Licence TypesThere are 2 types of full motorcycle licence to aim for:
This restricts riders to any bike up to 125cc and a power output of 11kW (14.6bhp in old money!).
The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75cc and 125cc.
This is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120cc but not more than 125cc and capable of at least 100km per hour (just over 62 mph).
After passing the standard motorcycle practical test you will be restricted for 2 years to riding a bike of up to 25kW (33 bhp) and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg. After this you may ride any size of bike.
| Category | Description | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| P | Mopeds with an engine size of up to 50 cc and a maximum speed of up to 50 km/h (32 mph) | 16 |
| A1 | Light motorcycles with an engine size of up to 125 cc and a power output of up to 11 kW (14.6 bhp) | 17 |
| A | Medium-sized motorcycles up to 25 kW (33 bhp) and a power to weight ratio of up to 0.16 kW/kg | 17 |
| A | Motorcycles with a sidecar and a power to weight ratio of up to 0.16 kW/kg | 17 |
| A | Any size motorcycle, with or without a sidecar if you have completed the large motorcycle Direct Access Scheme | 21* |
*You can ride a large motorcycle at any age two years after passing a test on a medium-sized motorcycle.
Full descriptions of all licences including regulations around sidecars can be found on the DSA website
