The different licence categories have been created to limit the types of motorbikes that riders of different ages and motoring experience can ride. You’re allowed to ride any vehicle listed across from your licence category.

In every category you follow the same principles to qualify for a full licence:

 

  • Get a Provisional licence
  • Undertake CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
  • Pass the motorcycle Theory Test
  • Pass an off-road riding test (also known as ‘Module 1’)
  • Pass an on-road riding test (also known as ‘Module 2’)
Licence category Vehicles you can ride Requirements for licence Minimum age
AM Mopeds with speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test on all powered 2-wheeled moped 16
AM Small three-wheelers (up to 50 cc and below 4 Kilowatt) Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test 16
AM Light quadricycles (weighing under 350 kg, top speed 45 km/h) Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test 16
Q Same as AM plus 2 or 3 wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h Granted with AM 16
A1 Small motorcycles up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test 17
A1 Motor tricycles with a power output not more than 15 kW Compulsory basic training (CBT), theory test, practical test 17
A2 Medium motorcycles up to 35 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2 kW per kg), bike mustn't be derived from vehicle more than twice its power Direct access - theory and practical; staged access - two years experience on A1 motorcycle and a further practical test 19
A Motorcycles unlimited in size/power, with or without a sidecar, and motor tricycles with power output over 15 kW Direct access - CBT theory and practical (you must be at least 24 years old); Progressive access route - held an A2 licence for a minimum of 2 years - practical test (21 or over) 24 (direct) or 21 (progressive access)