Which Motorcycle Licence Do You Need

Published 15/07/2019

For absolute beginners and veteran bikers alike, the motorcycle licensing laws are an absolute mine-field to negotiate and understand fully. This shouldn’t put you off starting to learn, or even upgrading your licence to allow you to ride bigger (and better) bikes. Here we outline the courses we offer and the licence category they fall into.

Compulsory Basic Training

Age: 16 and over
What you can ride: Restricted 50cc for 16 years old, or up to 125cc if you’re 17 and older with a category A on your licence. No passengers can be carried on just a CBT.
L-Plates: Required
Course Cost: £100
Course Duration: 1 day (until completion of course to satisfaction)
Booking: here

Theory Test

Age: 16 and over
What you can ride: Same as CBT unless advanced courses are taken.
Course Cost: £23
Course Duration: 2 hours + your own revision
Booking: here

A1 Light Motorcycles

Age: 17 and over
What you can ride: Up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11Kw. You can also carry passengers and ride on the motorway.
L-Plates: Not required
Course Duration: Up to 2 days to complete each module
Booking: here

A2 Motorcycle Licence

Age: 19 and over (providing valid CBT is at least 2 years old, or the rider is over 24)
What you can ride: Any bike with engine power up to 35Kw. You can ride with passengers and ride on the motorway.
L-Plates: Not required
Course Duration: Up to 2 days to complete each module
Course Cost: £500
Booking: here

Direct Access Scheme

Age: 24 and over
What you can ride: Engine power of at least 40Kw, if you pass on an auto only auto, if you pass on gears you can ride gears and auto.
L-Plates: Not required
Course Duration: Up to 2 days for training and examination
Course Cost: £500
Booking: here