Requirements for a Motorcycle License
In the UK, many youths rush at the opportunity to get a motorcycle license the moment they come of age. However, before that, new license takers need to understand the following requirements in order to obtain a full motorcycle license.
First of all, you should get a provisional motorcycle license. There are two types of provisional licences, namely:
Provisional moped license (Group P) which can be held from 16 years old without time limit. Holders are not allowed to ride with speeds exceeding 50km/h. Their mopeds should have an engine capacity less than 50cc, and weigh less than 250kg. It can be de-restricted to become a motorcycle licence.
Provisional motorcycle license (Group A), can be held by anyone from the age of 17 years old, with time limit. Those issued after 1st February 2001 expire when the holder turns 70, while those issued before that are only valid up to 2 years. A learner’s motorcycle allows engine capacity up to 125cc and a power output up to 11kW.
Only if accompanied by a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate, then a provisional license holder will be able to ride on public roads with an L plate or D plate. If you want to upgrade your provisional licence to a full motorcycle licence, you will have to obtain a pass in a motorcycle theory test as well as a practical test. Only then will you be able to obtain a light motorcycle license (A1) or a standard motorcycle license (A).
The A1 license is obtained through a practical test on a bike between 75-125cc. With it, you can ride any bike below 125 cc and 11kW. The A license, obtained with a test motorcycle of 120-125cc, allows you to ride a bike up to 25kW with a power/weight ratio below 0.16kW/kg.