In the UK, you must hold the correct motorcycle licence category before riding on public roads. Riding without the right licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000, 3–6 penalty points, disqualification or even imprisonment. This guide covers every UK motorcycle licence category, how to get each one, what it costs, and how On Your Bike in Warrington can get you licensed.

UK Motorcycle Licence Categories — At a Glance

Licence	What You Can Ride	Min Age	Requirements
AM	Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h	16	CBT
A1	Motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW	17	CBT, theory, 2-part practical
A2	Motorcycles up to 35 kW (~under 500cc)	19	Theory + 2-part practical (or 2 yrs A1 + practical)
A Progressive	Any motorcycle — unrestricted	21	Hold A2 2+ yrs, pass 2-part practical
A Direct Access	Any motorcycle — unrestricted	24	CBT, theory, 2-part practical on 600cc+ bike

📍 Warrington riders: On Your Bike delivers CBT, A2 and full Direct Access Scheme training from Thelwall Parish Hall, WA4 2SX. Call 01925 551 555 or book online at onyour.bike/cbt.

How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence — Step by Step

AM Moped Licence — From Age 16

The AM licence lets you ride a moped up to 50cc and 28mp/h. If you hold a full car licence obtained before 1 February 2001, you can already ride a 50cc moped without L plates and without CBT. Everyone else must complete CBT first.

Steps: (1) Get a provisional licence and complete a CBT — lets you ride a 50cc moped with L plates, no pillion passengers and no motorways.

A1 Light Motorcycle Licence — From Age 17

The A1 licence allows you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and 11 kW without L plates, with a pillion passenger and can use motorways. This is the step up from CBT for riders who want to ride independently on a 125cc machine without renewing their CBT every two years.

Steps: (1) Get a provisional licence and complete a CBT. (2) Pass the motorcycle theory test.[Book and Pay for this yourself before Starting A1] (3) Pass a practical test on a bike between 120cc–125cc, not exceeding 11 kW. On Your Bike offers A1 licence training packages from inc test fees— call 01925 551 555.

A2 Motorcycle Licence — From Age 19

The A2 licence allows motorcycles up to 35 kW — roughly bikes under 500cc. It opens up a far wider range of machines and is popular with riders who want a proper mid-size bike without waiting until 24 for a full licence.

Starting from scratch: CBT → theory test [Book and Pay for this yourself before Starting A1] → 2-part practical on a 245cc–35 kW bike. With A1 for less than 2 years: Theory + 2-part practical. With A1 for 2+ years: 2-part practical only, no theory retest. On Your Bike offers A2 licence training packages from £525 for the A2 Only — call 01925 551 555.

Module 2 must be passed within 6 months of passing Module 1 on a progressive Licence. On Your Bike prepares Warrington riders for both modules with targeted, tailored coaching.

Category A — Progressive Access (From Age 21)

If you have held a full A2 licence for at least 2 years, you can upgrade to an unrestricted Category A licence at 21. You pass a 2-part practical test on a motorcycle of at least 595cc producing at least 50 kW with a minimum kerb weight of 180 kg. No theory retest required. This is the most cost-effective route for younger riders who plan ahead.

Category A — Direct Access Scheme (From Age 24)

DAS allows riders aged 24 and over to go straight from CBT to a full unrestricted A licence without first holding A1 or A2. Tests are conducted on a bike producing at least 40 kW and over 595cc. On Your Bike offers DAS packages from £1,250, typically completed in 5 days including Module 1 and Module 2 tests.

Cost of a Motorcycle Licence in Warrington (2026)

Item	Cost
Provisional licence online (by post) [First Step]	£34 (£43)
CBT at On Your Bike [Second Step – You need a CBT]	From £225
Motorcycle theory test Fee	£23
Module 1 practical test Fee	£15.50
Module 2 practical test (weekday) Fee	£75
A1 / Mod 1 slow speed training and assessment [Part 1]	£225
A1 / Mod 1 licence course at On Your Bike [Part 2]	From £500 – Retest Fee £250
A2 / Mod 2 licence course at On Your Bike [Part 3]	From £525 – Retest Fee £300
Direct Access Scheme at On Your Bike [Parts 1,2 & 3]	From £1,250 excluding CBT – Retest Fees as above

The minimum cost to become road-legal on a 125cc in Warrington is from £225 . A full A licence via Direct Access from scratch start from £1,250 Plus CBT at On Your Bike.

CBT in Warrington — What Happens on the Day

CBT is a one-day course — not a pass/fail test — that every new rider must complete before riding on public roads. At On Your Bike, CBT covers all 5 DVSA-required elements: (A) Introduction and eyesight check. (B) Practical on-site training — controls, balance and low-speed riding. (C) On-site manoeuvres — braking, cornering and u-turns. (D) On-road riding with radio guidance from Angela. (E) On-road assessment.

Your DVSA DL196 certificate is issued the same day on successful completion, valid for 2 years. Bikes, helmet, jacket and hi-viz are provided. CBT at On Your Bike starts from £225.

Same-day and next-day CBT slots are available in Warrington. Book online at onyour.bike/cbt – Call or WhatsApp Angela on 01925 551 555.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to get a motorcycle licence in the UK?

Age 16 for an AM moped licence, 17 for CBT or A1 (125cc), 19 for BCT or A2 (up to 35 kW), 21 for full A via progressive access (after 2 years on A2), and 24 for CBT or full A Licence via Direct Access Scheme.

Can I ride with just a CBT certificate?

Yes — with a CBT certificate and provisional licence you can ride a 125cc motorcycle or 50cc moped with L plates on UK roads for up to 2 years. You cannot carry a pillion or use motorways. After 2 years you must retake CBT or progress to a full licence.

What is the difference between A1, A2 and full A?

A1 (from 17) covers bikes up to 125cc and 11 kW. A2 (from 19) covers bikes up to 35 kW — roughly under 500cc. Full A (from 21 progressive or 24 direct access) removes all power restrictions. You can stop at any category — many riders get their A2 and stay there permanently.

Do I need a licence for an electric motorcycle or Scooter?

Yes — electric motorcycles require the same licence categories as petrol bikes, based on power output and top speed. CBT and a provisional licence cover electric mopeds under 28 mph. For electric motorcycles and scooters over 28 mph you need a CBT or full licence. EPACs (electrically assisted pedal cycles) under 250 W and 15.5 mph do not require a licence.

Are motorcycle licence rules changing in 2026?

The DVSA launched a major consultation in January 2026 on potential reforms — including training-based A2-to-A progression, adding theory to CBT, and discouraging indefinite CBT renewal. As of mid-2026 nothing has changed and changes are unlikely to take effect for at least 18 months after the consultation closes. Continue training under the current system.

Get Licensed in Warrington with On Your Bike

On Your Bike is Warrington’s DVSA-approved motorcycle training school, run by instructor Angela and team from Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane, Thelwall, WA4 2SX. Fully one-to-one training for every stage — CBT, A2 licence and Direct Access Scheme. No groups, no rushing, transparent pricing.

Related Guides

• Which Motorbike Licence Do I Need?
• How to Get a Motorbike Licence in the UK
• CBT vs DAS: What’s the Difference?
• How Old Do You Need to Be to Ride a Motorbike?
• Electric Scooter and E-Bike UK Law 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What motorcycle licence categories are there in the UK?

There are three main motorcycle licence categories in the UK: AM (mopeds up to 50cc, max 28mph), A1 (light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW, from age 17), A2 (medium motorcycles up to 35kW, from age 19), and full Category A (any motorcycle, from age 24 or 21 with prior A2 for 2 years).

What is an A1 motorcycle licence?

An A1 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum power of 11kW (approximately 15bhp). You must be at least 17 years old. To get an A1 licence you need to pass the motorcycle theory test, Module 1 manoeuvres test, and Module 2 road riding test on a suitable A1-category motorcycle.

What is an A2 motorcycle licence?

An A2 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 35kW (approximately 47bhp) with a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.2kW/kg. You must be at least 19 years old. After holding an A2 licence for two years you can progress to a full Category A licence via a DAS practical test without retaking the theory test.

How do I get a full Category A motorcycle licence?

To get a full Category A licence you must be at least 24 years old (or 21 if you have held an A2 for at least 2 years). You need a valid CBT certificate, a passed motorcycle theory test, and must complete Module 1 and Module 2 DVSA tests on a motorcycle of 595cc or over producing at least 40kW. On Your Bike’s DAS training in Warrington covers the full route from £1,250 all-inclusive.

Do I need to take the theory test for every motorcycle licence category?

No. You only need to pass the motorcycle theory test once. Once passed, it counts towards A1, A2 or full Category A testing. You do not need to retake it when upgrading between categories, provided your test certificate has not expired.

Can I ride a motorcycle on a car licence?

A full car licence (category B) does not include motorcycle entitlement. You must complete a CBT before riding a moped or motorcycle as a learner. To ride without L-plates and carry passengers you need to pass the full motorcycle tests. Exception: car licences issued before 1 February 2001 include AM (moped) entitlement.

What is the Module 1 motorcycle test?

Module 1 is the off-road manoeuvres test conducted at a DVSA Motorcycle Manoeuvring Area. It assesses slow-speed riding, figure-of-eight, slalom, u-turn, emergency stop and controlled stop, and hazard avoidance swerve. It lasts approximately 20 minutes and must be passed before you can take Module 2.