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🏍️ AM/A1/A2/A Licence Categories
The UK motorcycle licence system and progression routes
Licence Categories
| Category | Age | Bike Type | Power Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 16+ | Moped | 50cc, 45 km/h max |
| A1 | 17+ | Light motorcycle | 125cc, 11kW (15bhp), 0.1kW/kg max |
| A2 | 19+ | Medium motorcycle | 35kW (47bhp), 0.2kW/kg max |
| A | 24+ (direct) or 21+ (progressive) | Unrestricted | No limit |
Progressive Access
You can progress up through the licence categories:
1. Age 17: Get A1 licence (125cc)
2. Age 19: Upgrade to A2 (47bhp) — requires 2 years on A1
3. Age 21: Upgrade to full A — requires 2 years on A2
1. Age 17: Get A1 licence (125cc)
2. Age 19: Upgrade to A2 (47bhp) — requires 2 years on A1
3. Age 21: Upgrade to full A — requires 2 years on A2
🔹 When progressing, you don't need to retake the theory test — just pass the practical tests (Mod 1 + Mod 2) on the appropriate bike.
Direct Access Scheme (DAS)
If you're 24 or older, you can skip the lower categories and go straight for the full A licence.
For DAS you'll need:
• Provisional licence (£34 online, £43 by post)
• Valid CBT certificate
• Theory test (valid certificate)
• Module 1 practical test (on unrestricted bike)
• Module 2 practical test (on unrestricted bike)
For DAS you'll need:
• Provisional licence (£34 online, £43 by post)
• Valid CBT certificate
• Theory test (valid certificate)
• Module 1 practical test (on unrestricted bike)
• Module 2 practical test (on unrestricted bike)
⚠️ During DAS training, you can only ride bikes over 125cc under supervision of a qualified DAS instructor.
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