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Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step
Vehicles you can drive

You can apply for a provisional licence for either a category A1 small motorbike or a category A2 medium-sized motorbike

You’ll then need to compete compulsory basic training (CBT) and take the theory and practical tests for the kind of motorbike you want to ride within 2 years.

Existing licence holders

If you’ve already got a motorbike licence you can ride the category of motorbike you’ve got on your licence.

If you want to ride larger motorbikes you need to follow the rules below.

Riding larger motorbikes

If you want to ride larger bikes (category A) you’ve got 2 options.

Direct access

You can wait until you’re 24 then take the theory and practical tests for that type of bike.

Progressive access

First get a full licence for a category A2 medium-sized motorbike.

Once you’ve had 2 years’ experience on this licence you can take the practical test for a category A large motorbike.

Motorbike categories

Category A1 small motorbikes

These are motorbikes not exceeding: - 125cc engine size - 11kW power output - 0.1kW/kg power to weight ratio

Category A2 medium-sized motorbikes

These are motorbikes, with or without a sidecar not exceeding:

  • 35kW power output
  • 0.2kW/kg power to weight ratio

Category A2 motorbikes cannot be derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.

Category A large motorbikes

These are bikes unlimited in size and power, with or without a sidecar.

Your answers

Start again

1. What kind of vehicle do you want to drive?
Motorbike (categories A1, A2 and A)
Change 1. What kind of vehicle do you want to drive?
2. How old are you?
19 to 23
Change 2. How old are you?

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. You are currently viewing: Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practice.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses