In this guide
- What it is: How young riders are grouped by age and engine size.
- What you need first: The right bike for the class, an ACU-approved helmet and full kit. At an ACU event the ACU says a youth rider should be able to sit astride the bike with one foot firmly on the ground and use the gear lever or foot brake with the other.
- Cost: A school half or full day with bike and kit is usually £189 to £350. ACU licences for youth riders: £5 practice, £10 one-event (2026, checked October 2026).
- What's next: Riding track: club racing, then MXGB Youth. At 15, adult licences open up (licences). Family track: marshal from 16.
ACU youth classes
The ACU says that if you're 5 or over there's a class for you, from 50cc up to 500cc, whether you're a boy or a girl. Schoolboy classes group riders by age:
- 50cc autos: 5 to 8.
- 65cc: 7 to 11.
- 85cc small wheels: 9 to 12.
- 85cc big wheels: 11 to 14.
- 125cc two-stroke only: 13 to 17.
- 125cc two-stroke or 250cc four-stroke: 14 to 17.
There are other forms too. Mini bike racing starts at 6, QuadCross youth events at 7, and SidecarCross at 15.
The AMCA
The Amateur Motor Cycle Association accepts motocross riders from 7. Its Inter Junior classes start with 65cc two-strokes for 7 to 9 year olds, then small-wheel and big-wheel 85s. Riders 13 and over can race MX2, and 15 and over MX1. You must join an AMCA motocross club, and your licence isn't activated until the club confirms you.
Scotland, the YMSA and other associations
In Scotland, the Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) is the governing body for motorcycle sport, motocross included, and runs its own licences and events.
The ACU lists the Youth Motor Cycle Sporting Association (YMSA) and the British Schoolboy Motorcycle Association (BSMA) as recognised associations. The YMSA calls itself a governing body for off-road youth clubs in England and Ireland, supporting motocross, trials, quad, sidecar, enduro and mini bike events and practice meetings.
Helmets for youngsters
The ACU says choosing full-face or open-face is up to the rider and parent. Don't buy a helmet too big so it's easier to get on or to grow into, and don't pack out a loose one.
Source: Starting Motocross, Associations, ACU approved helmets and visors and 2026 relaunch, ACU; Start Motocross Racing, General FAQs and Motocross Rule Book 2026, AMCA; Home, YMSA; 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.
