In this guide
- What you need first: Nothing to read this. To ride, you need a legal, insured venue.
- What's next: Riding track: licences and youth classes. Coaching track: ACU coach. Officials track: marshal.
Prices
- School session: a half or full day with bike and kit is usually £189 to £350.
- Coached track time with a bike: usually £70 to £140 an hour.
- One-to-one development day: £425 to £560.
- ACU licences (2026): £5 practice, £10 one-event, £98 annual (checked October 2026).
- Kit: the AMCA says full race gear can usually be bought for around £200, and you always need your own bike for its events.
ACU kit rules
- An ACU-approved motocross helmet that fits. The ACU's helmet document says the ACU sticker is the only sign a helmet is ready for motorcycle sport, and any cutting or drilling of the shell cancels the approval.
- Chest and back protection, motocross boots and motocross kit.
- Kidney belts, knee braces and neck braces are your choice.
Sound
The ACU sets sound limits for off-road machines and tests them with the FIM "2 metre max" method. Limits vary by machine age and engine type.
Is the venue legal?
The AMCA says to ask any practice site for its legal permit, its insurance and landowner consent, because the police can take your bike under the Road Traffic Act.
The House of Commons Library says off-road bikes can be used on private land with the landowner's permission. To use one on the road, it must be approved, registered, taxed and have an MOT if needed. Green lanes and byways open to all traffic count as roads.
Who's in charge
Sport England and the UK column of the sports councils' list name the ACU for motorcycling. Sport Wales names the Welsh Auto Cycle Union and the ACU. The Scottish Auto Cycle Union, which calls itself the governing body for motorcycle sport in Scotland, is named for Scotland, with 2 + 4 Wheels Motorsport Ltd for Northern Ireland.
Source: What gear do I need?, Starting Motocross, ACU approved helmets and visors, Sound level control, 2026 relaunch and 2026 licence fees, ACU; General FAQs, AMCA; Anti-social behaviour and illegal use of off-road bikes, House of Commons Library; National governing bodies, Sport England; Recognised sports, Sport Wales; Recognition master list, September 2025, Sport NI; 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.
