UK Motorcycle Licences 2024 - What can you ride at your age! 

People keep asking me if they have a motorcycle licence as they have dates in the A line on the back of their car licence. If you never took a motorcycle test you will not have a motorcycle licence. What you will see in the column to the right is 79(3) this is a tricycle licence you get with a car licence. Here is a short I did to show my motorcycle licence that has not got the restriction code. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fk089_s8Pa0.html

Bloody Hell! I watched out of interest and ended up happy I passed my one off test in 1963. Ride around a block for 20 minutes during which a some point the examiner leapt out into the road with a clip board to test my emergency stop lol back to the centre a few questions on the Highway Code and bingo, full licence. Still riding at 78. :-)

I'm 32 and really considering the 2 wheel life. This cleared so much, thank you.

I'm 28 and did my CBT in the July of this year. I ended up getting 1:1 training for pretty much the whole day, as the one other person who was on my training day (who was on a 50cc) was sent home for safety reasons. Ended up being a fantastic day for me! Hoping to do my full licence in the new year and get the bike I've loved since I was a lad- a green zx6r (it has to be green if it's a Kawasaki, right?!). Keep up with the incredible content spicy 👌🏻

i turned onto a motorway by accident years ago on my 125 ,scariest moment of my life, the wind pretty much turned me in a 50cc moped ,wildlife was overtaking me at that point lol

Getting an A1 licence can actually end up being quite cheap. Most of the cost of getting an A2 or A licence is the training and bike hire, but if you already have a 125 from riding on a CBT and you're a good enough rider you only need to pay the cost of the theory, mod 1, and mod 2 tests. The theory is £23 and the mod 1 and 2 come to £90.5/104 (depending on if you do the mod 2 on a weekday or weekend/evening/bank holiday) so it will end up being cheaper than most CBTs.

I'm going to hopefully do my cbt in the next month or two..... but this corona thing is kinda messing me up man

annoyingly near me the cost of upgrading to my A licences is 600+. It cost me £720 for my A2... ive had my a2 for well over 2 years at this point but I cant afford £600 right now to get double the HP on my bike, more expensive insurance and the £200 de restriction fee. Its such a money making scheme honestly

Loved the vid spicy! I turn 20 in 2 weeks and I'm looking forward to doing my A2! I wanted to ask, could you possibly do a video on what kinda gear you'd require for the different seasons, what material is ideal for what season, and I can appreciate that this varies from person to person. But would you able to give a general consensus? As an example, what would I ideally need to wear, while I'm on the motorway in the cold, while it's raining? Just an idea for a video. Much love from up North of England lad 🤙

I passed my cbt this yr but now I'm a do some delivery jobs to get used to it

Why am i watch this? I have my full license! 😂

Excellent explanation! Never really thought about what was involved, but now I'm getting serious about owning a motorcycle again for all weather daily use on the road (been a long time - in my 50's now) this was such an eye-opener. Thank you my friend 👍

we need more people like Spicy on this platform thanks mate

Going for my full DAS in the new year. Can't wait to become a cruiser boi. Video 10/10 Explanation 10/10 Pen ..... 3/10

I struggled with gears on my cbt it took me a while to get it and I was put on a scooter to pass and still told to get a geared bike

Spicy is a hidden gem online for bikers 👍

Getting back in to bikes after 30 years I found it all very confusing, I'd never even heard of a CBT lol

I’m 45 and took my DAS from my CBT 2 years ago. I had 8 days tuition followed but my mod 1 and 2. Hope this helps anyone getting a rough idea what it’s going to cost you It was around £1100 including my 2 tests but your mileage may vary Best of luck and don’t get caught out by 20mph zones on your test route

You said you are not allowed to carry a pillion but isnt that an extra seat. So does that mean your bike cant have a pillion? Or your just not allowed to use it

I'm 52 do I need to pass my full bike licence, do I do my CBT- THIERY-MOD1-MOD2, Do I have this Right ?. Ps I have a full car licence plus B & B. Keep your videos coming loving them. 😉😀

Oh so I’m breaking the law because I’m riding my 50cc with a 180cc engine 🙈 oh dear.

Great vid and explanation. Maybe good to explain to folk what CC and power bike you use on the mod1 and mod2 for each A class. 👍🏻

Went throught the whole process from the age of 16 in 2017 when i got my CBT and got a 50cc 2 stroke SM, then a few months later got a Yamaha R125 when i turned 17, then in 2019 when I turned 19, done my A2, got an MT07, im now 20 and in a few months time in 2021 I can finally get my full A license and get a Fireblade or R1

My CBT last for 4 hours and I lost all my confidence on a bike because of it. that was in 2019 and I have not been on a bike since then. Just a word of warning do your research on the school

Thanks Spicy, I've always wondered what all the current licence codes mean. I'm just glad I took my test in 1981.

Did my CBT on an automatic (started on a manual) because the instructor thought I was struggling, he was just impatient. As soon as I got on the road with a manual I bought, got my uncle to ride it to an abandoned car park and spent 6 hours going back and forth around it and managed to learn the gears, clutch etc. Definitely felt fucked over!

Hi spicy took my first cbt and had a 125 at 18. I had great fun and absolutely loved it. I had to get rid of the 125 when I got a car due to only being on apprentice wage and couldn't afford it. The point its I recently have retaken my cbt and It have become so much stricter and more serious. 3 people were sent home and not allowed out on the road. Couldn't believe it because in 2016 the cbt was an absolute joke how easy it way. May have just been the training centre I went but still found it interesting. Been watching for years, cheers!

Who the hell brought this in he just hates bikers it needs looking at

Thank you - Fantastic informative video - I'm mid sixties and considering a motorbike - No, not a midlife crises, previously I was just too busy and potless!

And people wonder why the bike community isn’t really growing anymore 😔 it’s all just a big money making skeem. I’m all for making safer riders but the EU license system for bikers is stupid

Hello spicy, I just did my CBT in the beginning of October, and I turn 17 in December. In December I’m going to upgrade to a 125cc and keep that until I’m able to upgrade to a bigger bike when I’m 19. Would you recommend that I wait to do my A2 license and have no license when my CBT runs out between October and December 2022, or should I do my CBT in October 2022 and then my A2 in December, 2 months later? It seems like a waste of money to do a CBT and an A2 test in the span of 2 months. Thanks

wait, so do you HAVE to do a cbt to do a1? because i wanna wait till I’m 17 and go on a 125. thanks.

Good link to have imo is a2bikes.co.uk as it will show almost every bike you can legally own on an A2 both restricted and unrestricted. It's pretty surprising how many litre bikes you can get on an A2 due to the law only requiring the bhp be 47bhp and zero care for the CC, so even something as stupid as the Thunderbird LT (1700cc) can be A2 compliant since it's only 93bhp

This is such a informational video. Thank you so much for explaining deeply everything needed in-order to get a bike licence. I am a few months over 17 and I really want to get into bike riding as, for a while now I've been wanting a motorbike. Yes majority of people think it's a bad idea to have a motorbike when you're young and that's understandable. However, all really comes down to your preference I guess. I have understood the video and as you said in the video I will probably just stick with the 17 year old 125cc bike CBT as I will probably want to upgrade to an a2 when I'm 19ish 😁 this video was one of the many I watched that I actually understood so thank you so much for the information. Quick question? Which bike would be most recommended for a 17+ year old 125cc as I'm unsure what I'd go for as I have no knowledge on bike models? I will be researching but I do want to know everyone's opinion 😊.

I live in Victoria Australia (ex UK) can’t believe how complicated this is! We have - 18yr + old can do Learners Permit this lasts 18mths and lets you ride a bike similar to A2, you do a ‘Check ride’ I think which is a 2hr road assessment then you do your full test. You can then ride what you like. We have cheap compulsory government third party personal insurance and you don’t have to have any other insurance if you don’t want to (it’s not very expensive though so everyone does).

I’m 39, I did I my cbt the day after my 16th birthday and had a 50cc rs aprilla, I rode it until I was 19 and got pulled over by the police and found out my cbt had ran out, I also failed 2 driving tests when I was 18! I then had no transport until I was 26 and retook my driving test and have had a car since. but now looking to get back into bikes, your videos have been some of the most informative I have found on this subject on RU-vid! I think I’m going to do my cbt and theory as I’ve already took a couple mock theory tests and getting 50/50 without any revision. Get a 125 and ride that for 6 months to a year then do the DAS mod 1 and mod 2 after I have honed my skills on a 125

I'm so glad I did mine ages ago. It's crazy all the hoops you have to go through. So instead of doing that, at 17 you can do you car licence and drive whatever you can afford to insure.

I rode a 125 on cbt's till I was 24 minimal training on a 600cc mod 1 mod 2 under 300pound plus all the experience 😁

Yet in the USA you can take a fairly simple MSF course(compared to UK) and you can ride what ever you like.... mental.

Havent even done a cbt yet on my driver license i have A category. How did that happen. Seeminky from 2013

Im 15 atm but plan in getting CBT at 17 and geting a 125cc and i was wondering if anyone could suggest any good gear or bikes (preferably on the cheaper side)

Great video I've been watching loads of video s to do with motorcycle licence. You have done a fab job with theses videos it's. A great help me keep the good work up

Norther Ireland here, we have some differences and i was wondering if somone can help me: i just did my cbt on a restricted z650. I know its legal as i did it though a long running riding school but apparently this is something that can only be done in NI, so i can get a 650 restricted with a cbt license. Thats fine right up until i try to insure it though English companies like bikesure and MCN. Id love if somone can explain why this difference is so i can tell the insurance ppl. Sorry if i didnt explain it well, i dont really understand it myself. Don't know if it's relevant but I'm 20, I haven't done my A2 yet.

I'm lucky to have taken my test when the dinosaurs still roamed the planet and before that time , you could literally take the test with virtually no training apart from having ridden around for a bit on a bike. Then, in 1981, the two part test law was introduced which meant you had to first prove you could negotiate your machine round some cones in a car park (part 1) before then going on to do the original bike test (Part 2). This did mean that you had to have some training before you attempted the part 1 but it was better then not having to have it at all. There was no theory test at that time either and the part 2 test incorperated some questions on the highway code at random. I passed in 1987. in 1990 CBT was introduced and later in 2013 the current system was practially forced on us by the EU which is what we have to put up with today. Hopefully this will change soon but these things always take time. While I do see the need for CBT and believe it is a good thing, It does seem to me, to be an unnessary step to have to take identical tests on a larger bike in order to progress from A1 to a full "A" licence. The system appears to be very biased against the motorcyclist and does not take into account any experience you have gained in that time. I believe that car drivers should have to face similar restrictions before they can progress to driving a more powerful vehicle (Besides the cost of insurance which is the only restriction on younger drivers!). This hopefully will change and things are happening to hopefully bring this into effect but I fear it will take a long time before we see it...

you should work for the government. you deffo explained it better than they did mate

Sooo if you’re an old fucker like me (40+) I need CBT (done). Theory test (not done). Mod1 (not done). And Mod2 ( not done) and I will then have an A license to ride anything...

I just passed my cbt about 2 weeks ago...was pushed through on a scooter without knowing my experience as they said id pass faster im now on a honda cg 125 having learnt gears and clutch on my own was definitely a challenge but im doing well!

And if you are 63 like me and owned a Honda 250 on L plates (eventually dropped to 125cc now just a moped)for years then they stripped us of grandad rights you have car bus and HGV licence you may have an A with the restriction of only being able to ride a motor trike of any size engine,no need to wear a helmet and you won't die when you hit one of the UK's many pot hole's.

I'm 27 and never road before. Want to get 250cc. Thinking more 250cc because I live where there are alot of hills. So I'd feel more comfortable on a 250cc plus it's only one step up from 125 so fual should stay low. So I have to do all the licence for 250cc or can I do just the one that covers it

Good info. Am status another scam from govt to make you take test for a moped with car license just like car trailer scam and cpc. Any body representing motor cyclist backing this stuff obviously already got licence. Should encourage young riders not putting barriers up. My final grip under powered bikes are a danger.

Passed my A2 not that long ago, and was debating which bike to get (to restrict) I like the supermotos and resembling styles and went with an aprilia dorsoduro 750. In my opinion this is one of the best bikes to restrict for an A2 something different from your standard MT or Kawasaki ER. The aprilia is an amazing bike anyway, restricted or not

What do you think about the licensing spicy? Do you prefer the original 33bhp restriction for 2 year then auto upgrade to full licence? (Cheaper, hassle free). Does being 24 make for a safer rider than a 21 Y/O who has ridden for 2 - 5 years prior. I feel what ever your age the A2 needs to be given for a few years as a confidence builder to everyone regardless of age.

So it is possible for a American with money over 25 to get a liter bike and ride it in the UK without having to ride slugs around for years first. I always wondered. Thanks

High spicey.i always thought at 16 you was restricted to a 50cc but i always thought the speed was not allowed more than 38mph not 28mph

I was losing the will to live halfway through, not your fault but what a performance.

Having been a full ROSPA/DSA instructor (back in the days of 'Part 1' then when CBT was first introduced, and Part 2 (to give full licence), this licencing system has become overly complicated and costly. Ok, furry muff, they had to increase the skill training of new motorcyclists due to accidents, but, through the years, I saw pretty much nothing done to intensify car driving tests, after all, 4 wheeled motorists were a major cause of 2 wheelers meeting accidents and sadly their demise. But also the major influx of money into the regulatory body is impressive (hence more regulations?). But these new regs... Are a shade too much.. 😒🤔

Unfortunately there is nothing simple about the uk motorcycle it’s been ruined by governments across Europe 😮

Insanely good vid thank you, originally I was gonna take an A1 I think I've changed my mind now

This is nuts I followed a electric kid's bike i was do 37 mph and he was going faster than me so why bother with a 50 cc

I have my CBT booked for next month I'm 36 so am looking at doing an A2 in the next year and a half. Thanks, Spicy this was explained really well and a lot of help.

Very lucid explanation . I am over 24 years old (very!) and intend going for my A licence via DAS. This video explains the process so well. Many thanks. I agree with Sir Sloth, there are some schools who want to take short cuts and in fact, and in fact cheat the learners. Research viewers comments. I wish all videos were as good as this one.

Hi mate, Just a quick question. Im 36 y/o and moved to uk in 2019 and got car driving license in 2020 I also have international bike and car license and driving from long time. I wanted to ask can I directly apply for the A cat license and is there any exemption in my case. Thanks

Been looking for how to resume my 2 wheel life in the UK, this has been very helpful. You just earned yourself a follower😊

My provisional licence has the A category already on it.. with 2 dates besides it and nothing else. What does this entitle me to ride. Thanks

I've been trying to get my driving licence but it's seeming nigh on impossible during these times so motorcycle it is! CBT and theory test already booked

I past my test car test in 1985 I have a group a on my license so I can drive a 125 without a cbt

as a 32 year old with 10 years of bike experience aboard UK, i watched the whole video and liked it. thanks a lot, you answered all the questions on my mind.

Incredible mess it looks….well explained, so glad I hold a full A licence, from 1979…..however as a retuning rider, I will retrain and listen as if I am a total beginner…makes sense.

The gov website should use this video on their website. They have no clue how to explain things in easier terms

Hey spicy110, been watching quite a few of your vids, good work mate. I'm looking to return to riding after 35 years! was last on a Suzuki TS100ER at age 17! However the cost to get my full license is ridiculous. I'm also in the south (use to go and even display my cars at Hayling Island car show, sadly no longer running). Anyway, I'm getting quoted over £1000 from CBT to full license (that's for training and tests). Kind of puts me off at those prices.

I'm 23 and waiting for my 24th birthday to start taking the direct access. Been on a 125 for just over a year on CBT

I have an A license and 600 IL4 is way too much for me and for public roads. The most fun I have had Is on smaller bikes like KTM 390, supermoto 125's etc. The best option would be to just have one test and an auto upgrade and set amount of time in each power category . You could even have to just complete a cbt type day between each power category.

I passed my cbt 10 years ago also passed car test in 1989. Do I need to complete cbt again legally to ride 125 scooter? Practically I know its a good idea. Can you clarify?

I genuinely feel bad for you guys. Had a 600cc dual sport when I was 17 and an R6 before I was 20.

I'm 24 and have a full car license. Do I have to do the theory test for getting my A bike license? I obviously already know the highway code

Geeeez, I think I'd rather do my pilot license for a small plane.

It is amazing how different it is in the UK to get on 2 wheels compared to the USA. Ace vid for those on route to 2 wheels.

I am still unsure whether I want a geared bike. I want a car substitute not a toy. But the KTM 390 and Honda 500cc variants do look nice.

Sorry just looked.it 30mph not 38mph apologies to you sir

with the non restricted 50's, I believe that the 50cc can only be ridden unrestricted if its brought into the country unrestricted. if its already restricted then its illegal to unrestrict it

Excellent, very usefull. My eldest is now 16 so I wanted to know what I was talking about if he starts talking about bikes... Only problem, now I want one.... :-D Rode on a CBT for a couple of years 20 years ago so now I know what I need to do for when I start getting bike broody in spring and summer.....

I’m 22 and want an Indian scout bobber sixty. So is it worth me waiting until I’m 24 to get a full bike license? Or doing the a2 and getting something like a Honda rebel 500 for a couple years before. Or is this just personal preference at this point

Will you please find out about licences for automatic scooters , including for disabled. I can't seem to clarify the position. Some say 125cc for the test, But according to there rules if you pass on a say 400 cc automatic you can ride a 400cc automatic. Can you please sort this, I can't, thanks. Does anybody else know

I've been subd for a month or so as I am looking to start to learn to ride and at over the age of 30 thought its about bloody time. Your videos have been helpful so far with what gear to by and tips etc..juts got to wait over a month for my cbt test...keep up the videos mate 👍

Great advice “ride like the police are behind you”

NOTE: if you currently have a full car license check the back, you will find it gives you provisional bike entitlement.

Regarding cbts 125cc seen lads with 140 pitbikes reg 125, said their legal as their still under the legal bhp for a cbt however its a 140 head ? Is this legal as I'm thinking of doing the same.. just looking for clarity cheers

Thank you for explaining, very helpful ! Thank you !

Fairly sure the A1 license only exists for Aprilia RS125 riders...

Also if you get points on a cbt which I did 😂 then pass your A2, A a year later, your 2 years start from when you get your licence & not CBT.

I’m from Jersey Channel Islands, and we’re blessed, you only need to do your CBT once, even on a 50cc, which is why it’s beneficial here to get it done at 16 - which is what I’ve done. At 17 once you pass your theory + hazard perception plus your practical test and hold your 125cc license for 12 months, you can get any bike at 18, granted insurance will be crazy if you jump from a 125cc scooter to a Panigale V4R.

Thanks for this video my son is going to to be 17 in Feb, he has had a 50cc since his 16th birthday, we have put money down on an LXR125, he wants to do his A1 then A2 when he is 19. My question is; how much will it cost to do his A1 and if we look at savings on not having to do another CBT and lower insurance costs for having the A1 do you think it’s worth it? My son just wants to get rid of the L plate and my thinking is the more training he does the safer he will be! Really helpful video again.

I am left thinking that crack cocaine was used heavily in the envisaging of the testing rules regime! I am also left wishing that I had done the test in the seventies when I last rode. I was daunted by it then but now I’m just daunted by trying to find the logic! My little Honda SS50 would do 60mph if I had a following wind or a lorry to slipstream!😁

Complete novice question…could you do an A licence process on a 125 so that when you feel ready for the step up to a bigger bike you’ve already got the licence for it ??

So im 22. Have a full car license. I would have to do a CBT and then would i go straight into trying to get a A2 licence? I want to by a 125cc bike and wondering when would be best timing wise

Sorry for the bother mate just so I understand, I’m 19 right now all I have to do is a CBT, theory, mod1 and mod2 then I can get an A2 license without doing a 125cc test?

If I came with full A2 license from other European country. Do I need to do CBT as well or is allright? Because I pass every test for A2

So the A.M licence ....you take your cbt licence to make it indefinitely for a 50 without Lplates but why isn't that the same for 125cc??

I did a 5 day intensive in 1996 and you could then go and buy any bike 😂

Great video, considering this whole system is 'really' complicated, in comparison to a car license. Personally, I think a car license should follow a similar idea.