Motorcycle Licence Information

You must have a valid provisional or full driving licence.

Compulsory Basic Training

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is a legal requirement for all provisional motorcycle licence holders. The CBT entitles the holder to ride up to a 125cc motorcycle or scooter with L plates for 2 years. If you passed your car licence pre-1st February 2001 you are already entitled to ride a moped without L plates and without completing a CBT. Once the CBT expires it can be renewed again or alternatively a full Licence, of which there are three types, can be gained:

AM Licence

From 16 year’s old you can ride mopeds up to 50cc but not exceeding 28mph.

A1 Licence

At 17 you can take the A1 motorcycle test (after taking your CBT and passing the theory test) on a machine of at least 120cc and not more than 125cc with a power output not exceeding 11kw (14.6 bhp). This will mean you can then ride a 125cc machine without L plates and carry passengers.

A2 Licence

At 19 you will be able to take the A2 motorcycle test (after 2 years as a full A1 licence holder or a provisional licence holder after taking your CBT and passing the theory test) on a machine of at least 395cc with a power output not exceeding 35kw (46.6 bhp) and power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2W/kg. This allows you to ride a machine up to 46.6 bhp without L plates and to carry passengers.

A licence

Option 1

 If you have held an A2 licence for 2 years you can now take your category A test on a machine of at least 599cc with a power output of 40kw, which will then allow you to ride any capacity of machine.

Option 2

 At the age of 24 you can take your direct access (after taking your CBT and passing your theory test) on a machine of at least 599cc with a power output of 40kw allowing you to ride a machine of any capacity.