Motorcycle and moped tests
Motorcycles and mopeds you can use for the tests
The motorcycle or moped you use for your tests must:
- be a solo machine - you can only use a sidecar if you have certain disabilities
- have a speedometer measuring speed in miles per hour (mph)
- display L plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear
- be insured, taxed and roadworthy and have no engine warning lights showing
Read the list of A2 and A motorcycles that can be used for riding tests.
Subcategories of motorcycles and mopeds
There are 4 subcategories of mopeds and motorcycles.
In both modules of the test, you must use:
- the same subcategory as the licence you’re applying for
- a vehicle with the same type of transmission (manual, automatic or semi-automatic)
| Moped, tricycle or quad bike | Light motorcycle | Standard motorcycle | Unrestricted motorcycle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licence category | AM | A1 | A2 | A |
| Minimum age of rider | 16 | 17 | 19 | 24 (direct access) or 21 (progressive access) |
| Engine capacity | Up to 50cc | 120 to 125cc | At least 245cc | At least 595cc |
| Maximum speed | Up to 28mph | 55mph or above | - | - |
| Engine power | Up to 4kW | Up to 11kW | 20 to 35kW | At least 50kW |
| Motorcycle weight (without rider) | - | - | - | At least 175kg |
| Power to weight ratio | - | Up to 0.1kW/kg | Up to 0.2 kW/kg | - |
Automatic and semi-automatic motorcycles
If you pass your tests on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission, you’ll only get a licence for those types of motorcycle.
Engines with restricted power
You can restrict the engine power of a motorcycle so that it fits within subcategory A2 (20 to 35kW). You cannot restrict it below half its original power.
This means that if the unrestricted power of the motorcycle is 60kW, you cannot restrict it any lower than 30kW. A motorcycle’s unrestricted power must not be more than 70kW.
You must bring proof if you’ve restricted a motorcycle to subcategory A2 - if you do not your test will be cancelled.
The proof must:
- be on headed paper
- be from a main dealer, official importer or recognised specialist
- show the motorcycle’s number plate (registration number)
You cannot use a dyno test certificate as proof of the restriction.
Motorcycles with variable power modes
If you use a switchable engine control unit (ECU) or variable power device, your motorcycle cannot have:
- interchangeable carburettor heads
- an exhaust manifold restrictor
- a hidden ECU - it must be clear what power mode the motorcycle is in
Electric motorcycles
You can use an electric motorcycle or moped if it both:
- has the same engine power as the petrol version
- can keep that power for at least 30 minutes
This is known as the ‘continuous power rating’ - you can check this with the manufacturer.
If you have a disability
You can use a motorcycle with a sidecar for your tests if you have certain disabilities. You cannot have a passenger in the sidecar during the tests.
Your licence will only let you ride motorcycles with sidecars.
You might be able to use a different vehicle if you’re disabled - contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) before you book your test.
DVSA customer services
Telephone: 0300 200 1122 (option 02)
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges