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Progressive Access Motorcycle Licence: The Simple Guide
Olivia C · November 10, 2025
The progressive access motorcycle licence is a way to move up through the bike licence categories step by step, using your existing experience rather than starting again as a brand-new rider for each licence category. Doing it this way means you can reach a full Category A licence at a younger age, as long as you follow the rules on age and years of riding.
You’ll take Module 1 and Module 2 again, this time on a machine that meets the full A requirements (larger capacity and higher power). You’re proving you can handle a more powerful bike in real-world conditions, not re-learning from zero.
In many cases you won’t need to retake your theory test, because you already hold a full A2 licence and have had it long enough.
Who is eligible for progressive access?
To use the progressive access route to get a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence, you’ll need to:
- Hold a full A2 motorcycle licence
- Have held that A2 licence for at least 2 years
- Be 21 or older when you upgrade
- Be able to take your tests on a bike that meets the Category A minimum requirements (produces at least 54bhp/40kw and is over 595cc)
You’ll still need to pass both practical tests (module 1 and module 2) again on a full licence bike, but you won't need to retake your theory. Since you will have been riding for a good few years, and know how the test days work, the process will be smoother.
How the progressive route works in practice
If you’re starting from scratch, your journey typically goes like this:
| Stage | Minimum age | What you need to do | What it lets you ride / key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional licence | 15 years 9 months to apply | Apply for a provisional driving licence. | Legal starting point before CBT training. |
| CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) | 16+ | Complete a one day CBT course with an instructor. | Ride up to 125cc (or 50cc at 16) on L plates, within standard CBT restrictions. |
| A1 licence [optional] | 17+ | Take your motorcycle theory test, Module 1 and Module 2 on a 125cc bike. | Ride a 125cc without L plates, carry a pillion and use motorways on a suitable bike. This step can be skipped if you prefer to stay on CBT until you move to A2. |
| A2 licence | 19+ | Use a valid theory test, then take Module 1 and Module 2 on an A2 appropriate bike. | Ride bikes up to 35 kW (around 47 bhp), often restricted or A2 specific models. |
| Progressive access to A | 21+ | After two years on A2, complete full licence training and retake Module 1 and Module 2 on a full power bike (atleast 54bhp or 40kw, over 595cc). | Your licence is upgraded to Category A, with no power limits on engine size or bhp. |
This route spreads out your riding journey. You start smaller, grow your confidence step by step, then move up when you and your experience are ready.
Progressive access vs Direct Access (DAS)
Riders often weigh up progressive access against the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
Learn to ride via progressive access if:
- You started riding young and already have an A2 licence
- You like the idea of building up gradually
- You want to spread the cost and learning over a few years
Learn to ride via direct access (DAS) if:
- You’re 24 or older and don’t already have A2
- You want to go straight to a full Category A licence
- You’re comfortable training and testing directly on a larger, more powerful bike
With DAS you’ll still need a CBT, theory test, and then Mod 1 and Mod 2 on a full A bike. The difference is that you skip the A2 stage entirely and go straight to an unrestricted licence at the end of your training.
If you’re already on an A2 licence and under 24 years old, progressive access is usually the natural and most cost-effective next step. If you haven’t started yet and you’re 24 or over, DAS is often the simpler route.
FAQs
How do I become eligible for progressive access?
Get your A2 licence, ride on it for two years, and make sure you’re at least 21. Then book your A licence training and tests on a full-power bike.
What is the progressive route for motorcycles?
It’s the staged path that takes you from CBT to A1 (optionally), then A2, then finally Category A, using your existing experience rather than starting again as a brand-new rider for each licence category.
