Getting on 2 Wheels: Motorcycle Licence Guide

Understanding what is a CBT

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is an introductory course that most new riders must complete before taking a moped or motorcycle onto public roads. Its purpose is to ensure you can control the bike safely and ride independently while preparing for your full licence tests.

CBT is training rather than a test, but you must demonstrate safe riding to complete it. A CBT lasts for 2 years, after which you would need to re-take it to continue riding on the road. There is also no limit on how many CBT courses that you can take.

What you can ride after finishing CBT

Once you’ve been issued with a valid CBT certificate, you may ride:

• A moped (50cc) from age 16
• A motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc and no more than 11kW from age 17
• In all cases, you must display L plates (or D plates in Wales).
• Your CBT certificate lasts for two years. If you do not pass your full moped or motorcycle test within that time, you must either repeat the CBT or stop riding entirely. Riding without a valid CBT certificate can lead to penalties, fines and points on your licence.

Situations where CBT is not required

You do not need to complete a CBT course if any of the following apply:

• You hold a full car licence issued before 1 February 2001 and want to ride a moped up to 50cc
• You have a full moped licence gained through a moped test taken on or after 1 December 1990
• You already hold a full motorcycle licence for one category and are moving up to another
• You live and ride on certain offshore islands where CBT requirements do not apply
• You intend to ride a trial e-scooter

AM Licence – Mopeds up to 50cc (Age 16 plus)

If you’re at least 16, you can start working towards an AM moped licence. Your route depends on the licence you already hold:

1. If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001: This licence already gives you moped entitlement. You can ride without displaying L plates providing it’s no more than 50cc and below 4kw, you may also carry a pillion passenger.
2.  If you have a full car licence issued after 1st February 2001 OR only hold a provisional licence: You must complete a CBT which will allow you to ride a moped with L plates until the CBT certificate expires (every 2 years). To ride without L plates and carry a passenger, you must pass the motorcycle theory test and then the practical test.

A1 Licence – Light Motorcycle up to 125cc (Age 17 plus)

At 17 or older, you can work towards an A1 motorcycle licence. Steps to obtain A1:

1. Hold a licence with provisional motorcycle entitlement.
2. Complete a CBT to ride up to 125cc with L plates.
3. Pass the motorcycle theory test.
4. Take the two-part practical test on a motorcycle between 120cc and 125cc producing no more than 11kW.

After passing: You can ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and up to 11 kW without L plates and you may carry a passenger.

A2 Licence – Restricted Motorcycle up to 35kW/47bhp (Age 19 plus)

From age 19, you can aim for an A2 licence. The process depends on what licence you already hold:

1. If you have held a full A1 licence for at least 2 years: You can upgrade by passing the two-part practical test on a motorcycle of at least 245cc and between 20 kW and 35 kW. Module 2 must be passed within six months of completing Module 1.
2. If you have held a full A1 licence for less than 2 years: You must complete CBT if it has expired. Pass the motorcycle theory test. Pass the two-part practical test on a motorcycle meeting A2 requirements (between 20 kW and 35 kW).
3. If you only have provisional entitlement: Complete CBT. Pass the theory test. Pass the practical tests on an A2-appropriate motorcycle.

After passing: You can ride any motorcycle that does not exceed 35 kW.

Category A Licence (Unrestricted motorcycle) – Age 21 to 23

Between the ages of 21 and 23, your route to a full Category A licence depends on whether you already hold an A2 licence.

• If you’ve held a full A2 licence for more than 2 years: You can take the two-part practical test on a large motorcycle (minimum 595cc, minimum 50kW, minimum kerb weight of 180 kg). Module 2 must be completed within six months of passing Module 1. After passing, you can ride any size motorcycle.
• If you have held a full A2 licence for less than 2 years: You may only ride an A2-compliant motorcycle until you meet the two-year period or turn 24.
• If you do not hold an A2 licence: You cannot obtain Category A until you meet the above conditions.

Category A Licence (Unrestricted motorcycle) – Age 24 or over

At 24 or older, you may qualify directly for a full Category A motorcycle licence.

Routes to Category A: 

• Complete your CBT (if required).
• Pass the motorcycle theory test.
• If you hold a full A2 licence for less than 2 years, OR if you only hold a provisional/A1 licence > Pass the two-part practical test on an unrestricted Category A motorcycle.
• If you already hold a full A2 licence for more than 2 years > You can upgrade by passing the two-part practical test on a motorcycle of at least 595cc producing at least 50kW with a minimum kerb weight of 180 kg.

After passing: You can ride any size motorcycle with no power restrictions.