In this guide
- What it is: The licence that lets you ride ACU-permitted motocross, from a practice day to a full season.
- What you need first: Nothing formal. The ACU says it's a good idea to do some coaching, then test days or track days, before you race. Adult licences start at 15.
- How long it takes: Apply online through the ACU's Sport80 platform. An annual licence runs from 1 January to 31 December.
- What's next: Riding track: youth classes or club racing and championships. Coaching track: ACU coach. Officials track: marshal.
The three ways in
- Practice licence (£5): new for 2026, for youth and adult riders. The ACU also brought in club practice day permits that include insurance.
- One-event licence (£10): sometimes called a day licence. It gives all the benefits of an annual licence for one named event. It's valid for motocross up to and including National status, and the event's regulations say whether you can use one.
- Annual competition licence (£98): needed by every rider and passenger in any competition under the ACU's National Sporting Code. It runs from 1 January to 31 December, and the fee isn't refundable.
Parents are responsible for making sure a minor's licence is valid and for the right class. A licence doesn't guarantee you a place in any event.
Grades
The ACU says adult riders all start as Junior grade, then progress to Expert, which opens up higher-grade events. Most adult clubs group riders by ability rather than age or bike, and some run Over 40s or Evo bike classes. Adult licences start at 15, on a 125cc two-stroke or bigger.
Insurance
From 2026 the licence fee includes personal accident insurance. Hospital payments start after 72 hours in hospital, up to £2,000 a stay. These benefits don't apply at events that aren't run under an ACU permit.
Medical forms
The ACU publishes a 2026 eye report form, and a medical report for riders over 70 or treated for diabetes.
Source: Membership & Licence/Registration, Rider Licence Information, Starting Motocross, Choosing a Sport, 2026 relaunch, 2026 licence fees, ACU Library and Medical Matters, 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.
