From age 17, completing compulsory basic training (CBT) on a provisional licence lets you ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW with L plates. A1 is the full licence for the same limits, A2 covers motorcycles up to 35kW, and category A has no engine-size or power limit. Start with the licence category you hold or are working towards, then choose a bike that fits your commute.
Searching for the ‘best commuter motorcycle’ or ‘best commuter motorbike’? Start with your licence category, then consider your route, riding position and transmission rather than a ranking of models.
What can you ride on a CBT or A1?
CBT is training, not a pass-or-fail test. When your instructor confirms completion, you receive a DL196 certificate, valid for two years.
From 17, with the correct provisional licence and valid CBT, you may ride up to 125cc and 11kW with L plates. You cannot carry a pillion passenger or use motorways.
A1 is a full motorcycle licence available from 17, not another name for CBT. It covers motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW. Passing the required tests removes the learner L-plate requirement.
At Universal Motorcycle Training®, our CBT and A1 automatic training examples include the Yamaha NMAX 125 and Honda SH125i. Our geared examples include the Honda CB125F and Yamaha YS125. Treat a search for ‘best learner motorbikes’ as a starting point for comparing fit and control, not a verdict on a particular model.
MCIA’s August 2026 Press Statistics, published on 7 September 2026, put the Honda PCX 125 first overall and in the 51-125cc band, with 272 registrations. The Honda CB 125 F led the naked motorcycle category with 113. Registrations of petrol bikes in the 51-125cc band reached 3,071 in August, up 12.3% on August 2025, and 23,767 year to date, up 24.7% on the same period in 2025. Source: MCIA.
These figures describe registrations, not suitability for your commute. Read our guide to choosing a first 125 and see the CBT course page for training.
Which commuter bikes suit A2?
A2 is a full motorcycle licence available from age 19, covering motorcycles up to 35kW.
Our A2 training fleet examples include the automatic Honda SH350 and the restricted Yamaha MT-07. The restriction matters: do not assume that every version of a model fits A2.
The Yamaha MT-07 led the 501-750cc band with 55 registrations in August 2026. These figures group motorcycles by engine capacity, not A2 entitlement. Source: MCIA.
When researching ‘best A2 motorcycles’, check the exact machine’s eligibility before comparing comfort, luggage options and low-speed handling. Our A2 licence guide explains the training route.
What can you ride with a full category A licence?
Category A covers any motorcycle. You can obtain it from 21 through progressive access after holding A2 for at least two years, or from 24 under direct access.
We train category A riders on the Honda CB750 Hornet. It is an example from our training fleet, not a suggestion that every commuter needs that category of bike.
Choose around the whole journey, including moving the machine into parking and managing repeated stops. Consider whether your commute involves sustained faster-road riding or mainly town traffic. More permitted power does not establish which bike suits you, and category A entitlement does not oblige you to move away from a smaller machine. Our DAS page explains direct access.
What about mopeds on an AM licence?
AM is available from age 16. Two-wheeled mopeds in this category have a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28mph). A learner with the correct provisional entitlement and completed CBT rides with L plates.
For a local commute, consider the moped’s speed capability against every part of the route, not just the distance. An AM licence does not allow a 16-year-old to ride a 125cc motorcycle, as A1 starts at 17.
How do you choose between an automatic scooter and a geared bike for commuting?
A twist-and-go scooter removes manual clutch operation and gear changes. A geared motorcycle requires coordination of clutch, throttle and gears. Consider whether you want automatic transport for your current journey or practice with manual controls for future riding.
Check your reach to the controls, comfort at a standstill, parking space and how you will carry everyday belongings. Try the riding position before committing to a machine, and think about the space needed to turn or wheel it into storage. Our geared vs twist and go guide explores the differences.
CBT starts from £205. A1, A2 and A (DAS) full licence packages start from £1,090 for Bronze, a four-day package with DVSA practical test fees included. Visit our London centres page to plan your training.
Frequently asked questions
Does CBT give me a full motorcycle licence?
No. CBT provides basic training and a DL196 certificate, not a full licence. Learner restrictions continue until you pass the required tests for your motorcycle category.
Can I ride a motorcycle larger than 125cc on CBT?
Not independently as a learner. You must meet the minimum age, have completed CBT and be accompanied by an approved instructor on another motorcycle in radio contact.
Does an A1 licence expire after two years?
No. The two-year limit applies to riding under CBT, not to a full A1 licence. If you have not passed your test within that time, you would need to complete CBT again before riding on the road.
Do motorcycles and mopeds pay London’s Congestion Charge?
No. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the Congestion Charge, which is £18 a day for most vehicles. The exemption is specific to the Congestion Charge.
