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UK Motorcycle Licensing Laws

 Explained by Jambo

Summary

A1 - 125cc - 17

A2 - 47bhp - 19

A - Anything - 21/24

There is often a lot of confusion about the bike laws in the UK and for good reason, it's ridiculous!

 

Whether you already have your full license, live in a different country, or you are from the UK and just don't understand the hurdles you have to get through. Jambo has simplified it all for you!.

CBT (50cc/125cc)

• At 16 you can ride anything up to a 50cc, up to 28mph with L plates.

• At 17 you can ride anything up to a 125cc, of up to 14.8bhp (11kW) with L plates.

*CBT's only last for 2 years.

 

A1 (125cc)

• At 17+ you can take your A1 test which consists of a CBT, Theory & Practical (Mod1 & Mod2).

This entitles you to ride a 125cc bike/scooter of up to 14.8bhp (11kW) without L Plates.

 

 

A2 (47bhp)

•Progression: At 19+ you can take your A2 practical test (Mod 1 & Mod 2), if you have held your A1 licence for at least 2 years. You don't have to do another CBT or Theory Test.  

 

•Direct Access: At 19+ if you haven't passed your A1 previously (or held it for 2 years), then you will have to do a CBT, Theory & Practical Test (Mod 1 & Mod 2).

 

This entitles you to ride a bike/scooter up to 47bhp (35kW) and/or up to 0.26bhp/kg. 

*A bike can be restricted to fit the requirments, as long as it isn't restricted to less than half it's stock power e.g A bike can be restricted to 47bhp as long as it doesn't have more than 94bhp.

 

 

 

A (Any cc)

•Progression: At 21+ you can take your A practical test (Mod 1 & Mod 2), if you have held your A2 licence for at least 2 years. You don't have to do another CBT or Theory Test. 

 

•Direct Access: At 24+ if you haven't passed your A2 test previously (or held it for 2 years), then you will have to do a CBTTheory & Practical Test (Mod 1 & Mod 2).

 

This entitles you to ride a bike/scooter of any capacity 

 

 

Note: 

You can NOT carry a pillion or ride on motorways with a CBT.

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