More and more young people are turning to motorbikes as their main means of transport because of the high cost of other options, according to the BBC’s Newsbeat. Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirms the trend, showing that demand for Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificates is also on the rise.

The CBT allows those over 16 years old to legally ride a motorcycle. With a CBT certificate along with a provisional licence, youngsters can ride a moped with L-plates.

Teenager Jacob Parkinson explained that his moped cost £180 to insure – significantly less than the cost of covering a car.

Last year, seven of the ten most popular motorcycle models that bike manufacturer Yamaha sold were mopeds or bikes with smaller engines, the company told Newsbeat recently. KTM and Honda observed a similar trend in their sales as well.

In 2013 the UK motorbike test system was subject to certain amendments and now it limits the engine size and power output of bikes that can be used by riders aged under 24.

Until last year, the DVSA had recorded a strong increase in the number of bikers taking tests to qualify for riding a 125 cc bike. The agency believes that young people are now choosing to stay on smaller bikes even after they reach the legal age to switch to more powerful machines.