To upgrade from A2 to a full Category A motorcycle licence through progressive access, you must be aged 21 or over and have held your A2 licence for at least two years. You must then pass the Category A practical test, with no requirement to take another theory test.
How long must you hold an A2 licence before upgrading?
You must have held your A2 licence for at least two years before taking the Category A practical test through progressive access. Start by checking when you gained A2, then use that date to plan when you will meet the holding requirement.
Once that period has passed and you meet the age requirement, you can take the Category A practical test. Your A2 licence does not automatically become Category A when the holding period ends. If you want to upgrade from A2 to a full licence, preparing for and passing the practical test remains part of the process.
How old do you have to be?
The minimum age is 21 under progressive access. You must also have held your A2 licence for the required two years. These conditions apply together: reaching 21 does not replace the holding period.
For an A2 to A licence upgrade, check your age and the date you obtained A2 alongside each other. That gives you a clear starting point for planning your next step. Direct access has a different minimum age of 24, so be clear about which route you intend to follow when considering your options.
Do you need to take another theory test?
No. The Highway Code (Annex 2) states: ‘if you have held a category A2 licence for a minimum of two years, you can take the category A practical test at age 21. There is no requirement to take another theory test.’ This route is known as progressive access, also called staged access.
For an eligible A2 holder, the next test is the Category A practical test. You can therefore focus your preparation on that practical step. Keep the exemption in context when comparing courses: it applies to an upgrade under the progressive access rules. The separate direct access route includes theory as well as practical tests.
What bike do you use for the Category A test?
A Category A test motorcycle must have an engine of at least 595cc, power of at least 50kW and a weight of at least 175kg without the rider. All three thresholds matter, so engine capacity alone does not answer whether a bike meets these requirements.
An A2 licence covers motorcycles up to 35kW. The Category A test therefore involves a motorcycle with more power than that A2 limit. When considering your A2 to A motorcycle licence upgrade, ask about the motorcycle you would train on and how you can prepare for the test machine. Treat getting familiar with it as part of your preparation.
What does the upgrade involve?
The progressive route is to hold A2 for a minimum of two years, meet the minimum age of 21 and pass the Category A practical test. DVSA conducts the tests.
Begin by checking your eligibility, then turn to your preparation. Think about how recently you have ridden and what you want to practise. Make a note of anything you would like to discuss, including getting familiar with the motorcycle. Use that conversation to decide how you want to prepare. Having an A2 licence gives you a starting point, but the upgrade still requires a practical test for Category A.
Training is preparation for that step. When comparing course options, keep your goal clear: you are working towards the unrestricted Category A licence. Ask questions about the training before deciding which option fits your plans.
How is it different from direct access?
Progressive access uses your existing A2 licence and the minimum holding period as the route towards Category A. It is available from age 21 once you have held A2 for at least two years, and another theory test is not required.
Direct access has a minimum age of 24. GOV.UK describes that route as CBT, theory and practical tests.
For someone who already holds A2, the useful starting question is whether the progressive access conditions are met. Compare the requirements alongside your own circumstances. The route names describe how you reach Category A, while your aim remains the full unrestricted motorcycle licence.
Where can you train for the upgrade?
Universal Motorcycle Training® has seven motorcycle training centres in London and Hertfordshire and runs courses seven days a week. We provide training for the Category A upgrade at our centres.
Before choosing your training, have your A2 holding date and your availability in mind. Think about the location that would suit you and any questions you want to ask about preparing for the practical test.
Course options and current prices are on our DAS full licence course page. You can find your nearest centre on our centres page.
Frequently asked questions
Does my A2 licence become unrestricted automatically?
No. Holding A2 for at least two years and being aged 21 or over makes the progressive route available, but you still need to pass the Category A practical test.
Is staged access another name for progressive access?
Yes. GOV.UK uses ‘staged access’ as another name for progressive access.
Who carries out the practical tests?
DVSA conducts the tests. We provide training for the Category A upgrade at our centres.
What changes when I gain Category A?
A2 covers motorcycles up to 35kW. Category A is the full unrestricted motorcycle licence.
