License Options Guide

Provisional licence for motorcycles

You must be aged 17 or over to ride a motorcycle, however you can ride a moped aged 16.

Before you can ride a motorcycle or a moped on the road you must complete the Compulsory Basic Training course (CBT).  If you complete the CBT successfully you will receive a DL196 certificate which is valid for two years. You will need this certificate when you take your practical test so be sure to keep it in a safe place.

The only exception to this is if you passed a moped test on or after 1 December 1990, or if you have already gained a full licence for one class of motorcycle and wish to upgrade to another (e.g. if you have an A1 licence and wish to upgrade to an A licence, you do not need to retake the CBT.)

Motorcycle licence categories

Category A

A Category A licence includes all motorcycles and allows you to ride machines over 125cc.

Sub-category A1 (light motorcycle)

An A1 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc, with a power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp).

Are you over 21?

If you are under 21, you must take your category A test on a motorcycle with an engine capacity of between 120cc and 125cc, which is capable of a least 100kph. Your category A licence will restrict you to riding machines up to 25kW (33bhp) for two years, after which you may ride any size machine. If you turn 21 before the end of the two year restricted period, you may practice on a motorcycle larger than 25kW before taking a test but you must display L-plates and be accompanied by a certified direct access instructor.

If you are 21 or over, you may take the Category A test on a normal learner motorcycle or on a large motorcycle under the Direct Access scheme. You are permitted to practise on a motorcycle larger than 125cc but only when you are accompanied by a certified direct access instructor. If you pass a test on a large motorcycle, your full licence will be unrestricted.

A full category A licence gives full sub-category A1 and full moped (category P) entitlement. A full category A1 gives full moped (category P) entitlement.