1. Get out on a mountain bike to get a feel for riding on dirt.
2. Buy some decent gear – especially helmet and boots.
3. Buy a motocross/Enduro bike – even if it's second-hand.
4. Find your nearest motocross tracks or trails.
5. Go to a motocross riding school.
6. Find your local club to start competing in events.
7. Practice!

1. Preparing To Ride On Dirt For The First Time.

If you have only ever ridden a motorcycle on the road then you need to go and get the feel for the dirt, mud, ruts, berms and bumps. A great way of introducing these new terrains in a safe way is to get a reasonable quality mountain bike and take it off road. Go and find some muddy trails, woods, small jumps and get a feel for cornering on the dirt using berms and hills. This is going to boost your confidence massively and give you a feel for the dirt in preparation for riding a motorcycle on the dirt. 

2. Buy Some Motocross/ Enduro Kit.

This is one of the most important parts of riding a dirt bike, if you do not have the right riding gear you are at risk of serious injury ''at some point''. Dont beleive it? Ask on a busy forum or facebook page with other riders, ask what injury's they have been through in the past. The excitable comments will flood your notifications with essays & X-ray images they have saved to their phones of snapped legs, arms and so on. Me being one of those comments! Rider kit is absolutely vital! 

Here is a checklist to speed reading this thread up a little:

• Helmet
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Body Armor
• Jersey and Pants
• Knee and Elbow Guards
• Boots

HELMET

Our our helmet is what stands between us and some nasty bangs to the head. It's crucial to pick a motocross helmet made from materials that can take an impact. Often you'll find the choice between polycarbonate, fibreglass composites, or even carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is top for its strength to weight ratio but it'll cost a pretty penny more than your standard polycarbonate helmet.

Polycarbonate: Great bang for buck durability.
Fibreglass Composite: A middle ground with better impact absorption.
Carbon Fibre: Lightweight and strong but more expensive. 

Safety Certifications
Safety's not negotiable, a helmet protects our heads, our heads protect our brains? Always check that any motocross helmet your looking at meets established safety standards like DOT in the US or ECE 22.05/6 which is widely recognised internationally including Europe. Some helmets might even have Snell certification, which indicates an extra level of rigorous testing.

DOT: Minimum legal standard in the US
ECE 22.05/6: Recognised European safety standard
Snell: Voluntary higher safety standards
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) reduces rotational forces during impact.
Emergency release cheek pads for quick removal by medical personnel.

Does it fit correctly?

Make sure the helmet sits level on your head and that it sits about an inch above your eyebrows.
A proper dirt bike helmet should feel snug but not painfully tight.
Give it a good wiggle – if it moves around easily, try going down a size.
Cheek Pads: If they're doing their job, they'll be in close contact with your cheeks without squishing them too much.
Back of Head: You shouldn't be able to slip more than one finger between the nape strap and your neck.
I also like a helmet with removable and washable liners to keep things fresh after a sweaty ride! 

GOGGLES

Goggles provide crucial protection for your eyes from dirt, mud, rocks, and other debris that can fly up during a ride. They also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, wind, and dust.
Clear lenses and anti-fog coatings can improve your vision and prevent visual distractions, allowing you to focus on the track ahead. Clear vision and eye protection can help prevent accidents, making motocross goggles an essential safety item for riders of all levels. 

I have personally purchased 'cheapish' goggles in the past and by the end of my first lap I've taken them off due to fogging up or just horrendous vision, therefore for this item of protection I do suggest upping your budget slightly to some higher end goggles if your serious about getting into riding long term.

Fit and Comfort – A good pair of motocross goggles should fit comfortably and securely around your face without any gaps. They should also be lightweight and not cause any discomfort or pressure points, even during extended periods of use.
Lens – The lens is one of the most important parts of your goggles, as it will determine how well you can see in different lighting conditions eg in the woods where its darker, or out in the open where its bright, in the rain and in the bright sun. Look for goggles with a wide field of vision and anti-fog coatings to prevent condensation and fogging up in cold or wet conditions. Different coloured lenses can also be useful for varying light conditions.
Frame – The frame should be durable and flexible enough to withstand impacts and crashes without breaking or causing discomfort. Some frames may also come with extra padding or ventilation to help with airflow and prevent sweat build up.
Ventilation – Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing fogging and keeping your goggles clear during rides. Look for goggles with adjustable vents or ventilation channels that can be adjusted to allow for increased airflow when needed.
Brand and Price – There are many different brands of motocross goggles on the market, each with their own features and price points. Look for a reputable brand that offers quality products at a reasonable price.

GLOVES

There is more to choosing the right pair of motocross gloves than just looks. You should look for a pair that’s durable enough that you won’t have to replace them after a few rides, be breathable to keep you cool (and maybe insulated to also keep you warm while increasing airflow) and the proper weight depending on the track or trail and time of year. They need to fit correctly. If they don’t, you will feel uncomfortable and you could feel like you don’t have enough control over your bike.

Most gloves will have stretchy mesh in key movement areas for a comfortable fit, but European-style motocross gloves typically have a slimmer fit than American-style gloves. European-style gloves are also longer in the fingers than American-style gloves. The best way to get the right fit when buying motocross gloves is to measure your fingers and palms, then compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart. 

I personally have two sets of gloves, one for colder weather conditions & one set for when its baking.
 

BODY ARMOUR

You may already have armour from road riding, but its important to understand that on the tarmac abrasive injury is your concern, where as off road Impact & impalement injuries are the concern, therefore choosing the applicable armour relative to the terrain you are going to ride on is vital.

Exactly like the helmet quote ''it protects your head, your head protects your brain'' the body armour you wear is the same, it protects your body/ribs/chest and your ribs and chest protect your organs. I have personally had a pretty heavy duty tree impact before and my armour saved my bacon, I hit the tree so hard it bulged my body armour, if that was not there that would likely of been my chest cavity shattered. I was actually wearing an oldschool Thor hard-shell motocross armour, which I do recommend. Many Enduro riders wear a soft shell body suit which includes elbows, some riders wear hard-shell motocross armour with separate elbow pads, but these days many brands offer a combination of the two such as the Leatt 3DF 6.5 Graphene that carries a very high protection score of 25, which is a score of 5 for each of the following - chest, flank, elbow, shoulder & back! Many other brands also have combination armour that's a body suit but with a hard-shell over the top which is ideal if you intend on doing motocross & enduro. 

The soft shell zip up compression suits are the best for comfort, the old school hard shell MX armour can feel quite bulky, it all depends on where and how much you intend on riding. Eg. If you intend on entering a 3/4 hour enduro event then you may opt for comfort, if you only intend on hitting your local motocross practice track where they run sessions then the bulky hardshell may be for you. If you do both then I would suggest exploring the combination armour such as the Leatt 6.5.

As an example lets compare.

Leatt graphene armour score of 25 (5 chest, 5 back, 5 flank, 5 elbow & 5 shoulder)

Leatt reflex stealth with a total protection score of 14 (3 back, 5 elbow, 5 shoulder, 1 chest)

The reflex literally has zero flank protection, a poor back protection & a shocking score of 1 for chest! 
It makes no sense buying a body armour to protect your chest that has an extremely low score on protecting your chest! Especially when the price difference is just £49.99!
You can see that you get what you pay for and this is just not part of your riding gear you want to skimp on.

Coverage: As a minimum, Look for chest, back, shoulder, and elbow protection but preferably flank too. 
Fit: Should be snug but not restrictive, allowing full range of motion.
Material: Breathable and impact-absorbing materials.
Adjustability: Adjustable straps for a perfect fit.
Extras: If your plan is to get heavily into motocross consider the option of a neck brace in the future. 

JERSEY & PANTS

In motocross, your clothing is your second skin. It needs to be tough yet breathable, protective yet flexible & fit correctly.

Material: Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal. Durable materials protect against abrasions.
Fit: It should offer freedom of movement without being too loose.
Weather Suitability: Consider weather-appropriate gear (e.g., ventilated for heat, insulated for cold).
Design: Bright colours and reflective materials enhance visibility.

Jersey & pants brand or price range are rider preference, just make sure they fit correctly following size guides during purchase, and doing some research on which brands come up bigger than others in size, but kit is a must you shouldn't ride in jeans or jogging bottoms, mx pants have protective pads/layers on the legs that reduce wear and tear on knee braces, and the inner knee reinforcement maximizes bike grip. Most pants are made from ultra-light, durable ripstop stretch material and have a silicone pant grip ensuring the jersey stays in place on and off the bike. They are dirt, water, and stain-resistant, offering protection, comfort, and flexibility. Jerseys feature Moisture Cool stretch mesh with air channels, Perforated Brush Guard protection over elbows. Welded seams at cuff and hem for maximum comfort Tailored, tight fit for riding with or without body armour, ventilation.

So to sum it up, Jersey and pants are just as important as all the other kit in this list, besides you want to look the part..surely?

KNEE & ELBOW PROTECTION

A fractured or dislocated elbow is no joke, and it's a common injury among motocross riders – making elbow guards a wise investment. As for knee protection I personally prioritise this over elbows but that's likely because I have suffered a broken knee before and never hurt an elbow, I know plenty of people do so its worth protecting both knee & elbows. Most zip up body armour suits come with built in elbow guards so your will have that covered when purchasing your chest protection. 

Knee braces or pads? I wont go into this too deeply here as its such a huge debate among riders and I don't think there is a definitive answer to which is best, but to sum it up very quickly - its a widely mixed opinion, many people swear by braces, many swear by pads, many riders have got the best knee braces, had an accident and the brace has sent the energy of the break up to the femur so what would of been a fractured tib/fib transfers to a fractured femur which is a worse injury.

Many people with pads have also had just as serious injury's. But ill throw in my personal opinion, where I did my own research into knee braces after recovering from a broken knee myself I was extremely paranoid of a repeat injury, but in the end I opted out of moving to braces and stuck with pads. You don't need to listen to me, I'm just some guy writing one opinion, you are best to do your own research and speak to some fellow riders on forums & Facebook pages for opinions to gather the info you need to make your own choice of either going with braces or knee pads. There are also some great videos on YouTube comparing braces to pads - pros & cons.

But regardless of which is best, some form of knee protection is an absolute must. And although knee braces/pads don't ELIMINATE knee injuries, wearing knee pads can drastically reduce the severity of injuries. They act as a barrier, absorbing the impact and protecting the knee joint and surrounding tissues. 

Opt for trusted dirt bike gear retailers or manufacturers.
Remember, these knee pads are the frontline of defence for your knees.
Prioritise quality and reputation over mere aesthetics or price.

Fitment - Too tight, and they'll restrict movement and become a distraction. Too loose, and they won't offer the protection they're designed to. Find that sweet spot where they're snug but comfortable.

The budget is all-over the place with knee/elbow protection, you can spend £350 on X-frame braces, £580 on supertechs, £69.99 on Acerbis knee guards or Alpinestars  Bionics, its entirely up to you how far you go after doing your research.

BOOTS

Motocross boots are without a doubt one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in your collection. Choosing the right or wrong boots can have a big impact on your riding and injury prevention.

We recommend that quite a large chunk of your gear budget be spent on a decent set of dirt bike boots, as setting yourself up with the best motocross boots possible will keep you as safe as possible on the track and trail.

WHY?

The thick leather construction and plastic shielding guards against simple cuts, abrasions and foreign objects from entering the lower leg. 

Plastic panelling - a thick rubber sole and a sturdy toe protector (either external steel cap or internal injection moulding) protect against blunt force trauma and possible amputations. 

Panel design - adjustable buckles, plastic supports and sometimes internal booties (high-end models) are used to support the ankle joint and protect it from injury.

I have really good work boots though, Wont they do the job for now?

Shoelaces and front sprockets do not mix. When your front sprocket and chain decides to snack on your shoelaces you are going to hit the ground!

Shoes come off. The 3-4 sturdy buckles you see on almost every pair of motocross boots are to keep them firmly attached to your foot/leg. You can be guaranteed your cool work boots are not staying attached during a decent bike cartwheel.

No toe protection - Crushing injuries are quite common on dirt bikes. Rocks, logs, and tree stumps. If your foot happens to get between them then your shoes are going to do, well, nothing.

Leather is not enough - Motorbike boots use injection moulded plastic re-enforcing to help stop sharp objects from piercing your lower extremities. The thin leather and soft flexible sole on most shoes is quite easily penetrable.

Most importantly , Zero ankle support - Shoes were built to protect the foot, not to support the ankle. With almost zero ankle stabilisation a pair of shoes leaves your ankle joint vulnerable to serious injury including sprains, dislocations, and fractures - or all three at once!

Motocross boots are designed by experts, these boots prioritize safety and performance over comfort, so don’t be surprised if they feel a bit snug at first. They’re built to keep your feet secure and shielded from danger, just like a helmet protects your head. While they might not be the easiest to walk in, their unique fit is all about giving you the support you need when you hit the trails. Boots are tight for a reason, as they're designed to protect your ankle joint from damage the boots need to encase your leg. Boots are hard to walk in for a reason, what does it matter, we aren't going for a walk we are going for a ride! Extreme movements (hyperflexion and hyperextension) in either of these directions can be very damaging to the ankle and even micro-tears in the joint ligaments can be very painful and take weeks to repair.

An entry-level boot isn't going to offer the same level of protection and support as a premium boot. Entry-level boots are only really recommended for riders who are learning the ropes and taking things easy. While entry-level boots are cheaper, they can lack feel, support and protective features.

If you're a level above a beginner or riding competitively, then I recommend choosing a mid range to premium boot. They will be made from higher-quality materials, have an exceptional feel, and have an advanced protection and support system to prevent impact, bone and ligament injuries. 

My personal opinion/recommendation is Alpinestar tech 10's. Since I moved to them I have seen a different level of quality. My Tech 10's have an inner boot they refer to as an ''ankle brace''. I have not had one wet leg or foot since wearing these boots, in combination with my knee pads I feel like my entire lower leg is wrapped up in a protective cast - toe-to-knee, which was extremely comforting when returning to the track from a 9 month recovery from a leg injury & surgery. I personally swear by the tech 10's now, and I know many others do too.

Again, I always advise doing your own research when spending these amounts of money on kit, ask other experienced riders and do some reading on which boots may be best for you & your budget. If you do look into the Tech 10's bare in mind that you may wish to go up one size from your normal shoe size to allow for the inner boot system