TL;DR — In the UK, every learner rider starts with a one-day CBT, takes a motorcycle theory test, then trains for Module 1 (off-road manoeuvres) and Module 2 (on-road riding). Most riders go from never having sat on a bike to a full Cat A licence in about 5–7 days of training, spread over a few weeks. Costs typically run £225 for a CBT and several hundred to around £1,500+ for the full DAS programme depending on how many hours you need.
If you’re reading this on your phone before booking your CBT, here’s the short version: it’s simpler than it looks, you don’t need to own a bike, and you don’t have to do it all in one go.
Here’s the full picture.
What licences are available in the UK?
There are four routes, and which one you can take depends on your age.
| Licence | Age | Bike you can ride | L-plates? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT (DL196) | 16+ (50cc) or 17+ (125cc) | Up to 50cc moped (16) or 125cc motorcycle (17+) | Yes |
| A1 | 17+ | Up to 125cc / 11kW | No |
| A2 | 19+ | Up to 35kW (47bhp), restricted | No |
| Full A (Direct Access) | 24+ (or 21+ after 2 years on A2) | Any motorcycle, unrestricted | No |
The CBT is the gateway. Everyone starts there. The A1, A2 and Full A licences are progressions you can take in stages, or you can go straight to Full A via Direct Access (DAS) if you’re 24 or over.
How does the UK motorcycle licence process actually work?
There are five stages. You don’t have to do them in one block — most riders spread them out.
1. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
A one-day course every UK learner rider must complete. It covers bike controls, slow-speed manoeuvres, a road safety briefing and a minimum of two hours on the road under instructor supervision with radio guidance. You don’t pass or fail a CBT — you either meet the standard and receive your DL196 certificate, or you come back for another session to finish the parts that need more time.
Your DL196 is valid for two years. With it, you can ride up to a 125cc on L-plates on UK roads.
2. Motorcycle theory test
Required before you can sit Module 1. It’s a multiple-choice test plus a hazard perception clip test, booked through gov.uk. You can do this online at a Pearson Vue test centre. Most riders revise for a week or two using the official DVSA Highway Code app.
3. Direct Access (DAS) training
This is the practical training that gets you ready for the two test modules. The exact number of hours depends on your existing experience — a rider with five years on L-plates needs less than someone fresh off a CBT. Good schools run an initial assessment ride and quote you based on what you actually need.
4. Module 1 — off-road test
A 20-minute test on a DVSA Motorcycle Manoeuvring Area. You ride a figure of eight, a slalom, a U-turn, a controlled stop, a hazard avoidance exercise and an emergency stop at around 50kph. Pass it and you book Module 2.
5. Module 2 — on-road test
A 40-minute on-road ride with a DVSA examiner following you. You’re assessed on observation, road positioning, junction craft, roundabouts, dual carriageways and general decision-making. Pass it and your full licence arrives in the post within a few days.
How much does a motorcycle licence cost in the UK?
Costs vary by school and by how many training hours you need. The fixed-fee items are set by the DVSA.
| Item | Typical cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| CBT course | From £225 |
| Motorcycle theory test | £23 (DVSA) |
| Module 1 test fee | £15.95 (DVSA) |
| Module 2 test fee | £75.75 (DVSA, weekday) |
| DAS training (incl. bike hire, kit, instructor) | £1200–£1,500+ depending on hours |
| Total for a full licence – Including CBT | Around £1400–£2,000 for most riders |
Schools quote DAS differently. Some sell fixed multi-day packages, which is fine if you’re a complete beginner who needs the full programme. Tailored quotes — where the school assesses your existing experience and only charges you for the hours you need — usually work out cheaper if you’ve ridden before.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence?
Most riders go from zero to a full licence in 5–7 days of training, spread across CBT, theory revision, DAS prep and the two test modules. From first call to licence in your wallet, allow 3–6 weeks end to end — test slot availability is usually the gating factor rather than your readiness.
Faster routes exist (intensive week-long DAS courses) and slower ones (training one Saturday a month for a few months). Both work. The right pace is the one you can keep concentration on.
Do I need to own a motorcycle?
No. Every reputable training school provides the training bike, helmet, jacket and usually intercoms. You should bring your own boots and gloves, or hire them. Sturdy jeans without rips, or proper motorbike trousers, are required.
For Module 1 and Module 2, you ride the school’s bike — the same one you trained on — so there are no surprises on test day.
What’s the difference between A1, A2 and Full A?
The shortest possible version:
- A1 — for 17-year-olds. Up to 125cc, no L-plates required, you’ve passed your tests.
- A2 — for 19-year-olds and up. Restricted to 35kW (47bhp). Plenty of capable bikes fit this restriction; many manufacturers sell A2-compliant 500cc–700cc machines.
- Full A (Direct Access) — for 24-year-olds and up (or 21+ if you’ve held A2 for two years). Any bike, no restrictions. This is the licence most people picture when they say “motorbike licence”.
You can step up: pass A1 at 17, A2 at 19, Full A at 24. Or jump straight to Full A at 24 via Direct Access. The training is the same; what changes is the size of the bike you train on and the licence category that lands in your wallet.
What if I haven’t ridden for years?
Take a refresher session before you do anything else. Roads, bikes and rules have all changed — and reflexes need a re-introduction. Most schools (including ours) run a dedicated “back to riding” session for returning riders. You’ll know within an hour or two whether you need a couple of hours or a couple of days.
Can I do my CBT and full licence on an automatic scooter?
Yes. You’ll get a licence with a “78” restriction (auto only), which sounds limiting but covers the vast majority of bikes most people actually ride. Worth doing if gears are the thing keeping you off two wheels.
What about delivery rider licences for Uber Eats and Deliveroo?
The legal minimum to deliver on a moped or scooter is a CBT. Many delivery platforms also require a hire-and-reward insurance policy on top of standard motorcycle insurance — your training school can usually point you at insurers who cover this.
Where to do your training in Warrington and Cheshire
If you’re in Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes, Wigan, St Helens or anywhere across Cheshire, On Your Bike is our family-run motorcycle training school based at Thelwall Parish Hall, WA4 2SX. Lead instructor Angela is DVSA-approved and a certified IAM Advanced Rider, and she runs the school with a small team of experienced instructors.
CBT courses start from £225, with the bike, helmet, jacket and intercoms included. Direct Access (DAS) is quoted after a short chat or an assessment ride, so you pay for the hours you need — not a one-size-fits-all package.
🏍️ Book your CBT online — same-day and next-day spaces are often available.
📞 Call or WhatsApp 01925 551 555 — we’ll talk through your starting point and the right route for you.
📧 Email training@onyour.bike — we usually reply the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a theory test before my CBT?
No. Theory is required before you book Module 1, not before CBT. For CBT alone you just need a good working knowledge of the Highway Code — your instructor will run through it on the day.
Can you fail a CBT?
A CBT is not pass/fail. You either meet the DVSA standard and receive your DL196 certificate, or you come back for another session to finish the parts that need more time. Around one in five learners need a follow-up session, and it’s nothing to worry about.
How long is a CBT certificate valid?
Two years from the day it’s issued. If you haven’t passed your full licence by then, you take a refresher CBT to keep riding on L-plates.
What’s the minimum age to take a CBT?
16 if you’re training on a 50cc moped. 17 if you’re training on a 125cc motorcycle. There’s no upper age limit — we regularly train riders in their 50s and 60s.
Do I need my own kit?
No. The training bike, helmet and jacket are included. You should bring sturdy jeans without rips, or hire motorbike trousers from us. Boots and gloves can be hired during online booking.
Where do I take the Module 1 and Module 2 tests?
DVSA motorcycle tests are taken at official DVSA test centres. The two closest to Warrington are Atherton and St Helens. Your training school books the slot for you and prepares you specifically for the routes those centres use.
How quickly can I do everything?
If you’re keen and have time off work, it’s realistic to do a CBT one weekend, a theory test the following week, and a 4–5 day intensive DAS block the week after — full licence in around three weeks. Most people take longer; both are fine.
This guide was written by Angela and the team at On Your Bike, a family-run, DVSA-approved motorcycle training school in Warrington. Last updated May 2026.