Understanding Motorbike Licences: A Roadmap to Your Ride

Acquiring a driving licence doesn’t automatically grant you the freedom to ride any motorbike. The world of motorbike licencing is diverse and can be intricate. This guide aims to demystify the system, delineating the different licence categories, age requirements, and the tests needed to secure each licence.

Different licence categories have been created for your safety, this limits the types of motorbikes that riders of different ages and motoring experience can ride. Aged 16 the only type of machine and licence you can qualify for is the ‘AM’ category – mopeds with engines of up to 50cc.

In every category to qualify for a full licence you must;

Get a Provisional licence*
Undertake Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
Pass the motorcycle theory test
Pass an off-road riding test (Module 1)
Pass an on-road riding test (Module 2)

If you want to ride an AM or A1 category motorbike on the road you can do so as long as you have completed the CBT and display L-plates. You must pass the relevant test within two years or you’ll have to retake the CBT or stop riding.

AM Licence - Mopeds (Age:16 and above)

The most basic licence you can get, it allows you to ride a scooter or motorcycle with an engine of up to 50cc and a maximum speed of 45km/h (about 28mph).

You can gain a full AM licence by completing the practical test, if you do so you don’t need to display L plates and can carry a passenger.

As long as you have taken your CBT you can still ride with L plates for a maximum of 2 years every if you don’t have a full moped licence.

You must be 16 or over. If you have a full valid car licence, gained before 1st February 2001 you can ride an AM moped without L plates and can carry a pillion passenger.

To get your AM Licence;

Aged 16 or over
Have a valid CBT certificate
Pass the 2 part practical test.

A1 Licence - Light motorcycles (Age: 17 and Above)

An A1 licence allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and with a maximum power of 11KW. An A1 licence opens you up to a wider range of bikes with significantly improved performance.

You must be 17 or older to hold an A1 licence, have a valid CBT certificate, have passed the motorcycle theory test and have passed the 2 practical tests on a bike between 120cc and 125cc with a maximum power of 11KW. You can ride an A1 motorcycle with L plates until your CBT expires, after which you must either stop riding or complete your CBT again.

After you have held your A1 licence for two years you can take a further practical test to qualify for an A2 licence.

A2 Licence - Medium-Powered Motorcycles (Age: 19 and Above)

When you are 19 or older you can get an A2 motorcycle licence which allows you to ride significantly larger and more powerful machines. These motorcycles can produce up to 35kW as long as the power-to-weight ratio is less than 0.2kW/kg.

How to get your A2 licence;

If you have held your full A1 licence for more than 2 years you need to pass a 2 part practical test on a bike of at least 245cc and between 20kW and 35kW. You must pass module 2 within 6 months of passing module 1.
If you have held your A1 licence for less than 2 years you need to have a valid motorcycle theory test and have passed the 2 part practical test on a bike of at least 245cc and between 20kW and 35kW.
If you are 19 or over and have a valid licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement you need to have a CBT certificate, a valid theory test certificate and have passed the 2 part practical test on a bike of at least 245cc and between 20kW and 35kW.

A Licence - Unrestricted Access (age: 21 and Above)

The A licence is the top level of licence and allows you to ride motorcycles or scooters of any power.

How to get your A licence;

If you are between 21 and 23 years old you must have held your A2 licence for more than 2 years before getting your A licence. You must pass a 2-part practical test. You must pass module 2 within 6 months of passing module one.
If you are 24 or older and have held your A2 licence for over 2 years you must pass a 2-part practical test. You must pass module 2 within 6 months of passing module one.
If you are 24 or older and have held your A2 for less than 2 years you must have a valid theory test certificate before passing the 2 part practical test.
If you are 24 or older and do not have a full A1 or A2 licence you must have a valid CBT certificate, valid theory test certificate, have passed your motorcycle theory test and pass the 2 part practical test.

You must complete all practical elements of your A licence on a bike of at least 595cc, at least 50kW with a minimum weight of 180kg.

Understanding motorbike licences is fundamental to ensuring safe and legal riding. Each category caters to specific age groups and preferences, enabling riders to enjoy their motorbike journey within regulated boundaries.

For details Government guidelines on motorbike licences, visit GOV.uk