1. Routes to Testing and Licences
Motorcycle licences come in four main categories: Moped, A1, A2, and Category A (full).
As a rule of thumb, the requirement and restrictions of each are:
Moped: The only option for 16 year-olds, maximum engine size is 49cc
A1: Aimed at 17 to 19 year-olds, maximum engine size is 125cc
A2: For riders over the age of 19 and less than 24, maximum engine size 500cc
Category A: For riders who have held an A2 Licence for two years, or if over 24 take the Direct Access (DAS) route. No restriction on engine size
Click on the link applicable to your age to get a detailed route to your licence
Age 16
Complete CBT
You can ride a Moped on L-Plates until the CBT Certificate expires
CLICK HERE
Age
Complete CBT
Pass the Motorcycle Theory Test
Pass the 2-part Practical Test (A1 Category)
You can now ride a any motorcycle up to 125cc without L-Plates
and carry a pillion passenger
CLICK HERE
Age 19 or over
Complete CBT
Pass the Motorcycle Theory Test
Pass the 2-part Practical Test (A2 Category)
You can ride any Motorcycle up to 35kW (~500cc) without L-Plates and carry a pillion passenger
CLICK HERE
After 2 years you’re eligible for the Category A Test
Direct Access (DAS):
Age 24 or over
Complete CBT
Pass the Motorcycle Theory Test
Pass the 2-part Practical Test (Category A)
You can ride any Motorcycle and carry a pillion passenger
CLICK HERE
Refer to for additional details on Licence requirements

2. Licence: AM Mopeds 49cc or less, maximum speed 45 km / hour (28 mph)
Age requirement: 16 or over
Current Licence
Valid CBT Certificate?
Complete your CBT
Valid Theory Test certificate?
Take Motorcycle Theory Test
Take Motorcycle Practical Test
You can ride a Moped on L-Plates until the CBT Certificate expires
Yes
Yes
Valid Provisional Licence
Pass the 2-part Practical Test on a moped
(no higher than 50cc and below 4kW) No
Pass Motorcycle Theory Test No
Complete CBT No
Complete CBT
1kW = 1.36hp hp = 0.74kW
Hp Requirement
Typical bike size
4kW (Moped)
49cc
11kW (A1 Licence)
125cc
35kW (A2 Licence)
500cc
40kW (Category A Licence)
600cc upwards
Valid Full Car Licence
gained after 1st Feb 2001
Yes
You can ride a Moped without L-Plates
(50cc / 4kW)
And you can carry a pillion passenger
Valid Full Car Licence
gained before 1st Feb 2001
Refer to for additional details on Licence requirements

3. Licence: A1 Light Motorcycle (up to 125cc not exceeding 11kW)
Age requirement: 17 or over
Current Licence
Valid CBT Certificate?
Complete your CBT
Valid Theory Test certificate?
Take Motorcycle Theory Test
Take Motorcycle Practical Test
Yes
You can ride an A1 Category Motorcycle on
L-Plates until the CBT Certificate expires
Yes
Pass the 2-part Practical Test on a bike between 120cc and 125 cc and not exceeding 11kW No
Pass Motorcycle Theory Test
Valid Provisional
or Full Car Licence with Provisional Motorcycle Entitlement
1kW = 1.36hp hp = 0.74kW
Hp Requirement
Typical bike size
4kW (Moped)
49cc
11kW (A1 Licence)
125cc
35kW (A2 Licence)
500cc
40kW (Category A Licence)
600cc upwards No
Complete CBT
You can now ride a any motorcycle up to 125cc and not exceeding 11kW without L-Plates
and carry a pillion passenger
Refer to for additional details on Licence requirements

4. Licence: A2 Motorcycle (Medium Motorcycles up to 35kW)
Age requirement: 19 or over
Current Licence
Valid CBT Certificate?
Complete your CBT
Valid Theory Test certificate?
Take Motorcycle Theory Test
Take Motorcycle Practical Test
Yes
Yes
Valid Licence with Provisional Motorcycle Entitlement
Pass the 2-part Practical Test on a bike at least 395cc and between 25kW to 35kW No
Pass Motorcycle Theory Test No No
Complete CBT
Full A1 Licence held for less than 2 years
Yes
Full A1 Licence held for a minimum of 2 years
You can ride any Motorcycle not exceeding 35kW and carry a pillion passenger
1kW = 1.36hp hp = 0.74kW
Hp Requirement
Typical bike size
4kW (Moped)
49cc
11kW (A1 Licence)
125cc
35kW (A2 Licence)
500cc
40kW (Category A Licence)
600cc upwards
Refer to for additional details on Licence requirements

5. Licence: Category A Motorcycle (unlimited in size and power)
Age requirement: 21-23
Current Licence
Take Motorcycle Practical Test
Full A2 Licence held for less than 2 years
Full A2 Licence held for a minimum of 2 years
Pass the 2-part Practical Test on a bike at least 595cc and at least 40kW
You can ride any size of Motorcycle and carry a pillion passenger
No Full A2 Licence
You can only ride an A2 Bike
Wait until you turn 24 or hold a valid A2 for two years
Gain A2 Licence
(Refer to Licence A2 Motorcycle page)
1kW = 1.36hp hp = 0.74kW
Hp Requirement
Typical bike size
4kW (Moped)
49cc
11kW (A1 Licence)
125cc
35kW (A2 Licence)
500cc
40kW (Category A Licence)
600cc upwards
Refer to for additional details on Licence requirements

6. Age requirement: 24 and over
Licence: Category A Motorcycle (unlimited in size and power) – Direct Access
Age requirement: 24 and over
Current Licence
Valid CBT Certificate?
Complete your CBT
Valid Theory Test certificate?
Take Motorcycle Theory Test
Take Motorcycle Practical Test
Yes No
Complete CBT on a bike at least 595cc and at least 40kW
Valid Licence with Provisional Motorcycle Entitlement
Pass the 2-part Practical Test on a bike at least 595cc and at least 40kW
Pass Motorcycle Theory Test
Yes No
1kW = 1.36hp hp = 0.74kW
Hp Requirement
Typical bike size
4kW (Moped)
49cc
11kW (A1 Licence)
125cc
35kW (A2 Licence)
500cc
40kW (Category A Licence)
600cc upwards
You can ride any size of Motorcycle and carry a pillion passenger
Refer to for additional details on Licence requirements