Guides · Motocross · Checked 10 September 2026
Step by step
- 1
Get some track experience
The AMCA advises riders to have track experience before joining. Complete beginners aged 15 and over can book a Yamaha motocross experience, which the AMCA points to.amca.uk.com
- 2
Choose ACU or AMCA and join a club
Licensed motocross riders must belong to a club. AMCA clubs offer a cheaper working-member option (you help at work parties and marshal) or a pricier pay-to-ride option.amca.uk.com
- 3
Apply for your licence
Apply online (ACU via Sport80, AMCA via its portal). An AMCA licence only becomes active once your club approves your membership.amca.uk.com
- 4
Get the right bike and kit for your age
Classes are set by age and engine size, from 50cc automatics for young children to 125cc two-strokes and up for adults. You need an ACU-approved motocross helmet, chest and back protection and motocross boots.acu.org.uk
- 5
Enter a club meeting
AMCA entries open on 1 February each year through the online portal, and a transponder subscription is needed for electronic timing. Read the rulebook and the flag instructions before you ride.amca.uk.com
- 6
Race in your ability class
AMCA adults start in Junior (beginner, novice or standard ability) before moving up to Senior and Expert. ACU riders also start at Junior grade and progress towards Expert.amca.uk.com
The licence
ACU or AMCA licence
ACU Competition Licence (or an AMCA motocross licence)
ACU: apply online through Sport80 as a member of an ACU club. AMCA: join an AMCA-affiliated motocross club, then apply online at portal.amca.uk.com; the AMCA holds the application as 'pending' until your club confirms membership, then usually posts the licence within 2 working days.
ACU competition licence £98 for 2026, including personal accident insurance (ACU, 5 November 2025). The AMCA does not publish its annual licence fee on its public pages.
Official licence page · acu.org.ukKit you need
- Helmet — ACU-approved motocross helmet.acu.org.uk
- Chest and back protection — Required by the ACU.acu.org.uk
- Motocross boots — Mandatory.acu.org.uk
- Optional protection — Kidney belt, knee braces and neck brace are listed as optional.acu.org.uk
- Transponder — A transponder subscription is required for electronic timing at AMCA events.amca.uk.com
What it costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ACU competition licence (2026) | £98 | acu.org.uk |
| AMCA event entry for licence holders (year not stated on page) | Early bird £45 (Inters £40); standard £50 (Inters £45); late £60 (Inters £55) | amca.uk.com |
| AMCA entry with one-day licence (year not stated on page) | £75 (Inters £70); on the day £80 | amca.uk.com |
| Basic full motocross safety gear (AMCA estimate, year not stated) | Around £200 | amca.uk.com |
Published figures from the sources shown, checked on the date above. Prices change; confirm with the organiser before you book.
Your first event
Coming up: go and watch one first
Motocross: questions people ask
How do I get into motocross in the UK?
Get some track time, join an ACU or AMCA club, apply for a licence online and enter club meetings in the beginner or Junior class. The AMCA advises having track experience before joining.
How old do you have to be to race motocross?
Under the ACU, from your 5th birthday in the 50cc Automatic class (from 2026), with adult licences from 15. The AMCA accepts motocross riders from 7.
Do I need a licence to race motocross?
Yes, but not necessarily an annual one. The ACU issues One Event Licences for motocross events up to National status, and AMCA events accept riders on a day licence at a higher entry fee.
Do I have to join a motocross club?
For a licence, yes. The AMCA keeps licence applications pending until your club confirms you are a member for the season.
What safety gear do I need for motocross?
At minimum an ACU-approved motocross helmet, chest and back protection and motocross boots. Kidney belts, knee braces and neck braces are optional extras.
Sources, checked 2026-09-10: acu.org.uk · acu.org.uk · amca.uk.com · amca.uk.com · acu.org.uk. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.