Changes in January 2013 Click to see
Motorcycle Licensing Law
You cannot take Compulsory Basic Training or any kind of motorcycle test if you have a non-UK driving licence. European licence holders can get a UK equivalent licence or simply apply for a provisional moped or motorcycle licence. Licence holders outside the EU can exchange for a UK licence or apply for a provisional moped or motorcycle licence. For more information click on the link at the foot of this page.
The Light Motorcycle Licence (Category A1) - Click Here for Training Course
Licence required: Provisional Category A or Full Car licence or moped licence with Provisional Category A entitlement. Your must be aged 17 or above. Riders are restricted to bikes from 75cc up to 125cc engine size and 14.6 bhp (11kW) power output. The practical tests must be taken on a bike between 75cc and 125cc and a design speed of less than 62 mph (100 kmh). |
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Remember, when you pass your tests
in this way you will be restricted to the above. |
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The Standard Motorcycle Licence (Category A2) - Click Here for Training Course
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Licence required: Provisional Category A or Full Car or moped licence with Provisional Category A entitlement. You must be aged 17 or above. Riders take the practical test on bikes with engines not exceeding 125cc but not less than 121cc. Again the maximum power output is 14.6 bhp (kW) but the bike must be capable of a speed of at least 62 mph (100 kmh). |
When you pass your test in this way, you will be
restricted to bikes not exceeding 33.3bhp (25 kW) for a
period of two years. After this period ends, you can ride
what you like. |
Riders aged 21 years or over have the following additional options:
Direct Access Scheme (DAS, Category A)- Click Here for Training Course
Licence required: Provisional Category A, Full Car licence or Moped licence with Provisional Category A entitlement. Riders take the practical tests on a bike with a power output of at least 46.6 bhp (35kW). When you pass in this way you are unrestricted from the date of your test and can ride what you like. |
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Accelerated Access (AAS, Category A) - Click Here for Training Course
Licence required: Full Motorcycle Licence (Category A). |
Riders who have already passed their motorcycle tests but reach the age of 21 whilst within the two year restriction period can “accelerate” their way to a larger bike by practicing on bikes over 33.3 bhp (25 kW) for a second set of motorcycle test. Just like Direct Access riders, a pass will entitle you to ride what you like, but a fail will not affect the status of your existing restricted licence. Note: It is possible to ride large capacity motorcycles during this period provided that they have been restricted to 33.3 bhp (25kW) and the work certified. You would need to be able to produce a certificate as proof that this work had been carried out on your bike if you were asked to do so. |
Other Licence Categories – Moped - Click Here for Training Course
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Licence required: Provisional Category P at 16 years of age (this automatically upgrades to Category A at age 17). At 16 years of age you can ride a moped so long as you have a provisional licence and have gained your Compulsory Basic Training Certificate (DL196). You must display L plates and are not allowed to carry a pillion passenger or go on a motorway. |
Car drivers that passed their car test before 1st February 2001 can ride a moped
without L plates and carry a pillion passenger however it is still recommended that
CBT takes place to ensure essential skills have been acquired. |
Note: If you hold a full car licence but passed your test on or after 1st February 2001 you
need to hold a current CBT certificate on the day you pass your car test or gain one.
The CBT certificate will be valid for the life of your licence. |
Whilst every effort is made to keep information on this site updated, licencing law does change from time to time so you are advised to check with the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency for any updates.
Apply for your licence on line.