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 Tips and Guides

Motorcycle Licence Types & Training Explained (UK Guide)

Whether you’re a complete beginner or ready to move up to a full licence, understanding the different types of motorcycle licences — and what training you need — is the first step toward getting on the road safely and legally.

 1.  CBT – Compulsory Basic Training (Not a Licence, but Mandatory)
  • Who it’s for: Complete beginners aged 16+

  • What it allows: Ride up to:

    • 50cc (at 16)

    • 125cc (at 17+)

    • Must display L plates and no passengers allowed

  • Training required: CBT course

  • Licence status: Not a full licence – CBT is valid for 2 years

 

👉 Start here if you’ve never ridden before.

2.  AM Licence – Moped Licence (Age 16+)
  • Minimum age: 16

  • What you can ride: Mopeds up to 50cc (max speed 28mph)

  • Training required:

    • Pass CBT

    • Motorcycle Theory Test

    • Pass Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests (on a 50cc moped)

  • Licence result: Full moped licence – ride without L plates and carry a passenger

 

✅ Ideal for younger riders starting early.

3.  A1 Licence – Light Motorcycle Licence (Age 17+)
  • Minimum age: 17

  • What you can ride: Motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW (14.6bhp)

  • Training required:

    • CBT

    • Motorcycle Theory Test

    • Module 1 and 2 practical tests (on a 125cc bike)

  • Licence result: Ride a 125cc bike without L plates, carry passengers, and ride on motorways

 

✅ Great for those who want a licence but aren’t ready for larger bikes yet.

4.  A2 Licence – Restricted Licence (Age 19+)
  • Minimum age: 19

  • What you can ride: Motorcycles up to 35kW (47bhp)

    • Power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2kW/kg

    • You can restrict a larger bike to fit the limit

  • Training required:

    • CBT

    • Motorcycle Theory Test

    • Module 1 and 2 tests (on am A2 appropriate bike)

  • Licence result: Full A2 licence – ride without L plates, carry passengers, ride on motorways

 

✅ Perfect for progressing riders who want more power.

5.  Category A Licence – Full, Unrestricted Licence (Age 24+ or 21+ via progressive access)
  • Minimum age:

    • 24+ (Direct Access Route)

    • 21+ (Progressive Access) – only if you’ve held an A2 licence for 2 years

  • What you can ride: Any size motorcycle, any power

  • Training required (Direct Access):

    • CBT

    • Motorcycle Theory Test

    • Module 1 and 2 tests (on an appropriate motorcycle)

  • Training required (Progressive Access):

    • No theory test if already passed

    • Must retake both modules on a bigger bike after 2 years of A2

 

✅ This is the top-level licence with no restrictions – perfect for experienced riders.

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