Why Buy A1 and A2 Driver's Licenses?
The A1 licence offers an upgrade in training and riding rights, compared to Compulsory Base Training (CBT). The engine size of motorcycles with an A1 licence is restricted to 125cc.
The new format of the licence, which was introduced in 2011, shows on a laminated card bearer's photograph, date and category of issue, along with their name. The cards are available at driving schools and training centres.
What is an A1 licence?
The A1 is the first step to riding a motorcycle or scooter for youngsters. It's the only license 17 and 18 year olds are able to obtain and allows them to ride bikes with a capacity of up to 125cc without plates for L plates. You can also carry a passenger as well as ride on motorways without needing to display learner's licenses on the front and back.
Getting an A1 license doesn't mean you can get any bike you would like, but it's an excellent opportunity to learn to ride on a budget with the added benefit of being able to move to the next level (Restricted A2 Licence for 19 - 23 year olds or Direct Access Scheme A Licence for older than 24 years).
You must be 16 years old to be able to take the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). It is a two-part program that involves theory lessons as well as practical riding. The theory lessons concentrate on road rules and hazard perception.
In the hands-on sessions you'll master the fundamental skills to operate a motorcycle or scooter. This includes manoeuvring in a figure of eight while riding, wheeling the bike and slow control. To obtain your A1 license, you'll need both the theory and the practice test.
After two years of driving an A1 bike you can upgrade to a more powerful A2 bike if you are not satisfied with the power. This will require you to retake the CBT and pass a practical test on the new bike.
Honda has a wide range of bikes you can pick from if you're considering upgrading your A1 license. From the comfortable and practical Honda CB125F to the sporty Honda MSX125G 'Grom', there's something for all. When selecting the Honda motorcycle to use for your A1 license, it's important that you consider your budget as well as your preferences and purpose for using it. For instance, if planning to use your A1 bike for everyday commuting, it's best to choose an e-bike like the Honda CB125F.
What is an A2 licence?
The A2 licence is ideal for those who wish to ride larger, more powerful bikes, but aren't yet ready for the full A licence. This licence is available to people who are 19 or older. It allows you to ride a bike that has the maximum power of 35 kW (47bhp) and carry passengers, and drive on motorways.
If you succeed in passing your CBT and Motorcycle Theory Test you can begin training for your A2 licence, which will take between a few weeks to a few months based on when you can book into a course, and how many hours of training you will need. The total cost of A2 training will vary depending on the requirements you have and the length of the course - prices start at PS400 for short introduction courses and may be in the PS900+ range for complete training including mod 1 and 2.
Mod 1 and Mod 2 are the two parts of your practical test that you must pass to obtain an A2 license. You can take these tests on any bike that meets the requirements for power output in the A2 license. It is common for online and dealership sellers to market their bikes as 'A2 bikes' - so make sure to verify the specifications prior to purchasing one of them as not all of them be able to meet the specifications.
Once you have passed your A2 driving test, you can remove your L plates and ride a more powerful motorcycle. You can also carry passengers and ride on motorways - and of course, you don't be required to display your learner plates front and rear.
If you decide to upgrade your A1 licence to a full-A license, you'll have to take the entire course again, including the two parts of the practical exam. However, it can be easier and less stressful if the bike is already at an upper level.
The A1 licence is valid for two years, and after that, you can choose to pass an exam that tests your practical skills for the A licence - though you must be aware that the A licence can limit the ability to drive in certain vehicles and will also increase the legal limit for alcohol consumption for drivers to 80mg/100ml.
How do I get an A1 license?
The first step in getting an A1 license is to complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Course. This course will teach you all the skills and knowledge you require to operate a two-wheeler in a safe manner. This includes rules of the road, hazard-awareness and specific laws for motorcycles. You will also learn to operate the vehicle and carry out basic maintenance.
After you have completed your CBT it is time to take the Theory Test. It's a multiple choice test and you should buy the official expert revision guide from the DVSA to ensure you get through the test. The next step is to take the actual A1 test. This test will permit you to ride a moped as high as 125cc without L plates and to carry a passenger. This is a more thorough test than the CBT and includes manoeuvring tasks like wheeling your bike and completing an eight-figure figure.
If you're over the age of 19 you can upgrade your A1 license to an A2 license after two years. This will allow you to ride a scooter or motorcycle with 125cc or 11kW without L plates, or carrying a passenger. When you turn 24 you can upgrade up to the full A license via Direct Access.
There are some köp körkort riders who would rather stay on an A1 licence for life, but if you want to move up to bigger and more powerful bikes in the near future it's a good idea to get through your A2 test to allow you to upgrade your licence category. After you've completed your CBT it's worthwhile to consider additional training to improve your riding skills and increase your confidence.
Our Honda range is a great starting point in the search for an affordable and reliable scooter or motorbike that will assist you in obtaining your A1 license. We have bikes like the Honda Monkey, CB125F and MSX125 that offer a combination of efficiency and affordability. We can also help you choose the best finance plan that meets your requirements.
How do I get an A2 license?
An A2 licence is a restricted version of a category A full motorcycle licence. This licence allows you to ride motorbikes or scooters with engines greater than 125cc and the maximum power output is 35kW (47bhp). The licence permits you to travel on motorways and carry passengers. The licence is available to those aged 19 and over and will speed up the process for upgrading to a full-A licence through progressive access.
The first step to getting an A2 license is to get a CBT. The one-day training will cost between PS70 and PS100. It will teach you how to ride a motorbike or scooter. It includes both theory and practice.
After you have completed your CBT, you can then move on to taking the A2 Restricted Motorcycle Test. The test consists of two parts: Module 1 and Module 2. You'll need to bring your bike for both tests. It must be able to meet the minimum requirement for cc for A2. This bike should have an engine size that is at least 395cc and must have a maximum limitable power output of 35kW (47bhp).
Once you pass your A2 Restricted Motorcycle Test, you will be able to ride any motorcycle or scooter with an engine that is larger than 125cc. This includes the majority of scooters. On the internet and in dealerships it is commonplace to see bikes advertised as "A2", if they meet the power requirements. This is particularly true for bikes that are more expensive and offer the highest level of performance.
The A2 license can breathe new life into a bike. You can enjoy 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 as the majority of A2-ready motorcycles will be in the category of group 10, however a superbike that's fast may be in the group 19. The A2 motorcycle license is not a license that allows you to ride on any motorcycle. However, it will aid in gaining confidence and experience prior to upgrading to the full A licence.