Choosing between an A1, A2 and full Category A motorcycle licence can feel confusing at first, but the route is usually decided by your age, the type of bike you want to ride and how soon you want to move beyond learner restrictions. This guide explains the main differences in plain English, so you can choose the route that fits your riding plans.
What all three motorcycle licence routes have in common
Whether you choose A1, A2 or full Category A, the basic structure is similar. You start with Compulsory Basic Training, usually known as CBT. CBT allows you to ride as a learner on a suitable motorcycle, but it is not a full licence.
To gain a full motorcycle licence in any of these categories, you normally need to complete CBT, pass the motorcycle theory test, then pass Module 1 and Module 2. Module 1 is the off-road practical test. Module 2 is the on-road practical test.
Once you pass in your chosen category, you can remove L plates, carry a pillion passenger and use motorways, provided the motorcycle you ride stays within that licence category.
A1 motorcycle licence
Who is A1 for?
The A1 motorcycle licence is available from age 17. It is aimed at riders who want a full licence for light motorcycles without moving up to a larger machine.
An A1 licence lets you ride a motorcycle up to 125cc, with a maximum power output of 11kW and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1kW per kg. In practice, this is the full licence route for riders who want to stay on a 125cc bike but remove learner restrictions.
What bike is used for the A1 test?
For the practical tests, the A1 test motorcycle must be between 120cc and 125cc and capable of at least 55mph. You will still need to show safe control, good observations, sound road positioning and sensible decision-making. It is not simply a larger version of CBT.
Why choose A1?
- You are 17 or over and want to ride a 125cc without L plates.
- You want to carry a pillion passenger on a suitable 125cc motorcycle.
- You want motorway access on a 125cc where it is safe and appropriate.
- You do not currently need a larger or more powerful motorcycle.
A1 can be a sensible choice for commuting, local riding and building road experience. The limitation is that it does not allow you to ride A2 or unrestricted Category A motorcycles.
A2 motorcycle licence
Who is A2 for?
The A2 motorcycle licence is available from age 19. It is designed for riders who want to move beyond 125cc machines but are not yet old enough, or do not yet wish, to take the unrestricted Category A route.
An A2 licence allows motorcycles up to 35kW, with a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2kW per kg. If the bike is restricted, it must not come from a motorcycle that originally produced more than 70kW.
What bike is used for the A2 test?
For the practical tests, the A2 motorcycle must be at least 245cc and produce between 20kW and 35kW. This means the training and test bike will feel noticeably heavier and more powerful than a 125cc, so good clutch control, braking, balance and forward planning become even more important.
Why choose A2?
- You are 19 or over and want a more capable motorcycle than a 125cc.
- You want to ride without L plates and carry a pillion within the A2 limits.
- You want a route towards full Category A through progressive access.
- You want experience on a mid-powered motorcycle before moving to larger bikes.
A2 is often the right route for riders who want proper full-licence freedom but are not yet 24. After holding A2 for two years, you may be able to move to full Category A through progressive access from age 21 by taking the practical tests again on a suitable unrestricted motorcycle.
Full Category A motorcycle licence
Who is full Category A for?
The full Category A motorcycle licence is the unrestricted motorcycle licence. It is available by Direct Access from age 24, or by progressive access from age 21 if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years.
With full Category A, you are not limited to 125cc or 35kW motorcycles. You can ride motorcycles in categories A1, A2 and A, subject to insurance, roadworthiness and your own ability to handle the machine safely.
What bike is used for the Category A test?
For the practical tests, the Category A motorcycle must be at least 595cc, have at least 50kW of power and have an unladen weight of at least 175kg. These bikes require a calm, planned approach, especially at slow speed and during Module 1 manoeuvres.
Why choose full Category A?
- You are 24 or over and want the direct route to an unrestricted licence.
- You are 21 or over and have held A2 for two years.
- You want the option to ride larger touring, commuter, adventure or sports motorcycles.
- You want to complete the highest motorcycle category available for solo motorcycles.
Full Category A is a good option if you are ready for larger motorcycles and want the freedom to choose from the full range of road-legal bikes. It is important, though, to choose training that matches your experience. Bigger bikes are stable and capable, but they need respect, smooth control and proper planning.
Which motorcycle licence is right for you?
Choose A1 if you want to stay on a 125cc
A1 makes sense if you are 17 or over, you are happy with a light motorcycle and you mainly want to remove learner restrictions. It can be ideal for riders who commute locally, want lower running costs and do not feel the need to move to a larger bike yet.
Choose A2 if you are 19 or over and want the next step
A2 suits riders who want more power, better road presence and more flexibility than a 125cc can offer. It also gives younger riders a structured route towards full Category A through progressive access.
Choose full Category A if you want an unrestricted licence
Full Category A is the right route if you meet the age rules and want the freedom to ride any motorcycle. It is also the usual route for riders aged 24 or over who are ready to train and test on a larger machine.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need CBT before A1, A2 or full Category A?
Yes. All three routes start with CBT. You will also need the correct licence entitlement and must meet the eyesight and safety requirements before training or testing.
Do I need a motorcycle theory test?
Yes, for most riders. The motorcycle theory test must usually be passed before taking the practical motorcycle tests. The practical stage is then split into Module 1 off-road and Module 2 on-road.
Can I carry a passenger after passing A1 or A2?
Yes. A full licence in A1, A2 or Category A removes L plates and allows you to carry a pillion passenger and use motorways, provided you stay within the motorcycle limits of your licence category.
Should I book A1, A2 or DAS training?
It depends on your age, riding experience and the type of motorcycle you want to ride. A1 is for 125cc riders from 17, A2 is for riders from 19 who want up to 35kW, and DAS is the common route to full Category A from 24.
Book your motorcycle licence training
Universal Motorcycle Training can help you choose the right route and prepare properly for CBT, A1, A2 or full Category A training. We train riders at our seven centres across London and Hertfordshire: Alperton, Croydon, Edgware, Eltham, Wimbledon, Dagenham and Hoddesdon.
For current course options, availability and prices, please visit the relevant course pages or contact us to book your motorcycle training. Our team will help you choose the most suitable route for your age, experience and riding goals.