Do I need a licence to drive a quad bike?

The quadricycle or quad is a motorised vehicle dedicated to thrill-seekers or those who enjoy the great outdoors. If you are a quad rider, there are a few important things you need to know before you drive one of these machines. Pay particular attention to the driving licence you need to have, not forgetting the quad insurance.

Do I need a licence to drive a quad bike?

To drive on private land or on public roads in France, you can choose between two categories of approved quad bikes - heavy quad bikes, and - light quads. In the case you want to ride a light quad bike with a cylinder capacity of no more than 50cc and a speed of no more than 45km/h, you are not obliged to have a specific licence. However, if you were born after 1 January 1988, you must hold a BSR with a quadricycle option. As for the heavy quad, with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm3, you must hold a suitable licence to be able to drive it. Valid licences vary according to when you obtained them. Before 19 January 2013, itwas possible to drive such a vehicle with an A, A1, A2, A3, B and B1 licence. After 19 January 2013, a B or B1 licence was required.

What about the unlicensed quad?

Driving an unlicensed quad bike does not require a driving licence unlike licensed quads. However, you are not allowed to use it on roads open to traffic. Its use is limited to private land. For a driver under 15 years of age, the use of this motorised vehicle must only be carried out within the framework of a sports association.

Insurance for a quad bike

Quad bikes, whether approved or not, are subject to the same insurance rules as all other motorised vehicles. It is therefore compulsory to take out quad bike insurance. You can choose between various types of quad insurance. As with motorbikes and cars, you can choose between comprehensive and third-party insurance. Whether you ride on private land or on a road open to traffic, third-party insurance is still compulsory. You also have the option of opting for additional guarantees, as you would for a car: glass breakage, fire, quad theft, driver's guarantee, etc. Of course, your choice should be based on your needs.

How does private hire work?

Am I insured if I give my motorbike to a potential buyer for a test ride?

One of the solutions to reduce your daily expenses is to make your car profitable. If you don’t use your vehicle much, rent it. You can make a profit because the rates of this service between private individuals sometimes generates more than 40% profit than professional renters.

Motorized two-wheelers in general emit less greenhouse gases than a car and are therefore less polluting. But there are new environmentally friendly motorizations that are becoming more and more credible, such as the hybrid, all-electric or hydrogen-powered model.

There are papers that you must always keep in the vehicle while driving so that you will not be penalized in the event of a roadside check. The obligatory papers are the driver’s license, the car registration document and the insurance certificate.