Choosing the right motorcycle licence is as important as choosing the bike. This practical UK guide explains the usual route from a provisional entitlement and CBT through A1, A2 and unrestricted Category A, with checklists to help you confirm what you can ride, how pillion and motorway rules affect you, and what to verify before booking training or buying a motorcycle.
Overview
Your licence category determines the motorcycle or scooter you may ride, the power available to you and whether you can carry a passenger. The correct route depends mainly on your age, previous riding experience and whether you want a lightweight commuter or a larger sports bike.
In Great Britain, most new riders begin with a provisional motorcycle entitlement and Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). CBT is training rather than a full motorcycle test. Once completed, it normally allows a learner to ride a learner-legal motorcycle, subject to the conditions shown on their licence and the applicable rules. A 125cc scooter or motorcycle is a common choice because it is practical for commuting and generally fits the learner-power limit, but engine size alone is not enough: check the motorcycle's power output and your entitlement.
The main progression is:
- CBT and provisional entitlement: a starting point for learner riding. L plates are required, and learner restrictions apply.
- A1: available from age 17, covering motorcycles up to 125cc, 11kW and a power-to-weight limit of 0.1kW/kg.
- A2: available from age 19, covering motorcycles up to 35kW and a power-to-weight limit of 0.2kW/kg. A restricted motorcycle must also meet the rules governing its original power.
- Category A: the unrestricted motorcycle category. Direct access is generally available from age 24, or from age 21 after holding A2 for the required period.
Rules, test arrangements and entitlement details can change. Treat this guide as a planning aid, then confirm the current position through the official GOV.UK motorcycle-licence and test information before spending money.
Checklist by scenario
Starting with a 125cc scooter or motorcycle
- Check that your driving licence includes the correct provisional motorcycle entitlement.
- Book CBT with an approved training provider and ask what equipment you need to bring.
- After training, confirm the expiry or renewal requirements that apply to your CBT certificate.
- Choose a bike within the learner limits, display the required L plates and follow all learner conditions.
- Budget for insurance, tax where applicable, protective clothing, security and servicing as well as the purchase price.
Planning an A1 or A2 test
- Check your minimum age and whether you need a valid CBT before progressing.
- Use a qualified instructor to assess your road skills, machine control and test readiness.
- Confirm that the training and test motorcycle meets the relevant category requirements.
- Prepare for both motorcycle manoeuvres and the road element; passing one part does not remove the need to complete the required process.
- Before buying, obtain written evidence of a restricted bike's power output and confirm that its restriction is lawful and properly documented.
Moving to an unrestricted Category A licence
- Check whether you qualify for direct access by age or through the A2 progression route.
- Book training on a suitable full-power motorcycle rather than assuming any large bike will be accepted for the test.
- Compare insurance quotes for the exact model and your new licence status before placing an order.
- Update your licence details after passing and confirm what categories now appear on your record.
- Reassess tyres, braking, riding position and security when moving from a lightweight commuter to a sports bike.
| Route | Typical eligibility | Bike limits or conditions |
|---|---|---|
| CBT learner route | Provisional entitlement and completed CBT | Learner-legal motorcycle; L plates and learner restrictions apply |
| A1 | From age 17 | Up to 125cc, 11kW and 0.1kW/kg |
| A2 | From age 19, or progression from A1 where applicable | Up to 35kW and 0.2kW/kg; restriction and original-power rules apply |
| Category A | Direct access or progression from A2 | Unrestricted motorcycles, subject to test and entitlement |
What to double-check
Pillion and motorway use: Learner conditions commonly prevent carrying a passenger and restrict motorway use. Do not rely on a seller's description or another rider's experience; check the conditions attached to your entitlement before carrying a pillion or planning a motorway journey.
Power figures: A bike advertised as “A2 ready” still needs checking. Compare the V5C, manufacturer information, restriction certificate and insurance details. A cosmetic throttle stop or an undocumented modification is not a substitute for a compliant restriction.
Test requirements: Motorcycle tests can involve separate elements, approved test machines and specific equipment. Confirm the latest booking, cancellation, eyesight, clothing and machine requirements before attending.
Licence administration: Keep your address current, report relevant changes and check your photocard and category details. If you hold a licence issued outside Great Britain, or ride in Northern Ireland, confirm the rules for that jurisdiction separately.
For related ownership planning, compare the likely insurance, fuel and maintenance costs in our motorcycle ownership cost guide. Protective equipment and security also matter: see our helmet buying guide and motorcycle security guide.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a full car licence automatically permits unrestricted motorcycle riding.
- Buying a 125cc machine before checking its power, insurance group and learner suitability.
- Confusing CBT completion with passing a motorcycle test.
- Assuming an A2 restriction is legal because a dealer or previous owner says it is.
- Carrying a passenger or removing L plates before the relevant entitlement allows it.
- Budgeting only for the bike and overlooking training, test fees, clothing, insurance, tax, servicing and security.
When to revisit
Return to this checklist before each major step: booking CBT, buying a learner bike, arranging an A1 or A2 test, fitting a restriction, changing motorcycle category or planning to carry a passenger. Recheck the official licence and test pages whenever rules, forms, fees or booking systems change, and before each seasonal riding period.
Before acting, print or save this final checklist:
- My provisional entitlement and jurisdiction are confirmed.
- My CBT, test and licence dates are current.
- The motorcycle's category, power and restriction documents match my entitlement.
- I understand the current L-plate, pillion and motorway conditions.
- Insurance, protective kit, servicing, security and running costs are included in my budget.
- I have checked the latest official requirements rather than relying on an old advert or forum post.
