Here is a summary of the licence classes and age restrictions for motorbikes. For full details visit the DVLA website
Class AM Motorbike: Upto 50cc
Class A1 Motorbike: 120cc - 125cc
Class A2 Motorbike: > 245cc
Class A Motorbike: >595cc
| Bike Class | Engine Size | Power | Power to Weight | Max Speed | Min Age of Rider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Upto 50cc | Upto 4 kW | - | Upto 28mph | 16 |
| A1 | 120cc - 125cc | Upto 11 kW | Upto 0.1 kW/kg | 55mph or above | 17 |
| A2* | > 245cc | 20-35 kW | Upto 0.2 kW/kg | - | 19 |
| A | > 595cc | > 50 kW | Bike Weight > 175 kg | - |
24 (if direct access) or 21 (if progressive access) |
*Engine power of a motorbike can be restricted to fit within A2 range. But it cannot be restricted to below half of it's original power.
How do I get a motorbike licence?
You must have a current Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate. Once taken it lasts 2 years before expiry.
You need to pass a motorcycle theory test . Once passed it lasts 2 years before expiry.
Once passed it lasts up to 2 years but expires when your theory test expires.
Once passed, that's it, you've done it!
Steps 1 & 2 can be in any order, steps 3 & 4 cannot be done before step 2.
The procedure is the same for all categories of motorcycles licence.
- AM (moped)
- A1 (light bike up to 125cc)
- A2 (medium bike up to 47 bhp)
- A (unlimited bike)
Once any full category is passed there is no need to retake the CBT or theory.
Module 1 Test
Module 1 Test is carried out at the government run test centre. The following is a list of manoeuvres that you will need to learn before taking your Module 1 test.
- At least two manoeuvres carried out at slow speed, including a slalom
- At least two manoeuvres carried out at higher speed, of which one exercise should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph) and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
- At least two braking manoeuvres, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
Module 1 is performed on either a left-hand or a right-hand circuit. The standard off-road layout may change because of local conditions on the casual sites.
Module 2 Test
Module 2 of the test is made up of the eyesight test, road safety questions and at least 30 minutes of road riding. The road riding element will cover a variety of road and traffic conditions including normal stops, hill and angle starts.
Here at Suffolk Rider Training we ensure that all candidates are trained to the highest level, making sure you are ready for your test. We will give honest advice to every student to help them reach their goal.
The DVSA has full information on all the requirements and procedures for the motorcycle practical test. Additionally, just prior to the road ride you will be asked some questions on vehicle safety. The DVSA web site has a list of safety questions. Ipswich Rider Training has also created a pdf version of these safety questions including those relating to pillion passengers.
Show Me Tell Me Questions
There are three groups of questions:
- Show Me - where you show the examiner how something on the bike works, or where something is.
- Tell Me - this is where you explain to the examiner how you would for example: check the chain.
- Riding with a Pillion - this section is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you understand how a pillion rider will affect the motorcycle and precautions you should therefore take.
For a PDf version of these questions please click here.
Show me how you would check the horn is working in this machine?
check is carried out using the button (ignition is on)
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working?
Operate brake, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors or similar, or ask someone to help (ignition is on)
Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement of this machine?
Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts
Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine
Wheel the machine forward and squeeze the front brake
Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine
Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess
Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch
Operate switch – Without the engine being started!
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
- Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge.
- Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least three quarters of the breadth of the tread and all the way round.
- There should be no lumps, bulges or tears
Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine
- Check the chain for wear, correct tension and wheel alignment.
- Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook.
- Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.
Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil
- Identify where the check level is located, i.e. dipstick or sight glass.
- Explain that firstly the bike should be placed upright on a level surface (ie on its centre stand or asking a friend to sit astride it). Then the oil level should be between the max and min marks.
- For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level and max/min marks.
- For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking
- Do refer to the manual as some engines have their oil checked when cold and others when the engines are warm
Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.
- Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings with the bike upright
- On motorbikes there are usually 2 x reservoirs; one for the front and one for the rear
Tell me how you would check that the lights and reflectors are clean and working
- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary)
How does a pillion affect the handling of a motorcycle?
- Acceleration. It takes longer to get up to speed, and the steering could be a little light.
- Braking. It takes longer to slow down and stop, also the pillion could slide forward into the rider.
- Cornering, the bike is less stable and the pillion must lean with the rider.
What must be adjusted on the motorbike before taking a pillion?
- Suspension, this must be adjusted to the manufactures specification.
- Headlight, this must be adjusted to aim back onto the road.
- Tyre pressures, the pressure needs to be increased to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Mirrors
What information should you convey to a person who has never ridden pillion before?
- They must wear a safety helmet.
- They must keep their feet on the pegs at all times
- They must not fidget around.
- They are to hold onto the bike or the rider and
- They must lean with the rider when cornering
Take a look at our video providing a summary of what to expect during your Direct Access training for your MOD1 and MOD2 tests.
