T1Highest Difficulty
Expert / Elite Riders
For riders with very strong technique, precision and confidence on the most demanding line offered at the event. Expect the biggest technical challenge and little room for mistakes.
Rider & Class Guide
Which Class Is Right for Me?
Trials classes are not just labels. They help put riders onto a route and competition level that suits their experience, confidence and the kind of day they want to have.
The exact sections and event requirements can change from venue to venue, so use this as a practical guide and check the event information before entering.
The Simple Version
T1 to T5 is a progression of difficulty.
T1 is the highest technical level and the progression works down through T2, T3 and T4 to T5. A lower-numbered grade is not automatically the “better” place to ride — the right class is the one that challenges you without turning every section into survival.
Other classes exist for juniors, non-competitive riders, classic motorcycles, sidecars and eligible veteran riders. Those categories can have their own requirements while still sharing the same event.
Competition Grades
T1–T5: Where Do You Fit?
Section severity varies by property and event. These descriptions are about the type of rider each grade is intended to suit, not a promise that every obstacle will feel the same from round to round.
T2Advanced
Strong, Experienced Riders
For experienced competitors who are comfortable with difficult turns, climbs, rocks and technical obstacles but are not looking for the full T1 line.
T3Intermediate / Experienced
Established Club Riders
A good home for riders with solid trials experience who want meaningful technical competition without the scale and severity expected of the upper grades.
T4Developing
Building Skills & Confidence
For riders who understand the basics and want to compete while developing line choice, balance and obstacle technique on a more manageable route.
T5Lower Competition Route
Newer or Less Experienced Competitors
For riders who want to compete and record a result while riding the least severe of the T-grade competition routes. A sensible place to begin if you are ready to compete but still learning trials technique.
Other Ways to Ride
Juniors, Intro, Black Plate, White Plate Classic, Sidecar & Veterans
JuniorsJunior Competition
Young Riders Ready to Compete
For junior riders who meet the applicable age, machine, competency and licence requirements and are ready to compete in the junior category offered at the event.
See the junior pathway →IntroNon-Competitive
First-Timers Learning the Routine
Designed for riders who are new to trials and want to learn how sections, markers, laps and event-day routines work without making the result the focus.
Black PlateNon-Competitive
Ride for the Day, Not the Result
For riders who want to take part without competing for a normal class result. Black Plate is about non-competitive participation — it does not mean every section will automatically be easy.
Black Plate JuniorJunior Competition
A Competitive Junior Class
Black Plate Junior is a competitive junior class where offered. The event information sets the route and the applicable junior age, machine, competency and licensing requirements still apply.
White Plate ClassicCompetitive Classic Class
Classic Bikes, Competitive Results
White Plate Classic is a competitive class for eligible classic trials motorcycles. It gives riders on older machinery their own competition category while still taking part in the same event. Check the event information for the applicable machine eligibility and route.
SidecarDriver + Passenger
A Team Sport Inside Trials
Sidecar trials uses a driver and passenger working together to balance, steer and position the outfit through the section. It is its own discipline and class rather than simply another solo grade.
VeteransEligibility-Based
Experienced Riders in an Age Category
Veteran categories recognise eligible riders by age while still requiring the rider to follow the route or grade specified for that event. Check the supplementary regulations for the exact eligibility.
Veterans 55+Where Offered
Older Veteran Riders
A further veteran grouping used where the event provides it. The exact eligibility and route are set by the event information and applicable regulations.
Quick Choice
Still Not Sure?
Look at Intro where offered, or start by comparing the lower competition routes before entering.
Choose the T grade that gives you a realistic challenge. Starting lower and moving up is better than spending the day over-faced.
Black Plate may suit you, depending on the event.
Use the Juniors & Families guide first. Junior and Black Plate Junior are competitive options where offered, with the applicable competency, licence and machine requirements.
One Important Point
Choose the class that makes you want to come back.
There is no benefit in entering a grade just because somebody else thinks you should. A good class gives you sections you can attempt, enough challenge to improve and a day that is still enjoyable.