Licence Options (U.K.)

There are two types of full motorcycle licence to aim for:

1. A light motorcycle licence (A1) that restricts riders to any bike up to 125cc and a power output not exceeding 11kW. The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc.
2. A standard motorcycle licence (A) is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120cc but not exceeding 125cc and capable of at least 100km per hour (62mph).

After passing the standard motorcycle practical test you will be restricted for 2 years to riding a bike of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. After this period you may ride any full power bike.

As well as the above option riders over the age of 21, or those who reach 21 before their 2 year restriction ends, have other choices:

Direct Access

After taking CBT and the Theory Test, if necessary, the practical test must be taken on a motorcycle with power output of at least 35kW (46.6bhp). A pass allows you to ride any size and power of bike. All or part of the CBT course may be taken on either a learner bike or a large bike.

You may practice for the practical test on bikes larger than the learner bike specification provided:

You are accompanied at all times by an approved instructor on another bike and in radio contact
You wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.

Accelerated Access

Riders who reach the age of 21 while still within the 2 year restricted period and who wish to ride more powerful bikes, may practice on bikes over 25kW in order to take the test allowing access to more powerful bikes.

The same test and practice conditions for direct access riders will apply.

Although you will revert to learner status whilst practising, test failure will not affect your existing licence.