“From CBT to Open Road: How to Get A1 Motorcycle Licence in the UK”
If you’re looking to get on two wheels and ride a small motorcycle or scooter in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to Get A1 Motorcycle Licence. This is the lowest level of motorcycle licence available in the UK, and it allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter with an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of what an A1 motorcycle licence is, how to obtain one, and what you can do with it once you have it.
Get A1 Motorcycle Licence: What Is It?
An A1 motorcycle licence is the most basic type of motorcycle licence that is available in the UK. It is designed for riders who are new to motorcycling, and who want to ride a small motorcycle or scooter on the road. The A1 licence restricts riders to motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 125cc, and with a power output of no more than 11kW (15bhp).
Who Can Get an A1 Motorcycle Licence?
To obtain an A1 motorcycle licence, you must be at least 17 years old. You must also have a valid UK driving licence (either a provisional or a full licence), and you must have passed a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) – what is it?
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is a training course that all new motorcyclists must complete before they can ride a motorcycle or scooter on the road. The CBT course is designed to teach you the basics of motorcycle riding, and to ensure that you can ride safely and confidently on the road.
The CBT course is divided into three parts:
First remarks and vision evaluation
Training on-site in a practical environment Riding on-site
Training for riding on the roads in a practical manner
Once you have completed the CBT course, you will be issued with a DL196 certificate. This certificate is valid for two years, and it allows you to ride a motorcycle or scooter on the road, provided you display L-plates on your vehicle and comply with certain restrictions.
What Are the Restrictions of an A1 Motorcycle Licence?
When you have an A1 motorcycle licence, you are restricted to riding a motorcycle or scooter with an engine capacity of no more than 125cc, and with a power output of no more than 11kW (15bhp). You are also not permitted to carry passengers, and you are not permitted to ride on motorways.
How Do I Obtain an A1 Motorcycle Licence?
To obtain an A1 motorcycle licence, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Pass the Theory Test
Before you can take the practical riding test, you must pass the motorcycle theory test. The theory test is a multiple-choice test that assesses your knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and traffic laws.
You can take the theory test at any approved theory test centre. The test costs £23, and you must pass it before you can take the practical riding test.
Step 2: Pass the practical riding examination
Once you have passed the theory test, you can take the practical riding test. The practical test is divided into two parts:
Module 1: Off-Road Test
Module 2: On-Road Test
Module 1: Off-Road Test
The off-road test takes place on a specially designed course that is marked out with cones. The test is designed to assess your ability to control the motorcycle at slow speeds, and to manoeuvre the motorcycle through a series of exercises.
During the off-road test, you will be required to perform the following exercises:
Wheeling the motorcycle
Slalom and figure of eight
Slow ride and U-turn
Controlled stop
Emergency stop
Cornering and swerving
You will need to demonstrate that you can perform each of these exercises safely and competently, and that you can control the motorcycle effectively at slow speeds.
Module 2: On-Road Test
The on-road test is designed to assess your ability to ride the motorcycle on the road, and to ensure that you can ride safely and confidently in a range of different traffic conditions.
During the on-road test, you will be required to demonstrate that you can:
Ride safely and competently in traffic
Make progress when appropriate and safe to do so
Anticipate and respond to hazards and other road users
Navigate a range of different road types and layouts
The on-road test usually takes around 40 minutes to complete, and it will cover a distance of around 12 miles.
Step 3: Apply for your A1 Motorcycle Licence
Once you have passed the practical riding test, you can apply for your A1 motorcycle licence. You will need to complete a D1 application form and send it to the DVLA, along with your DL196 certificate and your pass certificate for both the theory and practical tests. You will also need to provide a recent passport-style photograph and pay a fee of £90.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your A1 motorcycle licence in the post. You can then ride a motorcycle or scooter with an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (15bhp) on the road, subject to certain restrictions.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your A1 motorcycle licence in the post. You can then ride a motorcycle or scooter with an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (15bhp) on the road, subject to certain restrictions.
What Can You Do with an A1 Motorcycle Licence?
When you have an A1 motorcycle licence, you can ride a motorcycle or scooter with an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (15bhp) on the road. This means that you can ride a range of different motorcycles and scooters, including:
- Honda CB125F
- Yamaha YS125
- KTM Duke 125
- Piaggio Vespa GTS 125
- Aprilia RS4 125
However, you are restricted to riding these motorcycles with L-plates, and you are not permitted to carry passengers or ride on motorways.
If you want to ride a larger motorcycle, you will need to obtain a higher level of motorcycle licence. The next level of licence is the A2 licence, which allows you to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 47bhp. To obtain an A2 licence, you must be at least 19 years old, and you must have held an A1 licence for at least two years, or you can take a direct access course.
Conclusion:
If you’re new to motorcycling and you want to ride a small motorcycle or scooter on the road, then the A1 motorcycle licence is the place to start. To obtain an A1 licence, you must pass a CBT course, a theory test, and a practical riding test. Once you have your A1 licence, you can ride a range of different motorcycles and scooters, subject to certain restrictions. If you want to ride a larger motorcycle, you will need to obtain a higher level of motorcycle licence, such as an A2 or A licence.