There are three full motorcycle licence categories. Which one you can take depends mostly on your age.
A1 licence
- Minimum age: 17.
- What you can ride: motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW (about 14.6bhp).
- What you need: a valid CBT, a motorcycle theory pass, then module 1 and module 2 on an A1 bike.
A1 suits riders who are happy on a 125 and want to lose the L plates, carry a passenger and use motorways.
A2 licence
- Minimum age: 19.
- What you can ride: motorcycles up to 35kW (about 47bhp). If a bike has been restricted to 35kW, its original power can't be more than 70kW.
- What you need: a valid CBT and a theory pass, then modules 1 and 2 on an A2 bike. Or, if you've held an A1 licence for two years, a further practical test.
A2 opens up the popular mid-size bikes and is a big step up from a 125.
Category A
- What you can ride: any motorcycle, with no power limit.
- Direct access: from age 24, with a valid CBT and theory pass, then modules 1 and 2. See direct access explained.
- Progressive access: from age 21, after holding an A2 licence for two years, with a further practical test. See the progressive access route.
Quick guide by age
- 17 or 18: A1.
- 19 to 23: A2, then Category A after two years on A2 (from age 21).
- 24 or over: straight to Category A.
Which is right for you?
Think about what you'll really ride. If you commute across London on a scooter, A1 may be all you need. If you want to tour or ride bigger bikes, go for the highest category your age allows.
We run A1, A2 and Category A courses. They run on consecutive days with your DVSA tests booked in. Call 01708 986100 to book.