Get on your way to 2 wheels

Licence

You will need a provisional Category A licence which is either included on your full car licence or as part of a provisional licence.

CBT 

You must complete Compulsory Basic Training before you ride any moped, scooter or motorcycle on the road. If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001 you may ride a restricted 50cc moped on the road without L plates (and carry a passenger), but you still need to pass CBT to ride any motorcycle over 50cc.

Theory Test

You must pass a motorcycle theory test before taking any practical motorcycle test, even if you have a full car licence. But if you have passed a two part moped test or a lower category motorcycle test since 1st July 1996 you need not take the theory test.

The Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. 

Choices If you are 17 and over and you want to ride, you have 3 possible routes: 

1) A1 Motorcycle Licence 

If you only want to ride a 125cc motorcycle, you can train and take the test on a machine of 75cc – 125cc and get a Category A1 motorcycle licence. This lets you ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 14.6 bhp (11kw).You can carry a passenger and use motorways, but your licence will not automatically convert into a full Category A licence.You will have to complete one of the other routes if you want to ride a bigger motorbike.

2) A2 Motorcycle Licence 

Training and testing are on a motorcycle of 120cc – 125cc, capable of reaching at least 100kph (62 mph) but not more than 14.6 bhp (11kw). Passing the practical test gets you a restricted Category A2 motorcycle licence, which lets you ride any motorcycle up to 33 bhp (25kw)*You can carry a passenger and use the motorways, and don’t need L plates. After 2 years your A2 licence becomes a full Category A licence and you can ride any size motorcycle, even if you are under 21. *Not exceeding 0.16kw/kg power-to-weight.

3) Direct Access 

You must be over 21 to follow this route. Training and testing use a combination of 125cc and larger motorcycles, which you are allowed to ride on the road with a qualified instructor. Your test must be done on a machine of at least 46.6 bhp (35kw), probably around 500cc.

If you pass, you immediately have a full category A motorcycle licence, can ride a machine of any size, carry a passenger and use motorways.

Further Training Available 

Passing your test should not be the end of your training. Further training will help you ride more safely and enjoy being in control of your motorcycle. The DSA Enhanced Rider Scheme is one way to improve your riding and save money on insurance.