Get on two wheels
Want to know exactly where to start your journey into becoming a biker? Or how to move up the ‘cc ladder’? Here’s our quick guide to motorcycle licence categories and which bikes you can ride at each stage.
CBT
At age 16 you can take your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), which allows you to ride 50cc mopeds (don’t forget to apply for your provisional licence through gov.uk first). If you’re 17 you can take your CBT on a 125cc geared motorcycle, and then ride on the roads. The CBT certificate is valid for two years, after that you have to retake your CBT. At age 19 you’re able to get your A2 licence. You need a valid CBT certificate and theory test in place, then after completing the practical test Modules 1 and 2 (same as for A1 licence but on a bigger bike) you’ll be legally allowed to ride motorcycles up to 35kW (46.9bhp) with a power-toweight ratio of no more than 0.2kW (0.27bhp) per kg. This can include restricted motorcycles — i.e. bigger bikes that have been fitted with restrictor kits — but the bike must not be derived from a vehicle more than twice its power.
A1 licence
You need to be 17 years old or over to get your A1 licence. Before taking the practical test for the A1 licence you’ll need a valid CBT certificate and you’ll need to have passed your theory test.
The practical test consists of Modules 1 (at a training facility) and 2 (on road). Thee A1 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 11Kw (14.8bhp) with a power-to-weight ratio that does not exceed 0.1kW (0.13bhp) per kg — these are usually 125cc bikes.
Full A licence
Once you’re 21 you’ll be able to get a full unrestricted licence if you’ve held your A2 licence for two years or more. Alternatively, if you’re 24 you can take the ‘Direct Access’ route, which gives you a full licence straight away. You’ll need to pass your CBT and theory test, plus your Module 1 and Module 2 test.