The A1 motorcycle licence is the first full motorcycle licence category available to riders in Great Britain. It is aimed at riders who want to ride a light motorcycle, usually a 125cc machine, after completing the proper DVSA route rather than staying on a CBT certificate alone.
For many learners, the A1 route is a useful step between Compulsory Basic Training and the larger A2 or full Category A licence routes. This guide explains what the A1 licence is, who it suits, what you can ride, how the tests work and how training with Universal Motorcycle Training® is structured.
What is the A1 motorcycle licence?
The A1 licence is a full motorcycle licence category for light motorcycles. It is available from age 17 and allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc, with a maximum power output of 11kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg.
It is not the same as CBT. A CBT certificate, also called a DL196, validates your learner entitlement for two years. The A1 licence is a test route that involves CBT, the motorcycle theory test and both practical test modules.
Minimum age and who the A1 licence suits
The minimum age for an A1 motorcycle licence is 17. The A1 route may suit you if you are 17 or older and want to ride a 125cc motorcycle within the A1 limits, if you want to build structured experience on a light motorcycle before considering an A2 or full Category A licence, or if you do not yet meet the minimum age for A2 or full Category A by direct access.
It is worth thinking about your longer-term plans. If you are close to 19, you may want to compare the A1 route with the A2 licence. If you are 24 or over, you may want to compare A1 with the full Category A direct access route.
What can you ride on an A1 licence?
An A1 licence allows motorcycles up to 125cc engine capacity, up to 11kW maximum power output, and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. For the A1 practical test, the motorcycle must be a 120cc to 125cc machine capable of 55mph or more.
This means the A1 category is focused on light motorcycles rather than larger or more powerful bikes. It is a defined licence category with specific limits, so the motorcycle used for training and test must meet the DVSA requirements for A1.
How to get an A1 motorcycle licence
The A1 route follows a set order. You start with CBT, then take the motorcycle theory test, then complete the practical tests.
Step 1: Complete CBT
Learners start with CBT. When you complete CBT, you receive a DL196 certificate, which is valid for two years. CBT introduces the basic control, safety and road riding skills needed before moving further through the motorcycle licence route.
Step 2: Pass the motorcycle theory test
After CBT, you need to pass the motorcycle theory test before taking the practical motorcycle tests. The theory test is separate from CBT and must be completed before the practical test modules.
Step 3: Pass Module 1
Module 1 is the off-road practical test. It covers manoeuvres away from normal road traffic. For A1, the practical test must be taken on a 120cc to 125cc machine capable of 55mph or more.
Step 4: Pass Module 2
Module 2 is the on-road practical test, where your road riding is assessed in live traffic conditions. Once you have passed both practical tests, you obtain the A1 motorcycle licence category.
A1 versus A2 versus full Category A
The A1 licence is one of three main motorcycle licence routes for larger-than-moped riding. The right route depends mainly on your age, the type of motorcycle you want to ride and whether you are using direct or progressive access.
A1 licence
Minimum age 17. Up to 125cc and up to 11kW, with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. A1 is the light motorcycle category and the earliest full motorcycle licence route available.
A2 licence
Minimum age 19. Up to 35kW. The A2 licence is the next step up from A1, allowing a more powerful motorcycle, though it still has a power limit.
Full Category A licence
Minimum age 24 by direct access, or 21 by progressive access after holding an A2 licence for two years. The full Category A licence (DAS) is the unrestricted motorcycle category.
How A1 training works with Universal Motorcycle Training®
At Universal Motorcycle Training®, A1 learners start with CBT and then work through the licence route in stages. Training runs at our centres across London and Hertfordshire, giving learners access to motorcycle training in different parts of the region.
The process is built around the DVSA route: CBT first, then the motorcycle theory test, then Module 1 (off-road manoeuvres) and Module 2 (on-road riding). A1 training is not just about getting through the test. It is about building safe, controlled and consistent riding on a light motorcycle.
Frequently asked questions
What age can I get an A1 motorcycle licence?
You can get an A1 motorcycle licence from age 17.
What can I ride on an A1 licence?
An A1 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc, up to 11kW, with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg.
Do I need CBT before getting an A1 licence?
Yes. The route starts with CBT. After CBT, you take the motorcycle theory test, then Module 1 and Module 2.
How long does a CBT certificate last?
The CBT certificate, also called a DL196, is valid for two years.
What bike is used for the A1 practical test?
The A1 practical test is taken on a 120cc to 125cc motorcycle capable of 55mph or more.
Is A1 the same as A2 or full Category A?
No. A1 is available from 17 and is limited to 125cc and 11kW. A2 is available from 19 and allows motorcycles up to 35kW. Full Category A is available from 24 by direct access, or from 21 by progressive access after holding an A2 licence for two years.