Motorcycles in the UK are regulated by strict laws, and the licencing needs and systems for riders require a bit of explanation in order for it all to make more sense. If you are a new rider who is planning on buying a motorbike, we suggest that you first go through the basics we have listed for you here. If you’re a veteran rider, you probably know the ins and outs, but make sure you keep on top of maintenance to keep your bike road legal. Harley Insider is one site you can visit for maintenance tips if you own a Harley Davidson and enjoy tinkering with it yourself.

CBT, Personal Driving Licence and Motorcycle Training

In order to be qualified for riding a motor-powered bike, the applicant must pass their CBT and hold a learner’s licence/personal driving licence at the very least. These are to be followed up by the A1, A2 and DAS licences later on, depending on your age, experience and needs. Watford Motorcycles help riders throughout their journey from passing the CBT to getting their DAS licence, by providing them with the training for each test, specifically with the restrictions of each exam in mind. Learn more about the whole process by visiting the Watford Motorcycles website at the following link: https://www.avscobikecourses.co.uk/.

A1 Full Licence

The A1 full licence is meant for riders above the age of 17, but below 19. Those that can pass their A1 licence test will be allowed by law to:

If someone aged 17+ does not have an A1 licence, but they have a personal driving licence and have passed their CBT,they will still be allowed to ride a motorbike, albeit with a lot of restrictions such as:

It should be noted, though, that under no circumstances will someone aged 17–18 and under 19, be allowed to ride a motorcycle which exceeds 11kW/125cc. This holds true even if they hold an A1 licence.

A2 Licence

Meant for young adults between 19–24, the A2 licence will allow riders to ride their two-wheelers with the same liberties as the A1 licence, but they will be allowed a higher limit of the horsepower. Although the A2 Licence is not the one that will grant you with the legal right to ride a Harley or a Kawasaki, it does raise one’s limit from 11kW/125cc to 35kW(47bhp)/ 395cc+. Keep in mind that in order to get the A2 licence, a rider must also pass the test on a 25kW–35kW bikewith 395cc (or more, if it is within the specified power) of air displacement.

DAS Licence

Also known as the A licence, the Direct Access Scheme Licence will enable you to ride any bike that you want. In order to appear for a DAS test though, you must be at least 24, or an A2 licence holder for 2 or more years. The test must be given on a 40 kW/595cc motorcycle, but there is no upper limit here. This is the full rider’s licence in the UK that every motorcycle enthusiast eagerly waits for.

Suffice to say, having a two-wheeler licence does not mean much unless you have the right licence for the bike you own. As the laws are strict, the tests complicated, and the fines hefty, it is highly recommended to match your licence with the kind of bike you plan to ride for the foreseeable future.