Age & Engine Rules
Motorbike tests depend primarily on a students age, we’ve added a table below to help show which test may be suitable for you.
Click the tab which applies to you.
This is called an A1 Light Motorcycle Test.
From 17 years old your training and test can be done on a 125cc machine the same as your CBT. After passing your test you can ride your 125cc without L plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.
This is called an A2 Medium Motorcycle Test.
From 19 years old your training and test can be done on a machine more than 395cc with a slight restriction to 46bhp. After passing your test you can ride any machine that is less than 46bhp (35kw) without L plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.
Most modern machines can be restricted and manufacturers are producing new machines with this category in mind so there is something for everyone.
NOTE: If this category test is taken at 19, after 2years* you can train for your Direct Access test, this means you can ride a full power machine before the age of 24 once you have passed.
This is called an A Category Direct Access Test.
From 24 years old (or around 21 on the progressive access route above*) your training and test can be done on a machine more than 595cc with a power more than 54bhp
Direct Access does what it says & allows you a direct route to a full unlimited licence by passing on a bigger bike.
After passing your test you can ride any machine without L plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.
Reminder: Motorcycle Theory
Regardless of your age, if it is your first test you will need to undertake a motorcycle theory test first. This must be passed before your practical is booked. Find links to booking and FREE practice below.
Practice your theory knowledge using the DVLA link above.
Test Pricing
Find a breakdown of tests, requirements and pricing below.
- 50CC > 125CC CBT
- £ 130
-
- Compulsory Basic Training
- Initial Skill Forming
- General Bike Handling
- Road Awareness Necessary
- Radio Assisted Training
- Light Test >125cc A1
- £ TBC
-
- From 17 Years
- Up to 125cc
- No L Plates
- Allows Pillions
- Allows Motorway Use
- Medium Test >46bhp A2
- £ TBC
-
- From 19 Years
- From 395cc
- Restricted to 46bhp
- No L Plates
- Allows Pillions
- Allows Motorway Use
- *Allows Direct Access in 2 Years.
- Direct Access 595cc+ A
- £ 795
-
- From 21*/24 Years
- Ride Over 595cc
- Ride Over 54bhp
- FULL Unlimited Licence
- No L Plates
- Allows Pillions
- Allows Motorway Use
- £895 with CBT
Documents!
To complete your test you will need-
- A valid CBT certificate.
- A valid Theory Test certificate.
- Both parts of a valid licence.
If it is your first step in the staged access (whichever that may be- A1, A2 or A) then the documents above must be presented to the examiner before your test. If you have held a smaller category for a minimum of 2 years and are taking your next stage then you don’t need a theory test.