So you want to obtain a FULL licence??
Everyone who wants to obtain a full motorcycle licence must first complete a (CBT) Compulsory Basic Training course and pass a Motorcycle (Theory Test). Both of these certificates have a 2 year life.
Once both of these have been completed then depending on your age you can now go for a Full Category A licence or a Sub-Category A1 or A2 licence.
Aged 17-18 you are eligible for a SUB-CATEGORY A1 (Light Motorcycle) Licence.
- What is a Category A1 bike?
- a motorcycle without a side car
- be at least 120cc and no more than 125cc
- not have more than 11kW power (14.6bhp)
- be capable of at least 55mph (90km/h)
- (1) Complete a (CBT) course.
- (2) Pass your motorcycle (Theory Test).
- (3) Pass your off-road (Module 1) practical test on a category A1 motorcycle.
- (4) Pass your on-road (Module 2) Practical test on a category A1 motorcycle.
- You can discard your "L" plates.
- You are allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
- You are allowed to ride on motorways.
- You are restricted to ride motorcycles suitable for category A1.
Aged 19-23 you are eligible for a SUB-CATEGORY A2 (Medium Motorcycle) Licence.
- What is a Category A2 bike?
- a motorcycle without a side car
- is at least 245cc
- has a power output between 20kW and 35kW (26bhp and 46.6bhp)
- There's no upper engine size limit, but:
- the power to weight ratio must not exceed 0.2kW/kg
- it must not be derived from a motorcycle of more than double its power
- (1) Complete a (CBT) course.
- (2) Pass your motorcycle (Theory Test).
- (3) Pass your off-road (Module 1) practical test on a category A2 motorcycle.
- (4) Pass your on-road (Module 2) practical test on a category A2 motorcycle.
- You can discard your "L" plates.
- You are allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
- You are allowed to ride on motorways.
- You are restricted to ride motorcycles suitable for category A2 for 2 years.
- after 2 years you are now eligible to go for your category A licence 21-23 years
Aged 21-23 and want to go for a CATEGORY A (Unrestricted) Licence.
- What is a Category A bike?
- a motorcycle without a side car
- be at least 595cc
- have a minimum power output of at least 50kW (67bhp)
- minimum weight (without rider) of 175kg
- (!) You must have held an A2 for at least 2 years wait till you are 24+.
- (!) You will not need a valid CBT certificate.
- (!) You will not need to pass the Motorcycle theory test again.
- (1) Pass your off-road (Module 1) practical test on a category A motorcycle.
- (2) Pass your on-road (Module 2) Practical test on a category A motorcycle.
- You can discard your "L" plates.
- You are allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
- You are allowed to ride on motorways.
- You can now ride a motorcycle of any size and power.
Aged 24+ you are eligible for a CATEGORY A (Unrestricted) Licence.
- What is a Category A bike?
- a motorcycle without a side car
- be at least 595cc
- have a minimum power output of at least 50kW (67bhp)
- minimum weight (without rider) of 175kg
- (1) Complete a (CBT) course.
- (2) Pass your motorcycle (Theory Test).
- (3) Pass your off-road (Module 1) practical test on a category A motorcycle.
- (4) Pass your on-road (Module 2) Practical test on a category A motorcycle.
- You can discard your "L" plates.
- You are allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
- You are allowed to ride on motorways.
- You can now ride a motorcycle of any size and power.
DVSA flow charts of "routes to your licence" (new window)