The A1 licence is often the first full motorcycle licence option for riders who want more freedom on a 125cc motorcycle. It is available from age 17 and, once passed, removes the main learner restrictions that apply after CBT.
For many riders, A1 is a practical choice for commuting, gaining confidence and building road experience before moving on to A2 or Category A later. This guide explains what the A1 licence allows you to ride, the tests involved and how to start your training with Universal Motorcycle Training.
What is an A1 licence?
The A1 licence is the light motorcycle category. It allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output up to 11kW and a power-to-weight ratio up to 0.1kW per kg.
It is different from riding on a CBT certificate. CBT lets a learner ride up to 125cc with L plates, subject to learner restrictions. A full A1 licence is a passed motorcycle licence category, which means you have completed the theory test, Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests.
You can read more about our training route on the A1 motorcycle licence course page, including current course options and prices.
Who can take the A1 licence?
You can take the A1 licence from the age of 17. It is aimed at riders who want to stay on a 125cc motorcycle but remove the restrictions that come with learner status.
The A1 licence can suit riders who:
- want to ride a 125cc motorcycle without L plates
- want to carry a pillion passenger, where the bike is suitable and insured for it
- want to use motorways on a suitable 125cc motorcycle
- want a structured route into full motorcycle licensing
- prefer to gain more road experience before moving to larger motorcycles
What can you ride on an A1 licence?
With a full A1 licence, you can ride motorcycles up to 125cc, with a maximum power output of 11kW and a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.1kW per kg.
In simple terms, it is a full licence for light motorcycles. It does not let you ride larger or more powerful motorcycles, but it does give you more freedom than CBT alone.
Once you hold a full A1 licence, you can ride a 125cc motorcycle without L plates, carry a pillion passenger and use motorways on a suitable machine. You must still make sure the motorcycle is roadworthy, taxed, insured and suitable for the way you intend to use it.
The A1 licence route
The route to an A1 licence is straightforward, but each stage matters. The usual order is:
- CBT first: complete compulsory basic training before riding on the road as a learner.
- Motorcycle theory test: pass the DVSA motorcycle theory test before taking the practical tests.
- Module 1: complete the off-road manoeuvres test at a DVSA test centre.
- Module 2: complete the on-road riding test with a DVSA examiner.
If you have not yet completed CBT, our CBT course page explains how the first stage works. CBT is training, not a full motorcycle licence, and it must be completed before you move towards A1 practical testing.
Module 1: off-road manoeuvres
Module 1 is carried out in a controlled off-road area at a DVSA test centre. It checks your ability to control the motorcycle safely through set exercises. These include slow control, manoeuvring, controlled stopping and higher-speed exercises such as the emergency stop and avoidance exercise.
Good Module 1 training is not just about memorising the layout. It is about accurate clutch, throttle and brake control, clear observation, balance and confidence under test conditions.
Module 2: on-road riding
Module 2 takes place on public roads with a DVSA examiner. It looks at how you ride in real traffic, including junctions, roundabouts, speed limits, road positioning, mirrors, signals, planning and your general safety attitude.
This is where your everyday riding standard matters. A calm, planned and observant ride is usually more important than trying to do anything complicated.
What bike is used for the A1 practical test?
The A1 practical test is taken on a motorcycle of 120cc to 125cc that is capable of at least 55mph. This is the test vehicle requirement for the A1 category.
During training, your instructor will help you understand how to use the bike properly, including slow-speed control, safe braking, correct road position and confident progress where appropriate.
Why take A1 instead of staying on CBT?
Some riders are happy to renew CBT every two years and continue riding as learners. For others, A1 is a better long-term step because it removes the learner restrictions and gives a more complete riding qualification for 125cc motorcycles.
The main advantages of A1 are:
- no L plates on a 125cc motorcycle
- permission to carry a pillion passenger on a suitable and insured motorcycle
- permission to use motorways on a suitable motorcycle
- more structured training and a recognised practical riding standard
- a useful stepping stone towards larger licence categories later
A1 is not the right route for everyone. Riders who are already 19 or close to 19 may want to consider the A2 licence instead. Riders aged 24 or over, or those eligible through progressive access, may want to look at the DAS full licence route.
A1 as a stepping stone to A2 and Category A
The A1 licence can be a useful foundation if you want to build experience gradually. It allows you to ride legally without learner restrictions on a light motorcycle while developing roadcraft, confidence and judgement.
Later, you may decide to move to A2 and then Category A. A2 allows access to more powerful motorcycles within its category limits. Category A is the unrestricted motorcycle licence. Your age, experience and current licence will affect the route available to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is A1 the same as CBT?
No. CBT is compulsory basic training and allows learner riding on a 125cc motorcycle with L plates. A1 is a full motorcycle licence category for light motorcycles. To get A1, you need CBT, the motorcycle theory test, Module 1 and Module 2.
Can I ride a 125cc without L plates on an A1 licence?
Yes. Once you hold a full A1 licence, you can ride a 125cc motorcycle without L plates, provided the motorcycle fits the A1 rules and is legal, insured and roadworthy.
Can I carry a passenger on an A1 licence?
Yes. A full A1 licence allows you to carry a pillion passenger on a suitable motorcycle. The motorcycle must be designed for a passenger, properly insured and used safely.
Does A1 automatically become A2?
No. A1 does not automatically upgrade to A2. If you want to ride larger or more powerful motorcycles, you will need to take the correct route for A2 or Category A when you are eligible.
Book A1 training with Universal Motorcycle Training
If you are ready to move from CBT to a full 125cc licence, our team can guide you through the A1 route, from training and test preparation to understanding what comes next.
We offer motorcycle training at our seven centres across London and Hertfordshire. For current A1 course options and prices, visit our A1 course page, or contact Universal Motorcycle Training to book or ask our team for guidance.