Understanding Motorcycle Licences and Categories

Motorcycle licences do not operate the same way as you’d expect them to and can be quite confusing as there are a multitude of tests to complete and varying rules that depend on the experience of the rider, something very different from other vehicle licences.

Relating to cars, after taking and passing a theory and practical driving test, a new driver is legally permitted to operate any car within the scope of their insurance coverage and financial means. This means that a 17-year-old who has passed their driver’s test could theoretically drive a 200 mph Lamborghini, provided they can afford it, of course.

Alternatively, the same 17-year-old can only ride a motorcycle with a maximum capacity of 125cc, or 11 kW of power, regardless of how much money is in their bank account. This type of motorcycle usually maxes out at around 70 mph, with some capable of 90 mph with the right modifications.

Why do motorcyclists have more tests?

As you can tell, there is a big gap and disparity between vehicles and their licences, but it is for a good reason: motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars, and because of this, steps must be taken to reduce the likelihood of fatalities on the roads.

In some US states, riders as young as 16 years old can ride any motorcycle, which is simply terrifying to think about, especially given the power and speeds the Ducati V4 R can reach.

What are the laws and restrictions for motorcycles?

The laws of the United Kingdom have evolved and adapted over time. In the UK in the 1960s, learner riders were restricted to riding motorbikes with a maximum engine size of 250cc but were permitted to carry passengers until the rule was changed in 1990.

The minimum learner age limit was then raised to 17 years old in 1971, with 16-year-olds being restricted to 49cc mopeds; these mopeds, however, could be unrestricted and could be modified to reach speeds of 60mph from a 49cc engine; this was changed in 1977, with all mopeds being restricted to 30mph.

1983 saw the beginning of the end of the market for 250cc motorcycles, which were booming at the time thanks to a number of legendary offerings from Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki based on their Grand Prix counterparts, perfect for young street demons that thought they were the next Phil Read.

Unfortunately for these young riders, 1983 was the year that the displacement for learner riders was halved to 125cc and started to form what we now know as the Direct Access Scheme.

Following the introduction of CBT in 1990, the Direct Access Scheme was implemented in 1997 and was eventually refined in 2013 into the modern system we know and follow today.

What is a CBT?

A CBT, also known as Compulsory Basic Training, is the first course any rider must complete if they want to ride a motorcycle on British roads. It has to be taken again every two years, and the rider does not have to pass a theory test.

The 1997 licences

The 1997 licencing scheme was as follows:

CBT: Riders can ride a 125cc motorcycle on the road as a learner using L-plates; the minimum age is 16. A 16-year-old would be limited to riding a 50cc motorcycle until the age of 17 when they would be allowed to ride a 125cc under the same conditions.

A1 Light Motorcycle: This licence is very similar to the restrictions we have today; it allowed a rider to ride up to 125cc with no L-plates and with a passenger.

A2 Restricted Licence: This licence allowed a rider to use any machine, regardless of cc, as long as the power output did not exceed 33 bhp. If a machine produced more than 33 bhp it was possible to restrict the machine with a kit.

This restriction was for two years; once the two years had elapsed, the restriction could be removed and the rider could ride unrestricted without needing another test.

Direct Access Scheme A Licence: This test allowed the rider to use any motorcycle regardless of cc or power output. The minimum age was 21 years old.

Accelerated Access: This allowed riders to upgrade their current licence to a higher category, such as A1 to A2, under the same criteria as the Direct Access Scheme but without the need to retake the theoretical test or CBT.

Changes in 2013

In 2013, this entire process was streamlined and made a little more simple, which included amending the direct access age from 21 to 24 years old and making the ages between categories easier to follow.

Although the direct access age was increased to 24, the rules allowed for riders that had held their A2 licence for two years to be eligible to test for their A licence at age 21, but unlike the old ruling, this wouldn’t automatically upgrade the licence; a test would be required.

The new ruling and licences which we still follow today were as follows:

16+ AM licence: After passing a CBT test, riders will be able to ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28 mph with L-plates.

17+ A1 (Light Motorcycle) licence: At 17, a rider can complete their full A1 licence, allowing them to ride a 125cc motorcycle with up to 11 kW of power, or 15 bhp. This licence will be permanent and can be upgraded as the rider ages.

A 17-year-old can choose to not take the A1 licence and ride under the same conditions as the AM licence using a CBT, but with a maximum capacity of 125cc. A rider riding on a CBT licence will also be required to renew their licence every two years.

19+ A2 (Restricted Licence) licence: At 19, a rider riding on an A1 licence can retake their licence test on a motorcycle with a minimum engine capacity of 595cc and at least 45 bhp.

Riders who have not yet completed their A1 licence can take their full licence at the age of 19, provided they pass a theory test and both modules (the latter of which requires proof of a valid CBT). Holders of full licences are permitted to ride motorcycles with power outputs of up to 35 kW/47 bhp regardless of size, and restricted motorcycles with power outputs of no more than twice that amount.

21+ A (Unrestricted) Licence: From the age of 21, riders who have held an A1 or A2 licence for two years and have passed the required theory test are entitled to take the test to upgrade to a full, unrestricted licence.

24+ A (Direct Access) Licence: A rider over the age of 24 who either has a CBT or does not have any motorcycle licence entitlements can take the “Direct Access” test, which, if passed, allows the rider to ride any motorcycle of any capacity. The rider must have a valid motorcycle theory test, and complete both modules to pass the test.