The Routes to your Licence
A1 Lightweight Licence ( 17 and older )
If you are aged between 17 and 19 then this is your only option. This can be taken on a machine between 120cc and 125cc.
Upon passing the A1 test you will get a full licence to ride on motorways and carry pillion passengers, but you will never be able to ride anything larger than a 125cc machine that produces a maximum of 11 kW (15 Bhp).
When you have held an A1 licence for a minimum of two years you may upgrade to an A2 Standard licence by just retaking Modules 1 & 2. You will not need to take either the CBT and theory test again if you choose this route.
A2 Standard Licence ( 19 and older )
If you are aged between 19 and 24 then you will have 2 options. The 1st option is the A1 Lightweight Licence if you just want to ride a 125cc and carry passengers. Option 2 would be the A2 stanard Licence. Option 2 would be to do the A2 standard Licence when you are 19. If you have not already passed the A1 test then you must first take and complete a CBT course and the motorcycle theory test.
The test and training must be taken on a machine of a minimum engine size of 395cc that produces a maximum of 35 kW (47 Bhp). A minimum of 25 kW (33Bhp) also applies.
Upon passing you can ride any size/cc of motorcycle but the power is capped at 35 kW (47 Bhp)
The other restrictions on this category are that the machine cannot be restricted down to 35 kW if it produces more than 70 kW or 94 Bhp in standard trim (from the manufacture) and the maximum power to weight ratio must not exceed 0.2kW per kg.
When you have held an A1 Licence for a minimum of two years you may upgrade to an A2 Standard licence by just retaking Modules 1 & 2. You will not need to take either the CBT and theory test again if you choose this route. It is possible to obtain your Full A Licence at 21 providing at least two years have elapsed since passing the A2 test.
A Direct Access Scheme ( 24 and older )
If you are aged 24 or over then you will be able to do either the Direct Access, A2 or A1 licences.
If you have not already passed the A2 test then you must first take and complete a CBT course and the motorcycle theory test.
The test and training must be taken on a machine of a minimum engine size of 595cc and must produce at least 40 kW (54 Bhp).
You must be at least 24 years old or have held an A2 licence for two years.
Upon passing you can ride any size/cc of motorcycle.
Automatic Scooters and Motorcycles
If you take your training and test on an automatic machine, all of the categories of licence and size of bike are still relevant, but your full licence will only apply to Automatic motorcycles or scooters.
You can click the button below to see the DSA video regarding the licence route.