An A1 motorcycle licence lets riders aged 17 or over use light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW. An A2 licence starts at 19 and allows motorcycles up to 35kW. DAS is the direct access training and testing route, from age 24, to an unrestricted Category A licence. Progressive access also lets eligible riders move up through the categories.
Last reviewed 3 August 2026 by the Universal Motorcycle Training® instructor team.
What is an A1 motorcycle licence?
An A1 licence is a full motorcycle licence available from age 17. It covers a light motorcycle of no more than 125cc, with power up to 11kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1kW per kg.
To obtain A1, you need CBT, a motorcycle theory test and the practical motorcycle tests. Once you have passed, your entitlement remains limited to A1. It does not become an A2 or Category A licence simply because you get older.
For riders comparing A1 vs A2, A1 is tied to light motorcycles and a 125cc limit. A2 permits more power, but has a higher minimum age and different test-bike requirements.
What is an A2 motorcycle licence?
An A2 licence is a full motorcycle licence available from age 19. It allows a standard motorcycle with power up to 35kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW per kg. The motorcycle must not be derived from a vehicle with more than twice its restricted power.
There are two routes. Under direct access to A2, you take the motorcycle theory and practical tests. Under progressive access, you need two years’ experience on an A1 motorcycle and must pass a further practical test.
A2 is defined mainly by power, not by a general engine-capacity limit. The minimum engine size applies to the test motorcycle, which must be at least 245cc.
What is DAS motorcycle training and a Category A licence?
DAS means ‘Direct Access Scheme’. It is not a separate licence category. It is the training and testing route that lets a rider aged 24 or over qualify directly for Category A.
Category A is unrestricted. The direct access route requires CBT, the motorcycle theory test and the practical tests. A DAS course prepares you to control a suitable Category A motorcycle and meet the standards for Module 1 and Module 2.
There is also a progressive route. A rider aged 21 or over who has held A2 for at least two years can take the practical test only. So, when people ask ‘what is a DAS course?’, the practical answer is training for direct access to an unrestricted Category A licence.
What is the actual difference between A1, A2 and Category A?
The difference between an A1 and A2 licence is the minimum age and motorcycle power permitted. Category A removes the size and power restrictions. AM is included because it is the moped category before A1.
| Category | Minimum age | What you can ride | How you get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 16 | Mopeds with a speed range of 25 to 45km/h | CBT, theory test and practical test |
| A1 | 17 | Light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW, with a power-to-weight ratio no more than 0.1kW per kg | CBT, theory test and practical test |
| A2 | 19 | Standard motorcycles up to 35kW, with a power-to-weight ratio no more than 0.2kW per kg, not derived from a vehicle more than twice its power | Direct: theory and practical. Progressive: two years on A1 plus a further practical test |
| A | 24 direct, or 21 progressive | Unrestricted motorcycles | Direct: CBT, theory and practical. Progressive: A2 held for at least two years, then practical test only |
In simple terms, A1 is the full 125cc route, A2 is the restricted-power route, and Category A is unrestricted.
How do you move up from A1 to A2 to Category A?
Progressive access lets riders gain experience on a lower category before testing on the next one. To move from A1 to A2, you must be at least 19, have two years’ experience on an A1 motorcycle and pass a further practical test.
To move from A2 to Category A, you must be at least 21, have held A2 for at least two years and pass the Category A practical test. Time makes you eligible to progress, but it does not upgrade the licence automatically.
You can also enter directly at the category allowed by your age. At 19, you can take direct access to A2. At 24, you can use DAS for direct access to Category A. You do not have to obtain A1 before A2, or A2 before Category A, if you meet the relevant direct access age.
Which motorcycle do you have to use for each test?
The test motorcycle must meet the rules for the category:
- AM: up to 50cc, up to 28mph and up to 4kW.
- A1: 120cc to 125cc, capable of at least 55mph, up to 11kW and no more than 0.1kW per kg.
- A2: at least 245cc, between 20kW and 35kW, and no more than 0.2kW per kg.
- Category A: at least 595cc, at least 50kW and at least 175kg without the rider.
These test-bike rules are not always the same as the limits applied after passing. A2 entitlement is based on power and power-to-weight ratio, while the A2 test bike must also be at least 245cc.
You must use the same licence subcategory and transmission type for both modules. If you pass on an automatic or semi-automatic motorcycle, your licence is limited to those transmission types.
Can you restrict a bigger motorcycle so it fits A2?
Yes, if the restricted motorcycle complies with every A2 rule. Its output must be between 20kW and 35kW, and you cannot restrict it below half its original power. Its unrestricted power must not exceed 70kW.
For an A2 test, bring proof of the restriction on headed paper. It must come from a main dealer, official importer or recognised specialist, and identify the motorcycle by its registration number. A dyno certificate is not accepted. Without acceptable evidence, the test will be cancelled.
What does each route cost and how long does it take?
CBT starts from £205. For complete beginners who want time with the controls before CBT, our two-hour Introduction to Motorcycling session is £125.
Our A1, A2 and Category A full-licence packages are:
- Bronze: four days, £1,090.
- Silver: five days, £1,340.
- Gold: six days, £1,590.
The appropriate package depends on your starting ability and training needs. All three packages are all-inclusive and already cover the £90.50 DVSA Module 1 and Module 2 test fees. The £23 motorcycle theory test fee is booked and paid separately. For reference, the DVSA test fees are £15.50 for Module 1, and £75 for Module 2 on weekdays or £88.50 during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
For full-licence holders, the Enhanced Rider Scheme is £400, or £300 per person when attending with a friend. We run courses seven days a week at most of our seven centres, across London and Hertfordshire, and we are DVSA approved.
Which motorcycle licence route is right for you?
Choose the route that matches your age, the motorcycle you want to ride and any lower full motorcycle category you already hold.
At 17, A1 is suitable if you want a full licence for a light motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW. At 19, A2 covers motorcycles up to 35kW. At 24, DAS offers direct access to unrestricted Category A. From age 21, Category A is also available progressively after holding A2 for at least two years.
A1 may suit someone who plans to remain on a 125cc motorcycle but wants a full licence. A2 gives younger riders access to higher-powered motorcycles within a defined limit. DAS is the relevant direct route for an eligible rider seeking unrestricted entitlement.
A complete beginner may choose the two-hour Introduction to Motorcycling session before CBT. This is separate from the eventual licence category and provides time to become familiar with basic controls before regulated training.
What else would you like to know about A1, A2 and DAS?
Is DAS a motorcycle licence?
No. DAS is the direct access training and testing route. The licence gained after a successful DAS route is Category A, which is unrestricted.
Does an A1 licence automatically become A2 after two years?
No. Two years’ A1 experience allows eligible riders aged 19 or over to use progressive access, but a further practical test is required.
Can I take A1, A2 or Category A tests on an automatic motorcycle?
Yes, but both modules must use the same transmission type. Passing on an automatic or semi-automatic motorcycle limits the licence to those types.
Can any large motorcycle be restricted for an A2 licence?
No. Its unrestricted power must not exceed 70kW, and it cannot be restricted below half of its original power. Acceptable proof of restriction is required for the test.