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CBT is not a full motorcycle licence. In Great Britain it is a learner certificate that lets someone with the correct provisional entitlement ride a moped from age 16, or a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW from age 17. Learner plates and other provisional-rider conditions apply, and the certificate lasts two years. A1, A2 and A are full licence categories gained through theory and practical tests, with progressively greater power allowances.
At a glance: CBT, A1, A2 and A
The category you need depends on your age, the motorcycle’s power and your route through the licensing system. Engine capacity alone does not decide whether a motorcycle is legal for a category: power, power-to-weight ratio and (for A2) the motorcycle’s original power also matter.
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| Route | Minimum age | What you may ride | Tests and conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT learner certificate | 16 for a moped; 17 for a motorcycle | A moped; or a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW | Correct provisional entitlement, completed CBT and L plates (D plates in Wales). Pass the full test within two years or repeat CBT/stop riding. |
| A1 | 17 | Light motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW, with a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.1kW/kg | CBT, motorcycle theory test and both practical modules. This is a full licence, not learner status. |
| A2 | 19 | Motorcycle up to 35kW, with a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.2kW/kg; it must not be derived from a motorcycle producing more than twice that power | Direct access requires theory and practical tests. Progressive access requires two years on A1 and another practical test. |
| A | 24 by direct access, or 21 by progressive access | Motorcycle of any size or power; tricycles over 15kW | Direct access requires CBT, theory and practical tests. Progressive access requires at least two years holding A2 and a practical test. |
These are the category limits in current GOV.UK guidance checked on 18 October 2026. Licensing rules and test administration can change, so verify the live GOV.UK category guidance before booking training or a test.
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Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the gateway to riding as a learner. GOV.UK states: “CBT (compulsory basic training) is not a test that you pass or fail.” Instead, an approved trainer works through five elements and moves you on when you demonstrate the required understanding and basic skills.
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The two vehicle limits
- From age 16: a moped within the legal moped definition.
- From age 17: a motorcycle no larger than 125cc and no more than 11kW. The motorcycle must also comply with any applicable learner and insurance requirements.
A 125cc motorcycle is therefore within the usual CBT limit only when its power is no more than 11kW. Conversely, a motorcycle below 125cc is not automatically acceptable if another specification or legal requirement is exceeded.
Conditions that remain after training
You must display L plates in Great Britain, or D plates in Wales. You also remain a provisional rider: CBT does not remove the need for the correct provisional entitlement, road-legal equipment and insurance. If you use your own motorcycle, it must be registered and taxed, have an MOT where one is required, and be adequately insured.
How long CBT lasts
The certificate is time-limited to two years. If you have not passed the appropriate full motorcycle test by the end of that period, you must stop riding under that certificate or complete CBT again before continuing as a learner. Check the date on your certificate and the current GOV.UK timing rules when arranging a test; administrative requirements can be updated.
What the CBT day covers
The syllabus is designed to establish safe basic road riding, not to assess unrestricted motorcycle competence. The DVSA syllabus covers:
- Protective equipment and clothing, and eyesight requirements.
- Motorcycle controls, routine maintenance and safety checks.
- Basic manoeuvres, including moving off and controlling the motorcycle.
- Legal road-riding requirements, road position and separation distance.
- Speed choice, hazard anticipation and responses to changing traffic conditions.
- U-turns and emergency stops.
Training combines explanation, practical exercises and road riding. A trainer may require more practice before completing an element, but there is no pass/fail result in the way there is for a practical test. You should leave with a completed CBT certificate only when the instructor is satisfied that you can ride within the learner rules.
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A1: a full licence for the light-bike class
A1 is often confused with CBT because both commonly involve 125cc motorcycles. The legal difference is substantial: A1 is a full entitlement, while CBT leaves you on provisional status with learner plates and a two-year clock.
To obtain A1, you need CBT, the motorcycle theory test and both practical modules. The motorcycle must be no more than 125cc and 11kW, and its power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 0.1kW/kg. Passing A1 does not grant access to a higher-powered motorcycle; it simply removes the learner status for this light category.
A1 can suit a rider who expects to stay with a small motorcycle but wants a full licence. It also provides the starting point for progressive access to A2 after the required period of experience.
A2: the mid-power category
A2 is available from age 19 and is governed principally by power rather than engine capacity. The motorcycle must be no more than 35kW, have a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW/kg, and must not be a restricted version derived from a motorcycle that originally produced more than twice the permitted power.
Direct access to A2
Someone who meets the age requirement can take the motorcycle theory test and then the two practical modules to obtain A2 directly. CBT is part of the route because it is the required starting training for motorcycle testing.
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Progressive access from A1
A rider who has held A1 for at least two years can move to A2 by passing another practical test. This route recognises previous experience and does not require starting the entire licensing process from the beginning, but the motorcycle used and the test must meet the A2 requirements.
Why a “600cc” description is not enough
Riders often ask what licence is needed for a 600cc motorcycle. There is no single answer based on 600cc alone. A 600cc machine may exceed the A2 power limit, or it may be eligible only if it is an approved restriction that also satisfies the original-power rule. Check the motorcycle’s documented power, power-to-weight ratio and restriction history. If it exceeds the A2 limits, an unrestricted A licence is required.
Category A: unrestricted motorcycle entitlement
Category A removes the motorcycle power limit. It covers unrestricted motorcycles of any size and power, as well as tricycles over 15kW.
Direct access
Direct access starts at age 24. The route requires CBT, the motorcycle theory test, module 1 and module 2. Passing all stages gives a full A entitlement without an A2 period first.
Progressive access
Progressive access can start at age 21 if you have held A2 for at least two years and pass the required practical test. The two-year A2 experience requirement is separate from simply having ridden a motorcycle informally; it is the licence history that matters.
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How the motorcycle tests work
After passing the motorcycle theory test, you must pass two practical modules. GOV.UK describes them as an “off-road riding test (known as the ‘module 1 test’)” and an “on-road riding test (known as the ‘module 2 test’).”
- Module 1: an off-road test of controlled manoeuvres. You must pass this module before taking module 2.
- Module 2: an on-road assessment of safe, legal riding in traffic and real road conditions.
GOV.UK does not set a minimum number of lessons before you book the tests. In practice, the appropriate amount of training depends on your experience, the motorcycle category and whether you are moving up through progressive access. Confirm the validity period of your theory certificate and the booking rules on GOV.UK when you plan the tests, because those administrative details can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you must check before riding your own bike
Having a CBT certificate or full category does not make an otherwise illegal motorcycle lawful to use. Before riding, check each of these items:
- Entitlement: your provisional or full category covers the motorcycle you intend to ride.
- Certificate and plates: a CBT certificate is still within its two-year period, and the correct L or D plates are fitted if you are riding as a learner.
- Helmet: wear a helmet that meets the applicable safety requirements.
- Registration and tax: the motorcycle is correctly registered and taxed for road use.
- MOT: an MOT is current where the motorcycle is old enough to require one.
- Insurance: the policy covers you, the motorcycle and the use you intend to make of it. GOV.UK requires adequate insurance when using your own bike.
- Condition: tyres, brakes, lights, controls and fluid levels pass your pre-ride safety checks.
Riding without a valid CBT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points. Those figures are the current GOV.UK penalties and should be rechecked before publication or a planned ride.
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Can you ride a 125cc bike on CBT?
Yes, if you are at least 17, hold the correct provisional motorcycle entitlement, have completed CBT and the motorcycle is no more than 125cc and 11kW. You must use L plates, or D plates in Wales, and comply with the remaining learner requirements. The answer is not “any 125”: confirm the power figure and the motorcycle’s legal documentation.
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What licence do you need for a 600cc motorcycle?
You need whichever full category matches the motorcycle’s power. A2 may cover a 600cc motorcycle only when it meets the 35kW ceiling, the 0.2kW/kg power-to-weight limit and the original-power restriction rule. If it does not, you need category A. CBT and A1 do not authorise a 600cc motorcycle simply because the rider has experience on a 125cc bike.
Is CBT a motorcycle licence?
No. CBT is a learner certificate. It activates or supports provisional motorcycle entitlement for the limited moped or light-motorcycle use described above, but it does not create a full category A1, A2 or A entitlement. The full categories require the relevant theory and practical tests and do not require learner plates once obtained.
Motorways, regional rules and checking current guidance
The category table and CBT passages used here do not state a separate motorway entitlement. Do not infer motorway access solely from holding CBT, A1, A2 or A. Before planning a motorway journey, check the current Highway Code and GOV.UK motorcycle and licence guidance for the applicable rule, including any regional or vehicle-specific exception.
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Choosing the route that fits your plan
Choose CBT first when you need a learner route
CBT is the appropriate starting point if you are new to motorcycles or want to practise on a moped or light motorcycle before committing to a full licence. Budget time to progress to a test within two years or to repeat CBT if you remain a learner.
Choose A1 when you want a full light-bike licence
A1 is logical when you intend to ride within the 125cc/11kW class and want to remove learner status. It requires more testing than CBT but does not unlock higher-powered motorcycles.
Choose A2 when you want a restricted mid-power motorcycle
A2 is the route for riders aged 19 or over who need more than the A1 class but whose motorcycle fits the 35kW and power-to-weight limits. Verify a proposed restriction against the original-power rule rather than relying on a seller’s description.
Choose category A for unrestricted power
Direct access is available from 24. If you already hold A2, progressive access can provide the unrestricted category from 21 after at least two years and another practical test.
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