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A full motorcycle licence in the UK lets you ride within the category you qualify for. The three categories are A1 from 17, A2 from 19, and category A from 24 by direct access or from 21 by progressive access after two years on A2. Your route depends on your age and any motorcycle licence you already hold.
Which full licence can you get at your age?
A1 is available from age 17 for motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW. It is a full licence within the A1 category, rather than an unrestricted category A licence.
A2 is available from age 19 for motorcycles with a power output up to 35 kW (47 bhp). A2 is not defined by a cc limit.
Category A is the unrestricted motorcycle category. You can qualify from age 24 through direct access, or from age 21 through progressive access after holding an A2 licence for at least two years.
Start by identifying the category available to you, then compare its course options and costs. When asking us about a course, tell us your age and which motorcycle licence, if any, you already hold.
The steps every route shares
For your first full motorbike licence, the usual route is to complete CBT, pass the motorcycle theory test, then pass Module 1 and Module 2. These are separate stages, so completing your initial training is not the same as completing your full licence route.
CBT is training, not a pass or fail test. Your DL196 certificate is valid for two years. You still need to complete the relevant tests to obtain your full motorcycle licence.
Already hold an A1 or A2 licence? Ask us which steps apply to your upgrade before booking.
GOV.UK is the source for official motorcycle theory and practical test fees. Refer to GOV.UK for those fees when comparing them with our course prices.
Direct Access (DAS): the direct route to a full category A licence
From age 24, direct access lets you work towards category A without first holding an A2 licence. You still need to complete the required training and tests.
Our Direct Access (DAS) course offers three package options at Universal Motorcycle Training®: Bronze £1,090, Silver £1,340 and Gold £1,590. Each package includes DVSA test fees.
Training booked by the day costs £250 at 2:1 (two trainees to one instructor) or £400 at 1:1 (one trainee to one instructor). An extra training day costs £250.
Our retest prices are £265 for Module 1 and £325 for Module 2. These retest charges include the DVSA retest fee.
Ask us to explain the differences between Bronze, Silver and Gold, advise on your training needs and confirm what your chosen package includes before booking.
A2 licence course
From age 19, you can work towards an A2 motorcycle licence for motorcycles up to 35 kW (47 bhp). A2 is defined by power, not a cc limit. It is a full licence within that category, rather than an unrestricted category A licence.
Our A2 licence course offers Bronze £1,090, Silver £1,340 and Gold £1,590 packages, with DVSA test fees included.
Day rates are £250 at 2:1 (two trainees to one instructor) or £400 at 1:1 (one trainee to one instructor). Our retest charges are £265 for Module 1 and £325 for Module 2. An extra training day costs £250.
A1 licence course
Our A1 licence course is available from age 17 and leads towards a full motorcycle licence for motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW. A1 is a separate licence category, not another name for CBT.
The package options are Bronze £1,090, Silver £1,340 and Gold £1,590, with DVSA test fees included. The same day rates, retest charges and extra day price listed for A2 also apply to A1.
Although A1 and A2 have the same package prices, they lead to different licence categories. Consider your age and the category you are working towards before choosing your course.
Progressive access: A2 to A after two years
Progressive access is the route from A2 to unrestricted category A from age 21, after holding an A2 licence for at least two years. Both your age and the length of time you have held A2 matter when planning this route.
When contacting us, tell us your age and the date you obtained your A2 licence. Ask us to confirm the training and tests needed for your upgrade, along with the course options and costs. This also gives you an opportunity to discuss your riding experience before arranging an assessment.
What it costs
At Universal Motorcycle Training®, the Bronze, Silver and Gold package prices are the same for A1, A2 and DAS. DVSA test fees are included in these packages.
| Route | Our package prices | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| DAS, category A | Bronze £1,090 / Silver £1,340 / Gold £1,590 | Category A training and DVSA test fees |
| A2 | Bronze £1,090 / Silver £1,340 / Gold £1,590 | A2 training and DVSA test fees |
| A1 | Bronze £1,090 / Silver £1,340 / Gold £1,590 | A1 training and DVSA test fees |
Our Complete Beginner package combines CBT + A1 for £1,545. Ask us to confirm its full contents before booking.
When comparing costs, ask about the differences between packages and what your chosen option covers. For progressive access, contact us to confirm the price and inclusions for your upgrade.
How long it takes
Training is booked by the day. Our instructors advise on the number of training days after an assessment, which costs £80.
Use that advice when comparing Bronze, Silver and Gold. Ask us to confirm what each package includes and how these relate to your instructor’s recommendation, rather than assuming a course length from its name or price.
Before arranging time off work or other commitments, discuss your proposed training schedule with us.
Where you can train
Universal Motorcycle Training® has seven motorcycle training centres in London and Hertfordshire. Courses run seven days a week at every centre.
Explore our centres to choose where you would like to train. Tell us your preferred centre when discussing your course.
Book or ask
Book online, call us on 020 3691 8807 or send a WhatsApp message to 07920 064807 to discuss your full motorcycle licence course.
Not sure which route to choose? Tell us your age, any motorcycle licence you already hold and what training you have completed. Ask us to confirm your course options and package contents before booking.
FAQ
What age do you need to be for a full motorcycle licence?
A1 is available from 17 for motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW. A2 is available from 19 for motorcycles up to 35 kW (47 bhp). Unrestricted category A is available from 24 through direct access, or from 21 through progressive access after holding A2 for at least two years.
Can you skip A2?
Yes. From age 24, you can work towards category A through Direct Access (DAS) without first holding A2. You still need to complete the required training and tests.
How many days does it take?
Training is booked by the day. Our instructors advise on the number of training days after an assessment, which costs £80. Ask us to confirm your training schedule and what your chosen package includes.
Do you need your own bike?
Ask us whether you need your own bike for your chosen full licence course before booking.
Is the theory test included?
Ask us whether the motorcycle theory test is included in your chosen package before booking.
What happens if you fail a module?
Our retest charges are £265 for Module 1 and £325 for Module 2, with the DVSA retest fee included. Contact us to discuss arranging your retest and whether further training is needed before rebooking.
