Obtaining a motorcycle license UK is an exciting journey that opens the door to freedom on two wheels, but navigating the complex licensing system can seem daunting without proper guidance. The UK motorcycle licensing structure involves multiple pathways, each with specific age requirements, training components, and tests that must be completed in the correct order. Whether you're a teenager eager to start riding a moped or an experienced car driver seeking unrestricted motorcycle access, understanding how to get a motorcycle license UK is essential for legal and safe riding. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, breaking down the categories, costs, timelines, and practical requirements to help you achieve your motorcycle license UK goals.
Understanding UK Motorcycle
License Categories: The Progressive System
The UK operates a progressive motorcycle licensing system
designed to match riders with appropriate vehicle power levels based on age and
experience. This system encourages new riders to develop skills gradually
before accessing more powerful machines, reducing accident rates among
inexperienced motorcyclists.
The AM License: Starting Young
on Mopeds (Age 16+)
The AM license category represents the entry point for
riders as young as 16 years old, allowing operation of mopeds and light
quadricycles with speed capabilities between 25 km/h and 45 km/h. To obtain an
AM license, you must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), pass a theory
test, and successfully complete a practical test on a moped. Your motorcycle
license UK journey through the AM category requires no previous riding
experience, making it accessible to teenagers eager to begin riding.
The AM license allows you to carry passengers once you've
passed your tests, though you must display L plates and cannot ride on
motorways. Most AM license holders upgrade within a few years as their
confidence and skills develop, but mopeds serve as excellent learner vehicles
for developing fundamental motorcycle control and road awareness skills.
The A1 License: Light
Motorcycles for Age 17+ (125cc)
At 17 years old, you can pursue an A1 motorcycle license
UK that permits riding light motorcycles up to 125cc with a power output of 11
kilowatts (approximately 15 bhp). To achieve an A1 motorcycle license UK, you
must hold a valid CBT certificate, pass the motorcycle theory test, and
successfully complete both Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests. The A1
motorcycle license UK allows you to carry passengers and ride on all roads
except motorways, making it suitable for urban commuting and recreational riding.
The A1 category represents a significant step up from AM
licenses, providing motorcycles with adequate power for highway riding and daily
transportation. Many riders spend several years on A1-category bikes before
upgrading, developing crucial riding skills and building confidence before
accessing more powerful machines.
The A2 License: Standard
Motorcycles for Age 19+
An A2 motorcycle license UK permits riding motorcycles up
to 35 kilowatts (47 bhp) with a maximum weight of 175 kilograms, making this
category suitable for diverse riding purposes. You can obtain an A2 motorcycle
license UK at 19 years old through direct access or at 19 through progressive
access if you've held an A1 license for two years.
The A2 motorcycle license UK represents the middle tier
of the progressive system, providing sufficient power for most riders' needs
while remaining manageable for those still developing advanced riding
techniques. Many standard motorcycles and mid-sized bikes fall within A2
restrictions, giving you substantial choice in motorcycle selection without the
premium insurance costs and technical complexity of unrestricted machines.
The Full A License:
Unrestricted Motorcycles (All Ages)
The full Category A motorcycle license UK provides
unlimited access to any motorcycle, regardless of size or power output. You can
obtain a full Category A motorcycle license UK through two distinct pathways:
direct access at age 24 or progressive access at age 21 after holding an A2
license for a minimum of two years. Both routes require passing a theory test
and practical modules on a motorcycle of at least 595cc with a power output of
at least 40 kW.
The Compulsory Basic Training
(CBT): Your Foundation
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), officially recognized as
the DL196 certificate, forms the absolutely essential foundation for all
motorcycle license UK pathways. Every aspiring motorcyclist in the UK must
complete CBT before riding any powered two-wheeler on public roads, regardless
of age, previous driving experience, or ultimate license ambitions.
What CBT Involves and Why It
Matters
Your CBT motorcycle training UK course typically spans a
full day, lasting 6 to 8 hours, and covers five essential training elements
designed to develop fundamental riding skills and road safety awareness. The
structured CBT training includes eyesight verification, introduction to
motorcycle controls and safety checks, on-site riding development in controlled
environments, on-road safety theory instruction, and supervised public road
riding for at least 2 hours.
CBT is not a formal test you pass or fail—instead, it
represents competency-based training where instructors progress you through
each element only when satisfied with your demonstrated abilities. This
approach ensures every rider reaching public roads possesses minimum competency
levels, significantly reducing accident risks for new motorcyclists.
Finding and Booking Your CBT
Course
The UK government maintains an official directory of
approved CBT training providers where you can locate motorcycle training
schools near your location. Booking your motorcycle license UK CBT course is
straightforward—visit the approved training provider website, select your
preferred location and date, and complete the online booking system.
Your motorcycle license UK CBT training costs vary by
location and provider, typically ranging from £120 to £300. Some competitive
providers offer courses for as low as £99 in certain areas, though choosing
based solely on price risks inadequate training quality. Research provider
reviews and compare course structures to ensure quality instruction justifying
your investment.
CBT Certificate Validity and
Renewal
Your CBT motorcycle license UK certificate remains valid
for two years from the completion date. After this period expires, you must
either retake CBT or pass your full practical motorcycle test to continue
riding. If your CBT certificate lapses without proceeding to full tests, you
lose riding privileges until completing new training.
Passing Your Motorcycle Theory
Test
The motorcycle theory test represents the intellectual
foundation of your motorcycle license UK journey, assessing your understanding
of road safety principles, traffic regulations, and motorcycle-specific
knowledge.
Theory Test Format and Content
Your motorcycle license UK theory test consists of two
distinct components: multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception section.
You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics
including traffic signs, motorcycle safety, effects of drugs and alcohol on
riding abilities, and rider attitudes toward risk.
The hazard perception component tests your ability to
identify potential road dangers before they become critical situations. This
section involves watching video clips of real traffic scenarios and responding
when you identify developing hazards. Your motorcycle license UK theory test
success depends on comprehending these practical concepts rather than memorizing
technical details.
Preparing for Your Theory Test
Thorough preparation dramatically improves your
motorcycle license UK theory test success rates. Study the motorcycle-specific
section of the Highway Code carefully, as these rules differ substantially from
car driving requirements and form significant portions of test questions.
Access official DVSA revision materials and practice tests available online,
working through questions repeatedly until answers become intuitive.
Many riders create study schedules dedicating 30 minutes
daily to theory revision for 4-6 weeks before their test date. This approach
prevents cramming while allowing consistent knowledge reinforcement. Your
motorcycle license UK theory test success rate improves substantially when you
understand underlying principles rather than memorizing answers—focus on
comprehension above all else.
Theory Test Costs and Booking
Your motorcycle license UK theory test costs £23, making
it an economical component of your licensing journey. You can book tests through
the official DVSA website, selecting convenient test dates and locations. Most
testing centers offer frequent appointment availability, allowing you to test
within 1-2 weeks of booking in most areas.
Practical Tests: Module 1 and
Module 2
Successfully passing practical tests represents the most
challenging component of your motorcycle license UK journey, requiring
developed riding skills, judgment, and ability to perform maneuvers under
examiner assessment.
Module 1: Off-Road Maneuvers
Assessment
Your motorcycle license UK Module 1 practical test takes
approximately 20 minutes and occurs in a dedicated off-road motorcycle
maneuvering area, separate from public roads. During Module 1, you must
demonstrate competent performance across multiple exercises including
motorcycle wheeling and stand operation, slalom and figure-8 riding patterns,
slow-speed riding control, U-turns, controlled stops, emergency stops, and
hazard avoidance maneuvers.
Module 1 minimum speed requirements vary by license
category—moped tests require 19 mph while motorcycle tests demand 32 mph for
hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. Cones mark course layouts and
turning points, creating standardized testing conditions across all testing
locations. Your motorcycle license UK Module 1 success depends on smooth clutch
control, balance maintenance, and precise throttle management.
Module 1 Test Requirements and
Passing Standards
To pass your motorcycle license UK Module 1 test, you
must avoid serious or dangerous faults while limiting riding faults to no more
than 5 minor errors. Serious faults immediately result in test failure, while
accumulating more than 5 minor faults also results in failure. These stringent
requirements ensure only competent riders progress to on-road testing,
protecting public safety.
Module 2: On-Road Riding
Assessment
Module 2 of your motorcycle license UK practical test
lasts approximately 40 minutes and assesses your ability to ride safely and
responsibly in real traffic conditions. Your motorcycle license UK Module 2
assessment begins with an eyesight check where you must read a vehicle number
plate from 20 meters distance—failure at this stage cancels your entire test.
After passing the eyesight test, examiners pose several
safety-related questions assessing your motorcycle license UK safety knowledge
and attitudes. These questions cover topics like motorcycle maintenance,
protective gear requirements, and hazard management strategies. Your responses
demonstrate whether you possess required knowledge for safe riding.
Module 2 On-Road Component
The on-road portion of your motorcycle license UK Module
2 test involves approximately 40 minutes of supervised road riding where you
demonstrate various maneuvers and maintain appropriate control in traffic
conditions. You'll communicate with the examiner via radio while performing
normal stops, angle starts pulling out from behind parked vehicles, and hill
starts on slopes. Your motorcycle license UK independent riding assessment
requires navigating to an examiner-designated location using traffic signs and
road rules—though arriving at the precise destination doesn't factor into
scoring, the quality of your riding does.
Practical Test Costs and
Scheduling
Individual module tests cost £15.50 for Module 1 and
either £75 for weekday Module 2 tests or £88.50 for evening, weekend, and bank
holiday sessions. Many riders book both modules simultaneously at the same
training center, completing tests within 1-2 weeks. Your motorcycle license UK
practical tests must be completed within two years of passing your theory test
or you'll need to retake theory before attempting practical modules again.
The Progressive vs. Direct
Access Routes to Full Category A
Two distinct pathways lead to obtaining an unrestricted
full Category A motorcycle license UK, each with different advantages depending
on your age and experience.
Progressive Access: The
Standard Route for Younger Riders
Progressive access allows riders to gradually advance
through motorcycle license UK categories based on age and experience
accumulation. Beginning at age 17 with an A1 license, riders can upgrade to A2
at 19 after holding their A1 for two years, then finally to full Category A at
21 after maintaining their A2 license for minimum two years.
The progressive access pathway for your motorcycle
license UK requires passing a theory test once, then completing Module 1 and
Module 2 practical tests for each license upgrade. Progressive access appeals
to riders seeking gradual skill development and cost distribution across
multiple years rather than intensive concentrated training.
Direct Access: The Fast Track
for Experienced Riders
Direct access enables riders aged 24 or over to jump
directly to an unrestricted full Category A motorcycle license UK without
progressing through A1 and A2 categories. Your motorcycle license UK direct
access route requires completing CBT, passing the theory test once, and
successfully completing Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests on a full-sized
motorcycle of at least 595cc and 40 kW power output.
Direct access appeals to mature riders confident in their
abilities and eager for immediate unrestricted access. The intensive
preparation often requires focused training over several weeks rather than
years, allowing rapid progression from no motorcycle license UK experience to
full unrestricted riding privileges.
Total Costs and Timeline for
Your Motorcycle License UK
Understanding complete financial and time requirements
helps you plan your motorcycle license UK journey effectively.
Breakdown of Motorcycle
License UK Costs
Your complete motorcycle license UK costs depend on which
pathway you choose, but all routes share common expenses. CBT training costs
£120-£300, provisional license application costs £34 online or £43 by post,
motorcycle theory test costs £23, and practical tests total approximately £100.
Direct access to full Category A motorcycle license UK
costs approximately £800-£1,200 total including all training, tests, and
provisional license expenses, though this excludes motorcycle rental costs
during training. Progressive pathways spanning multiple years accumulate
approximately £2,600 across 5-6 years for A1, A2, then full A licenses with
training included.
Timeline Considerations
Your motorcycle license UK timeline varies dramatically
based on your chosen pathway and personal circumstances. Direct access riders
aged 24+ can complete all requirements in as little as 7-10 days of intensive
training followed by test scheduling. Progressive access riders must wait for
minimum age requirements and license holding periods—a 17-year-old beginning A1
cannot achieve full Category A status until age 21 at earliest, requiring
minimum 4 years to complete the full progression.
Most riders require 4-6 weeks between CBT completion and
practical test success, though this timeline extends for those scheduling tests
further in advance or requiring additional training days. Planning your
motorcycle license UK progression several months ahead allows optimal scheduling
flexibility.
Practical Tips for Success
With Your Motorcycle License UK
Experienced riders and training instructors offer
valuable insights for maximizing success throughout your motorcycle license UK
journey.
Before You Begin
Ensure you hold a valid provisional driving license
before booking your motorcycle license UK training—you'll need it for CBT
enrollment. Study the motorcycle section of the Highway Code thoroughly before
your first training day, arriving prepared with basic knowledge accelerating
your training progress.
Practice balance and coordination on a bicycle if
possible, particularly for riders without athletic backgrounds. Developing body
awareness and clutch control confidence before professional training begins
helps you progress more smoothly through CBT and practical tests.
During Training and Testing
Arrive early to all motorcycle license UK training
sessions and tests, allowing time to familiarize yourself with training
locations and equipment. Bring appropriate protective gear including a proper
motorcycle helmet, leather jacket, sturdy boots, and gloves—trainers and casual
clothing don't meet requirements and prevent participation.
Ask your instructors clarifying questions about any
maneuvers or concepts you find challenging during motorcycle license UK
training. Professional trainers expect and welcome questions, and better
understanding immediately improves your performance. Build confidence gradually
throughout training rather than rushing through material.
Mental Preparation
Your motorcycle license UK tests assess not just physical
skills but judgment and decision-making abilities under pressure. Visualize
successful test completion, practice relaxation techniques for managing test
anxiety, and remember that a small percentage of candidates require retakes—one
test failure doesn't represent failure of your ultimate motorcycling journey.
Finding Quality Training
Providers for Your Motorcycle License UK
Selecting quality training providers significantly
impacts your motorcycle license UK success rates and overall learning
experience.
What to Look For in Motorcycle
Training Schools
Research motorcycle license UK training providers
thoroughly before booking. Check Google reviews and ratings, seeking providers
with consistently high scores and positive comments about instructor quality
and course structure. Verify all training centers hold valid DVSA approval for
your desired license categories.
Compare course structures across multiple motorcycle
license UK providers, noting training hours, bike types provided, and whether
motorcycle rental is included in quoted prices. Avoid selecting providers
solely based on lowest prices—quality instruction and well-maintained training
motorcycles justify modest price premiums.
Approved Training Providers
The government's official CBT course finder directory
lists all approved motorcycle license UK training providers organized by
location, eliminating uncertainty about provider legitimacy. This centralized
resource ensures you're booking with qualified trainers committed to DVSA
standards. Many major training companies operate multiple locations, offering
convenient scheduling options across different regions.
Real-World Timeline Examples
Understanding how different riders progress through
motorcycle license UK pathways helps you set realistic expectations for your
journey.
A typical direct access rider aged 24+ might complete
their motorcycle license UK journey within 8-10 days: Day 1 for CBT, Day 2 for
theory test, Days 3-5 for Module 1 training and testing, and Days 6-8 for
Module 2 training and testing. A progressive access rider starting at 17
typically requires at least 5-6 years to achieve full Category A status due to
minimum age requirements and license holding periods between upgrades.
Conclusion: Your Path to
Motorcycle License UK Freedom
Obtaining your motorcycle license UK requires commitment,
but the process is straightforward when you understand each component and
progress systematically through required stages. Whether you choose progressive
or direct access routes, completing CBT, passing theory and practical tests,
and maintaining focus throughout your training leads to the freedom and joy of
motorcycling. Your motorcycle license UK journey develops skills protecting you
and others on the road while opening countless opportunities for transport,
recreation, and personal growth. Start your motorcycle license UK progression
today by researching approved training providers in your area and booking your
CBT course—your riding future awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
About How to Get a Motorcycle License UK
Can I get a motorcycle license UK without CBT?
No, CBT is mandatory for all powered two-wheeler riders
in the UK regardless of age or previous driving experience. Even experienced
car drivers must complete CBT before riding motorcycles on public roads.
How much does it cost to get a full motorcycle license
UK?
Total costs range from approximately £800-£1,200 for
direct access riders completing all training and tests in concentrated
timeframes. Progressive access routes spread costs across multiple years,
totaling approximately £2,600 across 5-6 years.
What is the quickest way to get a motorcycle license UK?
Direct access at age 24+ represents the quickest pathway,
potentially completed within 7-10 days of intensive training. Progressive
access requires minimum 4 years to advance from A1 through A2 to full Category
A licenses.
Can I use my provisional driving license for motorcycle
license UK training?
Yes, your valid provisional driving license is required
for CBT enrollment and motorcycle license UK tests. Apply for your provisional
motorcycle license before booking CBT to ensure you have it ready.
Do I need to pass all tests within a specific timeframe?
Yes, you must complete Module 1 and Module 2 practical
tests within two years of passing your motorcycle theory test. If this deadline
passes, you must retake your theory test before attempting practical modules
again.
Can I practice riding between tests?
With a valid CBT certificate, you can ride unsupervised
on public roads displaying L plates, provided you've passed your theory test
and either completed Module 1 or hold a full license in another category. This
practice riding significantly improves your Module 2 performance.
What age can I start getting a motorcycle license UK?
You can begin CBT at age 16 for mopeds (AM category). You
can pursue A1 licenses at 17, A2 at 19, and full Category A at 21 (progressive
access) or 24 (direct access).
Is there a medical exam required for motorcycle license
UK?
Generally, if you have a valid UK driving license, no additional medical exam is required for motorcycle license UK. However, certain medical conditions may require DVLA notification.
