The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Category A (Motorcycle) Driving Licence in the UK
If you’ve ever dreamed of roaring down the open road on a motorcycle, the first thing you need to sort out is the right licence. In the United Kingdom the “Category A” licence is the one that gives you full freedom to ride any motorcycle, no matter the engine size or power output. This guide walks you through everything you need to know – from the legal age and medical checks to the theory and practical tests – so you can go from “I can’t drive a bike” to “I’m licensed and ready to ride” with confidence.
1. Understanding the UK Motorcycle Licence Structure
The UK doesn’t just have a single “motorcycle licence”. Instead, the law splits motorcycles into three progressive categories:
| Licence Category | Minimum Age | Engine Capacity / Power Limit | Typical Bike Example | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 17 | ≤ 125 cc, ≤ 11 kW, power/weight ≤ 0.1 kW/kg | Honda CB125F, Yamaha MT‑125 | None (once you have A1 you can ride any bike that fits the limits) |
| A2 | 19 | ≤ 35 kW, power/weight ≤ 0.2 kW/kg, not derived from a bike > 70 kW | Kawasaki Ninja 650, Ducati Monster 797 | No modifications that increase power beyond 35 kW |
| A (Full) | 24 (direct) / 21 (progressive) | No power limit – any bike | BMW R 1250GS, Harley‑Davidson Street 750 | None (full licence) |
Key point: You can obtain a full Category A licence either directly at 24 or progressively after holding an A2 licence for at least two years (so you can be 21).
2. Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Checklist
Before you even book a test, make sure you tick all the boxes on the eligibility list:
- Age requirement – you must be at least the minimum age for the category you’re applying for.
- Provisional motorcycle licence – you need a provisional licence (the same one you use for a car).
- Medical fitness – you must meet the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) medical standards for motorcyclists.
- Vision – you need to be able to read a vehicle registration plate at 20 m (or 20 ft) with glasses if required.
- No disqualifications – you must not be disqualified from driving or have pending penalties that affect licence status.
If any of these points raise a red flag, you’ll need to address them first (e.g., see a GP for a medical check or wait until you reach the required age).
3. Step‑by‑Step Roadmap to Your Category A Licence
Below is a practical, ordered list that takes you from “I haven’t started yet” to “I’m fully licensed”.
| Step | What You Do | Details & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get a provisional licence | Apply online via DVLA or by post. | You’ll need a passport‑style photo, proof of address, and a £34 fee (online) or £43 (post). |
| 2. Complete the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) | Book a CBT session with an approved training centre (around 5‑hour session). | You’ll learn basic bike control, road positioning, and emergency stops. Successful completion gives you a CBT certificate valid for 2 years. |
| 3. Study for the theory test | Use the official DVSA “Motorcycle Theory” app, practice books, or online mock tests. | The test has 50 multiple‑choice questions + a hazard perception video (5 clips). You need at least 43/50 to pass. |
| 4. Book & pass the theory test | Book via the DVSA website; cost £23 (online) or £25 (centre). | You must pass before you can book a practical test. |
| 5. Choose your practical test route | Decide whether you’ll start with the A2 (if you’re 19‑23) or go straight for A (if you’re 24+). | For A2 you’ll ride a bike ≤ 35 kW. For full A you can ride any bike, but many candidates start on an A2‑spec bike for the module‑1/off‑road part. |
| 6. Module 1 – Off‑road manoeuvres | Perform 5 set exercises (e.g., slalom, emergency stop) on a training ground. | Takes about 20 minutes. Practise the “U‑turn”, “figure‑8” and “controlled stop”. |
| 7. Module 2 – On‑road riding | 40‑minute road ride with an examiner, covering a variety of traffic situations. | You’ll need to demonstrate safe positioning, observation, and handling of junctions, roundabouts, and overtaking. |
| 8. Pass the practical test | Cost £75.50 (weekday) or £86.50 (evening/weekend). | If you pass both modules you’ll receive a full Category A licence (or A2, depending on your test). |
| 9. Upgrade (if needed) | If you started with A2 and want full A, wait 2 years then apply for the A upgrade test (only Module 2). | The upgrade costs £46.20 (weekday) or £55.20 (evening). |
| 10. Keep your licence valid | No renewal needed unless you change name/address or your licence is lost/damaged. | Remember to keep your insurance, MOT, and tax up‑to‑date for any bike you ride. |
4. What Does the Practical Test Look Like?
Module 1 – Off‑road (20 min)
| Exercise | What You Must Do | Common Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|
| U‑turn | Turn the bike around in a confined space without hitting the cones. | Over‑steering, hesitation. |
| Figure‑8 | Weave through a slalom and then a figure‑8 pattern, maintaining speed. | Too slow, losing balance. |
| Controlled stop | Braking from 30 km/h to a complete stop within a defined line. | Locking wheels, skidding. |
| Emergency stop | Quick stop from 50 km/h, keeping the bike upright. | Rear‑wheel lock, excessive lean. |
| Slow riding | Ride at a controlled crawl (under 5 km/h) around a set of cones. | Stalling, wobbling. |
Module 2 – On‑road (40 min)
You’ll be expected to demonstrate:
- Observation – proper scanning at junctions, checking mirrors, and blind‑spot checks.
- Positioning – keeping a safe distance, proper lane discipline, and appropriate road positioning for overtaking or turning.
- Risk management – anticipating hazards, adjusting speed, and using “counter‑steering” effectively.
Tip: Practice in a variety of traffic conditions (urban, rural, dual‑carriageway). The examiner will look for consistency, not just isolated flashes of brilliance.
5. Costs at a Glance
Below is a quick reference table that aggregates the typical expenses for a first‑time full Category A licence (prices are in GBP and may vary slightly by provider).
| Item | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional licence | £34 (online) | Includes picture and documentation. |
| CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) | £150‑£200 | Depends on centre and location. |
| Theory test (online) | £23 | Must pass before practical. |
| Practical test (Module 1 + 2) | £75.50 (weekday) / £86.50 (evening) | Includes examiner fee. |
| Upgrade from A2 to A (if needed) | £46.20 (weekday) / £55.20 (evening) | Only Module 2 required. |
| Gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, boots) | £300‑£800 | Safety first – invest in quality. |
| Total (first‑time full A) | ~£620‑£1,250 | Depends on whether you need an A2 step‑up. |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 – Do I need a separate medical certificate for a motorcycle licence?
Answer: Not normally. As long as you can pass the DVSA’s standard medical self‑declaration (which asks about eyesight, hearing, epilepsy, etc.), you don’t need a GP‑issued certificate. However, if you have a condition that might affect riding, you’ll be asked for a medical report.
Q2 – Can I ride a scooter after only completing CBT?
Answer: Yes. The CBT certificate allows you to ride a scooter or motorcycle up to 125 cc (and 11 kW) on public roads, provided you have a provisional licence and appropriate insurance. You must display L‑plates and cannot carry a passenger.
Q3 – What’s the difference between a “full” Category A licence and an A2 licence?
Answer: A full Category A licence removes the 35 kW power limit, letting you ride any bike, including high‑performance models. An A2 licence caps you at 35 kW and also restricts you from modifying a bike to exceed that limit.
Q4 – If I already have a car (Category B) licence, do any of the motorcycle requirements change?
Answer: No. Motorbike testing is separate. Your existing car licence does not reduce the number of theory questions, nor does it waive any practical test components.
Q5. How long is a provisional licence valid?
Answer: Two years from the date of issue. If you haven’t passed the full test within that window, you’ll need to renew the provisional licence (same £34 fee).
Q6 – Can I take the theory test in a language other than English?
Answer: Yes. The DVSA offers the motorcycle theory test in Welsh and, for some test centres, in Polish, Punjabi, and other languages. Check the DVSA website when booking.
Q7 – What happens if I fail a test?
Answer: You can retake the failed part after a minimum of 2 days (practical) or as soon as you wish (theory). Each retake incurs the full test fee again. Use the failure as a learning opportunity—most riders need 1‑2 attempts before passing.
Q8 – Do I need insurance the moment I get my provisional licence?
Answer: Yes. UK law requires you to have at least third‑party insurance before you ride any motor vehicle on a public road, even with L‑plates.
7. Pro Tips for a Smooth Path to Category A
- Book your CBT early. Popular training centres fill up fast, especially in the summer.
- Use the DVSA’s official app. It offers “Mock Theory” tests that mimic the real exam layout.
- Practice off‑road manoeuvres on a bike you own. Even a 125 cc bike can be used to rehearse the U‑turn and slow‑riding exercises.
- Ride with a mentor. An experienced rider can give you real‑world feedback that a standard training course may miss.
- Stay hydrated and rested before the test. Fatigue is a common cause of minor errors in the on‑road module.
- Keep a log of your practice rides. Note the weather, road types, and any mistakes—you’ll spot patterns and improve faster.
8. Final Thoughts – From L‑Plates to Full Freedom
Obtaining a Category A licence is a journey of commitment, learning, and practice. By breaking the process down into clear steps, you remove the mystery and can plan your timeline (and budget) with confidence. Remember: the licence is just the gateway; the real reward is the thrill of the open road, the wind on your face, and the sense of mastery that comes from handling a powerful machine safely.
So, grab that provisional licence, schedule your CBT, and start ticking off the checklist. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising on a bike that truly reflects your riding ambitions—whether that’s a nimble streetfighter, a classic cruiser, or an adventure bike ready for the next weekend getaway.
Happy riding, and may the road always be clear!