In this guide
- What it is: The ACU Coach Certification Programme, mapped to National Coaching Standards, for anyone who wants to coach or instruct sporting motorcycle skills.
- What you need first: Be a competent rider, fully conversant with the skills for your discipline. You may have to pass a riding test first. Commercial coaches must prove a set standard of riding ability. Every coach needs a DBS check.
- How long it takes: Commercial coaches attend a 1-day practical assessment and training day. The ACU doesn't publish lengths for the others.
- Cost: ACU annual certificate fees: Club Coach £25, Project Coach £35, Commercial Coach £135 including VAT (checked October 2026). Club Coach training is at no cost for members of an affiliated ACU club, with club or centre approval. Project training is subsidised; Commercial training is charged at a commercial rate.
- What's next: Coaching track: Club or Project, then Commercial, then ACU Levels 2 and 3. Riding track: licences. Officials track: marshal.
The three categories
- Club Coach: coaches at club level, as a volunteer.
- Project Coach: coaches for local authority or community and charity motorcycle projects.
- Commercial Coach: coaches for a fee, with a background in motorcycle sport. Commercial coaches can also coach at Club and Project level.
What every coach signs up to
The ACU says all its coaches:
- have had a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check;
- sign up to the ACU Child Protection Code of Practice, its Ethical Code and its Training Manual best practice guidelines.
Commercial coaches also carry first aid qualifications and £5 million public liability insurance.
Keeping it current
The ACU Training Secretary keeps a register of all certified coaches and runs renewals. You must go to a coach seminar at least once every three years to keep your certification.
Levels
The ACU says there are three levels of ACU coach. To move to Level 2 or 3, contact the Training Secretary. It doesn't publish the requirements for each level.
Source: Coaching/Training, Becoming an ACU Trainer, Choosing a Sport and Safeguarding Policy, ACU; Head injury and concussion, NHS; checked October 2026.
Governing body: Auto-Cycle Union (ACU). It sets the UK safety standards and licences for motocross, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
