、HONDA CB250R (MC52)
再納車しました！

自分の最初の1台にして1番愛していると言っても過言ではないほど大好きなバイクです！
かなり踏み込んだ買い物でしたが、乗って直ぐに買ってよかったと思いました..
これから“ また”よろくね！！ pic.twitter.com/6eya9KzxKK
— 洲埼ありゅ (@sunoski_karasu) September 21, 2023

The HONDA CB250R is a 250cc class motorcycle that is lightweight, weighing only 144kg, comparable to a 125cc class bike.

With its naked style, the riding posture is not overly forward-leaning, allowing for a natural and comfortable seating position that reduces fatigue during long rides.

Although it was launched in 2018, models from 2019 onwards come standard with ABS, enhancing safety. Therefore, if you're buying a used model, the "ABS standard equipped model" from 2019 or later is recommended.

Vehicle weight: 144Kg
Engine type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder
Total displacement: 249cc
Fuel efficiency: (WMTC mode value) 33.7Km/L: for 1 rider
Overall length × Overall width × Overall height (mm): 2,020×805×1,045
Reference retail price (incl. tax): 564,300 yen
Used vehicle market price: Around 270,000 to 550,000 yen

Senior generation (60s and up)

For seniors who are at retirement age, lightweight models such as the 125cc or 250cc class are recommended.

Choosing a lighter motorcycle if you feel your physical strength declining makes it easier to maneuver for tasks like parking, and in the event of dropping the bike, it's easier to pick up, reducing physical strain.

Conversely, large motorcycles with a displacement exceeding 400cc offer greater stability while riding, but their heavy weight makes them difficult to maneuver, for example during U-turns or when parking, and puts a greater strain on the body.

YAMAHA MT-125

Yamaha MT 125 2024 https://t.co/kwly7W4T9X pic.twitter.com/ZxkMoQlyuc
— wikki (@Wikkitron) January 26, 2024

The YAMAHA "MT-125" is lightweight, easy to handle, and boasts high fuel efficiency, making it recommended for seniors.

Being a naked type with a higher handlebar position, it allows for a natural and comfortable riding posture, and when pushing it while dismounted, its light weight reduces strain on the body.

With a high fuel efficiency of 49.4 Km/L (WMTC mode value) and nimble handling, this 125cc class motorcycle offers a light and agile ride.

Vehicle weight: 138Kg
Engine type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder
Total displacement: 124cc
Fuel efficiency: (WMTC mode value) 49.4Km/L: for 1 rider
Overall length × Overall width × Overall height (mm): 2,000×800×1,070
Reference retail price (incl. tax): 495,000 yen
Used vehicle market price: Around 350,000 to 500,000 yen

Can seniors still ride? Are there age limits for motorcycles?

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Regarding the upper age limit for riding a motorcycle, the conclusion is that you can ride a motorcycle at any age.

However, there are important considerations, and ignoring them can lead to serious accidents. Therefore, age-appropriate awareness is crucial.

We will explain important points for seniors to ride motorcycles and how to choose recommended motorcycles.

There is no upper age limit for motorcycles

There is no upper age limit for motorcycle licenses, so you can ride even in your 80s. However, if you start having more standing falls or find yourself almost dropping the bike more frequently, it's time to consider returning your license.

As physical strength and muscle mass decline, it becomes harder to support a motorcycle, leading to more instances of standing falls or nearly dropping the bike.

As you get older, your judgment may also decline, and a decline in judgment increases the possibility of accidents. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the opinions of those around you or set an age limit for yourself and retire from riding a motorcycle.

Self-management is crucial

To ride a motorcycle at an older age, it is very important to manage your physical condition, such as being aware of your daily health and mood.

While riding a motorcycle doesn't require a lot of physical strength, it does require strong legs to support the bike. If you happen to drop it, you'll need some strength to pick it up.

Paying attention to your health and doing light exercises, such as walking for over 20 minutes, can help maintain your health and muscle strength.

Choose a lightweight motorcycle that is less taxing on your body

If you're getting older and feel your physical strength declining, it's a good idea to choose a lighter motorcycle, such as a 125cc class that can be ridden with a small conventional motorcycle license, or a 250cc class that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license.

While large motorcycles with their impressive size offer a sense of ownership and high stability while riding, they tend to have worse fuel efficiency and place a greater physical burden on the rider compared to smaller or regular class motorcycles.

Additionally, when moving the motorcycle on and off the stand, a lighter motorcycle is easier to handle, reducing physical strain.

FAQ: Questions about motorcycle riding and age

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This section summarizes frequently asked questions and answers regarding motorcycle riding and age.

Students considering getting a motorcycle license or those thinking about riding with a passenger should definitely refer to this information.

How old do you have to be to attend a driving school?

You can attend a driving school for motorcycle lessons from the age of 15.

However, motorcycle licenses other than the large motorcycle license can only be obtained from the age of 16, so the license will not be issued until you turn 16.

If you attend a driving school from the age of 15 and turn 16 by the date of the licensing center exam, you can obtain a motorcycle license without any issues.

Will my school find out if I get a motorcycle license?

Basically, if a high school student attends a driving school, they will typically need to get permission from the school before enrolling, so the school will find out.

While some schools do not allow students to obtain a motorcycle license, if you attend a driving school and get a license without school permission, some schools may impose disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion if discovered.

You can ride a motorcycle at any age, so if your school doesn't permit you to get a motorcycle license, prioritize your studies instead of secretly trying to get one.

What is the minimum age for riding with a passenger?

Two-person riding is possible regardless of age, as long as one year has passed since obtaining a motorcycle license, so the earliest is 17 years old.

While only Class 1 moped licenses do not permit tandem riding, small limited regular motorcycle licenses and regular motorcycle licenses can be obtained from age 16, and large motorcycle licenses from age 18. Tandem riding is permitted after one year from obtaining the license.

Therefore, if you obtain a small limited regular motorcycle license or a regular motorcycle license at age 16, the earliest you can ride with a passenger is 17. If you obtain a large motorcycle license at age 18, the earliest you can ride with a passenger is 19.

What is required for tandem riding?

If the total displacement of the motorcycle exceeds 51cc, two people can ride, but to do so, the motorcycle must be equipped with a "tandem step," a "tandem seat (passenger seat)," and a "tandem bar (club bar, tandem belt, etc.)."

A tandem step is a footrest for the passenger, a tandem seat is where the passenger sits, and a tandem bar is a bar (or belt) for the passenger to hold onto to prevent falling off the motorcycle.

Some models, even with an engine displacement exceeding 51cc, may not allow two riders. You should check the seating capacity stated on documents such as the vehicle registration certificate (for mopeds from 50cc to 125cc) or the light vehicle registration certificate (for motorcycles from 125cc to 250cc).

I want to go touring with my child on a motorcycle! What is the minimum age for a child to ride as a passenger?

There are no age restrictions for children riding as passengers on a motorcycle, but for elementary school-aged children and younger, their small size and weaker strength can make tandem riding difficult.

Generally, it is said that children in the upper elementary grades and older will feel less anxious when tandem riding, but this is merely a guideline as there are individual differences in physique.

If ridden incorrectly, there is a risk of falling off the motorcycle, which is dangerous. Therefore, regardless of the child's age, ensure they understand how to ride on the back seat properly to prevent them from falling off before riding with a passenger.

Precautions when riding tandem with children

When riding with a child on a motorcycle, it is mandatory to wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves, for tandem riding.

For safety, a full-face helmet that fully covers the head is ideal. However, if a child's head is too small and the helmet comes off even when the chin strap is tightened, it might mean they are too young for tandem riding.

For emergencies, it's reassuring to have them wear protectors for the chest and spine in addition to a helmet, or jackets and pants with built-in protectors.

Summary

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We have explained the age at which you can obtain a motorcycle license.

You can get a motorcycle license (excluding large motorcycle licenses) from the age of 16, but you cannot ride with a passenger until one year has passed since obtaining your license.