The motorcycle licence route

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three main motorcycle licence categories and the minimum age for each.
• You can explain the difference between progressive access and direct access.
• You can put CBT, the theory test, Module 1 and Module 2 in the right order.
• You can work out which category fits your age and plans.
• You can explain why you need a provisional licence before you ride on the road.

What you need to know and understand

• Category A1 starts at 17 and covers light motorcycles up to 125cc and up to 11 kW.
• Category A2 starts at 19 and covers bikes up to 35 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW per kg.
• Category A covers bikes of any size or power. The minimum age is 24 by direct access or 21 by progressive access.
• Progressive access to category A means holding an A2 licence for at least 2 years, then passing a further practical test.
• Moving from A1 to A2 by progressive access needs 2 years' experience on an A1 bike and a further practical test.
• Mopeds are category AM, from age 16.
• Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) usually comes first. The theory test must be passed before the practical tests, and Module 1 must be passed before Module 2.

Three categories, three age gates

Think of the categories as steps. A1 is the smallest motorcycle licence and is available from 17. It covers bikes up to 125cc with a power output of up to 11 kW. A2 opens up medium-sized bikes from 19, up to 35 kW. The bike must also not be restricted down from a model more than twice that power. Category A has no power limit.

A full car licence does not let you ride a motorcycle. Car licences and their categories are explained in our separate guide to UK licence categories.

Progressive access or direct access?

Progressive access means working up through the categories. For example, you hold A2 for at least 2 years, then take another practical test to upgrade to A. This route lets you reach a full A licence from 21.

Direct access means going straight for the category your age allows. If you are 24 or over, you can train on a large bike and take your tests for category A without holding A1 or A2 first.

• Age 17 to 18: A1 is the highest motorcycle category available.
• Age 19 to 20: A2 by direct access, or A1 to A2 by progressive access.
• Age 21 to 23: A only by progressive access after 2 years on A2.
• Age 24 and over: A by direct access.

The order of steps

Northern Ireland has its own licensing and testing system run by the DVA, so check NI rules separately if you live there.

1. Apply for a provisional driving licence that includes motorcycle entitlement.
2. Complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). After CBT you can ride on the road with L plates while you practise (D plates in Wales).
3. Pass the motorcycle theory test. You can take it before or after CBT, but it must be passed before the practical tests.
4. Pass Module 1, the off-road test of control skills.
5. Pass Module 2, the on-road riding test. You then get the full licence for the category you tested in.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a car licence covers motorcycles. It does not; you need your own motorcycle entitlement.
• Training on the wrong size of bike. The bike you take the test on decides the category you get, so check it matches your goal.
• Forgetting the 2-year progressive access rule and booking an upgrade test too early.
• Leaving the theory test to the last minute. You cannot take the practical tests until it is passed.

Test yourself: The motorcycle licence route

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Category B Explained