Why Buy A1 and A2 Driver's Licenses?
The A1 licence offers an upgrade in riding and training rights, compared to Compulsory Base Training (CBT). A1 motorcycles are limited to 125cc engines.
The new licence format launched in 2011 displays the bearer's name, photo, date of issue and permitted categories on a laminated plastic card. These cards are available at driving schools and training centres.
What is an A1 license?
The A1 license is the first step for anyone who is young and wants to drive a motorbike or scooter. It's the only license 17 and 18 year olds can take and allows them to ride bikes with a capacity of up to 125cc with no plates for L plates. You can also carry a person and use motorways without having to display learner's licenses on the both in front and back.
Achieving an A1 licence doesn't mean you can ride any bike you want, but it is an excellent way to learn how to ride on a budget with the added benefit of being able to advance to the next level (Restricted A2 Licence for 19-23 year olds or Direct Access Scheme A Licence for those aged 24 and over).
You must be at least 16 years old to be able to take the Compulsory Base Training (CBT). It is a two-part program that consists of theory classes as well as practical riding. The theory lessons are focused around road rules and hazards awareness.
In the sessions that you will be able to practice, you will be taught the fundamental techniques required to operate a motorbike or scooter. This includes manoeuvring in the figure of eight while riding, wheeling the bike and slow control. To get your A1 license you'll need to pass both the theory and the practice test.
If you're not content with the performance of your A1 bike, you can upgrade to a more powerful A2 bike after completing two years as an A1 driver. But, this means that you will need to complete the CBT program again and pass an actual test on the new bike.
Honda offers a wide selection of bikes that you can pick from when contemplating upgrading your A1 license. There's something for everyone starting with the practical and comfortable Honda CB125F all the way to the sporty Honda MSX125G "Grom". It's important to consider your personal preferences, budget and purpose of use when selecting a Honda motorcycle to get your A1 licence. For instance, if you're planning to use your A1 bike for daily commutes, it's best to select a commuter-style model such as the Honda CB125F.
What is A2 license?
The A2 licence is ideal for those who want to ride bigger, more powerful bikes, but aren't quite ready for the full A license. This license is available to people who are 19 or older. It allows you to ride a bike with a maximum power of 35 kW (47bhp), carry passengers, and drive on motorways.
After passing your CBT and Motorcycle Theory Test, you can begin your training for the A2 license. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on when you sign up for the course and how many hours of training you will need. The cost of A2 training for your licence varies based on the length of the course and your needs. Prices start at around PS400 for a quick introduction course, and increase to PS900plus for a full course including mod 1 and mod 2.
To get your A2 licence you must pass two sections of the practical test to be eligible for the licence. Mod 1 and Mod 2 - which you can complete on any bike that is road legal and meets the power output restrictions of the A2 licence. It is common for dealership and online sellers to advertise their bikes as 'A2 bikes' - so be sure to check the specs when choosing one, as not all of them will be able to meet the specifications.
Once you have passed your A2 driving test, you can remove your L plates and enjoy riding an even more powerful motorbike. You can also carry a passenger and travel on motorways. And of course you will not need to display your learner plates front and rear.
If you decide to upgrade from your A1 licence to a full A licence you'll have to go through the entire course of training again, including both aspects of the practical test, but it can be much quicker and less stressful if you are already used to the higher level of bike.
The A1 licence is valid for two years, and after that, you can choose to pass an exam in order to upgrade to the A licence - though you must be aware that the full A license is a restriction on your ability to drive certain types of vehicles and also raises the legal limit for alcohol consumption for drivers to 80mg/100ml.
How do I obtain an A1 licence?
The first step towards obtaining an A1 licence is to complete the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course that will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to safely ride on two-wheelers. This includes rules for roads, hazard awareness and specific laws for motorcycles. You will also learn how to operate the vehicle and carry out basic here maintenance.
After you have completed your CBT it's time to take the Theory Test. It's a multiple choice test and it's recommended to purchase the official expert revision guide from the DVSA to help you succeed. The next step is to pass your practice A1 licence test, which gives you the ability to ride a moped up to 125cc without plates or carry a pillion passenger. This is a more comprehensive test than the CBT and covers manoeuvring exercises like wheeling your bike and completing an eight-figure figure.
After two years, if are over 19, you can upgrade from an A1 license to an A2 licence. This allows you to ride motorcycles or scooters with 125cc capacity and 11kW and without L plates. You can then move on to the full A licence by taking the Direct Access route once you're at least 24 years old.
There are some riders who prefer to stay on an A1 licence for life, but if you want to move to larger and more powerful bikes in the near future it's a good idea to be able to pass your A2 test to allow you to upgrade your category of licence. After completing your CBT it's worthwhile to consider further training to enhance your riding skills and increase your confidence.
If you're looking for an affordable and reliable motorbike or scooter to get started on your A1 licence, our range of Honda bikes is a great place to start. We have bikes such as the Honda Monkey, CB125F and MSX125 that provide a mix of efficiency and affordability. We can also assist you to find the right finance package to suit your requirements.
How do I get an A2 license?
A2 is a modified version of the full category A motorcycle license. This licence allows you use scooters and motorbikes with engine sizes greater than 125cc and a maximum output of 35 kW (47bhp). The licence also allows you to carry passengers on pillion and ride on motorways. The licence is available to those who are 19 or over and will speed up the process for upgrading to a full-A license through progressive access.
The first step in obtaining an A2 licence is obtaining the CBT (Certificate of Basic Training). This one-day course will cost between PS70 and PS100. It will teach you how to ride a motorbike or scooter. The course includes both practical and theoretical lessons.
After you have completed your CBT, you will be able to proceed to taking the A2 Restricted Motorcycle Test. This test consists of two parts: Module 1 and Module 2. Both tests will require you to bring a bike that is in compliance with the minimum cc requirements for A2. This bike should have an engine capacity that is at least 395cc and must have a maximum restrictable power output of 35kW (47bhp).
After passing the A2 Restricted Motorcycle Test you can ride any motorcycle or scooter with an engine larger than 125cc. This is the case for most scooters. On the internet and in dealerships, it is common to see bikes marketed as "A2" in the event that they meet power requirements. This is especially applicable to bikes that are more expensive and provide the highest level of performance.
The A2 licence can breathe new life into the bike. You can ride more powerful and faster bikes with your A2 licence. It also gives you greater confidence on the road. You'll also save money on your insurance because most A2-ready bikes will fall into the category of group 10, whereas a superbike that is fast could be in group 19. The A2 license isn't an unrestricted motorcycle license however it could be a good way to build up your experience and confidence before making the leap to a full A licence.