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How To Get Your Motorcycle Licence

Olivia C · February 04, 2025
There are two main ways to get your motorcycle licence in the UK, and which route you take will dictate the cost and time it takes.
Whether you’re 16 and eyeing your first moped or looking for unrestricted motorbike freedom, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting a motorcycle licence in the UK. Let’s break it down.
Two Paths to a Full Motorcycle Licence
There are two main ways to earn your licence:
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The Progressive Path: Start small, as early as your 16th birthday, and move up licences as you gain age and experience. Costs are spread over time, and it’s perfect for younger riders, or those who don’t have a need for a full A-licence.
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Direct Access Scheme (DAS): For riders aged 24 or older, this faster route lets you skip intermediate level licences and go straight to the highest licence.
The Progressive Path to a Motorcycle Licence
Step 1: Provisional Licence
To get started, you’ll need a provisional or full UK driving licence. A provisional licence costs £34 when applied for online and can be obtained from age 15 and 9 months.You can also use an EU Driving Licence which has been registered with the DVLA using a D9 Form, which can be done here.
Step 2: Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
CBT is your first hands-on experience with a motorbike or moped. It’s a one-day course that teaches basic riding skills and road safety. Gaining your CBT certificate allows you to ride up to 125cc, 11Kw (or 50cc if you are 16 years old) motorcycle. Costs start from £165 for the day, including all equipment and a DL196 certificate that allows you to ride on the road alone, but with L-plates. This certificate lasts 2 years, after which you’d need to retake the training to renew your certificate, or progress to a higher licence before your CBT certificate expires.
Not yet got your CBT? Search and book your CBT online:
Step 3: A1 Licence (Restricted to 125cc Motorbikes)
Once you’ve got your CBT and gained some confidence, you can move to an A1 licence. This is the highest licence type you can get if you’re aged 17-19, but anyone from aged 17 can get their A1. The A1 licence is considered like a ‘permanent CBT’ in that it’s limited to 125cc bikes, but you won’t need to renew it every 2 years, and can use motorways, carry passengers and ride without L-plates. Training costs start at £800, including gear, motorcycle hire, and test fees. You’ll need to take:
- Motorcycle theory
- Multiple choice test - 50 questions to be answered within 57 minutes.
- Hazard perception - 14 video clips where you’ll need to spot hazards on the road.
- Module 1 Test: Manoeuvres on a closed course.
- Module 2 Test: On-road riding assessment.
You must pass your Module 1 motorcycle licence test before moving on to Module 2. If you don’t pass Module 1, you’ll need to wait at least three days before retaking it. Once you’ve successfully completed Module 1, you’ll head back to your motorcycle training school for Module 2 preparation. Module 2 training usually takes a day (but varies depending on your experience), and when you’re ready, your instructor will take you to your pre-booked Module 2 test.
Step 4: A2 Licence (Restricted to 500cc Motorbikes)
From age 19, you can progress to an A2 licence, allowing you to ride bikes up to 500cc, or 35kW. Some riders opt to skip A1, and go straight to A2 if their age allows it. To upgrade your licence from an A1, you’ll have to take your Mod 1 and Mod 2 again, this time on a bike between 395 and 500cc. As with the A1, training costs start at £800, covering training and both test modules.
- Motorcycle theory (if not already taken as part of A1 licence)
- Multiple choice test - 50 questions to be answered within 57 minutes.
- Hazard perception - 14 video clips where you’ll need to spot hazards on the road.
- Module 1 Test: Manoeuvres on a closed course.
- Module 2 Test: On-road riding assessment.
Step 5: A Licence (Unrestricted Bikes)
If you’ve got to this stage via progressive access, you can train for your A licence (sometimes referred to as an unrestricted licence) from 21 years old. This licence level removes all power restrictions, letting you ride any road legal bike. The process is the same as the lower A licences (taking both test modules 1 and 2), but your tests will need to be carried out on a motorcycle that produces at least 54bhp or 40kw and is over 595cc. Training costs for the A licence start from £800.
- Module 1 Test: Manoeuvres on a closed course.
- Module 2 Test: On-road riding assessment.
Direct Access Scheme (DAS)
The Direct Access Scheme (DAS) is a fast-track route to getting a full motorcycle licence in the UK. Rather than ‘progressing’ up the licence levels (e.g. going from an A2, waiting 2 years then going for the A licence), you can go straight to the full A licence once you’re 24 years old and have your CBT and theory under your belt. This makes it cheaper and faster for riders aspiring to get an unrestricted licence.
- Provisional or full UK driving licence: £34
- CBT: £180
- Theory Test: £23
- Multiple choice test - 50 questions to be answered within 57 minutes.
- Hazard perception - 14 video clips where you’ll need to spot hazards on the road.
- DAS Training: From £800
- Module 1 training > Module 1 test
- Module 2 training > Module 2 test
You’ll need your theory certificate before being able to pass the practice modules (Mod 1 and 2) so it’s best to tackle this first, either before or after your CBT.
DAS training will take place over several weeks, using ‘split-test’ training which focuses training around the licence tests you take, i.e. you’ll practice themes and skills for Mod 1 first, then take your Mod 1 test.
The first part of your motorcycle licence training covers the manoeuvres you’ll do for your Module 1 motorcycle licence test. It usually takes at least one day. After training, you’ll take a Module 1 motorcycle test. Your training provider may pre-book this so you can take your test as close to your training as you’d like, and you’ll organise this with them for a date that suits you.
As with the progressive route, you’ll need to have completed your Mod 1 before being able to take Mod 2 training or the test itself. If you don’t pass Mod 1, you’ll have to wait three days before being able to retake it.
Once you've passed Mod 1, you’ll complete Mod 2 in the same way - training for at least a day, then taking the Mod 2 test, usually pre-booked.
Once both Mod 1 and 2 are completed, congratulations! You now have an unrestricted, full A licence, and can ride without any restrictions.
Getting a Motorcycle Licence: Costs Breakdown By Route
Here’s a rough guide to the total cost of getting your licence, assuming first-time pass rates, via the progressive or DAS route:
Progressive Path: ~£2,637 spread over several years.
- Provisional Licence: £34
- CBT: £180
- Theory Test: £23
- A1 Licence: £800 (you can opt to skip this step and go straight to A2 if you’re 19 or over)
- A2 Licence: £800
- A Licence: £800
DAS Route: ~£1,037 over two years.
- Provisional Licence: £34
- CBT: £180
- Theory Test: £23
- DAS Training: £800
Direct Access Scheme (DAS) Vs Progressive Route: Which is Best?
As outlined above, opting for DAS is the cheaper option overall, and will take less time to complete. But, choosing between a DAS and progressive access will depend on your age, experience, budget and long-term riding goals
Direct Access Scheme (DAS)
Best for: Riders 24 or older who want to fast-track to an unrestricted licence.
- Eligibility: Must be at least 24 years old (or 21 with two years of A2 experience) with a valid CBT and motorcycle theory certificate.
- Timeframe: Fast-track route - typically completed in a few weeks.
- Training: Focuses on riding larger bikes (600cc+), preparing you for unrestricted road use.
- Tests: Two practical tests (Module 1 and Module 2) after completing training.
- Outcome: Full A licence, allowing you to ride any motorcycle without restrictions.
Pros:
- Quickest route to a full licence.
- No need to progress through multiple licence stages.
- Direct access to bigger, more powerful motorcycles.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost.
- Requires a high level of confidence and skill for larger bikes.
Progressive Route
Best for: Riders under 24 years old, riders who are happy with lower powered bikes (e.g. city commuters) or riders who prefer to train and build skills gradually.
- Eligibility: Can start at 16, getting a CBT for a 50cc moped.
- Timeframe: Takes several years, depending on your age and licence level progression.
- Training: Begins with smaller bikes (up to 125cc for CBT if 17 or older) and gradually progresses to larger, more powerful models.
- Tests: Each licence level requires a new round of Mod 1 and 2 training and practical tests, on a bike power needed for that licence level.
- Outcome: A1, A2 or Full A licence after progressing through A1 and/or A2 stages.
Pros:
- Ideal for younger riders to start early and gain experience on bike powers suited to their skill level.
- Spread-out costs over time.
- Gradual learning curves which could help build confidence and a high degree of safety.
Cons:
- Takes 5-6 years to complete the full progression.
- More expensive in the long run.
Not sure which option is best for you? Talk to our team about your riding ambitions and we’ll suggest the best training packages for your budget and experience level.
We can’t wait to hear from you and get you on the road!