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). A1 motorcycles are restricted to 125cc engines.
The new design of the licence, introduced in 2011, displays on a card that is laminated, the bearer's photograph as well as the date and the category of issue, as well as their name. You can find these cards at driving schools and training centres.
What is an A1 licence?
The A1 license is the first step for young people wanting to ride a motorcycle or scooter. It is the only licence that 17 and 18-year-olds can obtain which allows them to ride on bikes up to 125cc. You can also carry a passenger as well as ride on motorways without needing to display your learner's licenses both front and back.
Getting an A1 license doesn't mean you can get any bike you want, but it's an excellent opportunity to learn 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 older than 24 years).
You must be at least 16 years old to take the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This is a two-part course that includes theory and riding in the real world. The theory lessons are focused on the rules of the road and hazard perception.
In the sessions that are practical you'll be taught 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. You'll need to pass both the theory and practical tests to obtain your A1 licence.
If you're not satisfied with the performance of your A1 bike, then you may want to upgrade to a more powerful A2 bike after completing two years as an A1 driver. This will need you to take a second CBT and pass a practice test on the new bike.
Honda has a wide range of bikes to pick from if you're thinking about upgrading your A1 license. There's something for everyone from the comfortable and practical Honda CB125F all the way to the sporty Honda MSX125G "Grom". When choosing a Honda motorcycle to get your A1 license, it's important that you consider your budget and preferences, as well as your intention of using the motorcycle. For instance, if you're planning to use your A1 bike for everyday commuting, it's best to go with one that is a commuter model like the Honda CB125F.
What is an A2 license?
The A2 licence is ideal for those who wish to ride bigger, more powerful bikes but aren't yet ready for the full A licence. You can get this licence before the age of 19 and it allows you to ride bikes that produce no more than 35 kW or 47bhp, carry a pillion rider and take a ride on motorways.
After passing your CBT and Motorcycle Theory Test, you can begin your training for the A2 license. This will take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on when you sign up for a course and how many hours of training you require. The cost of A2 training will vary according to your needs and the length of the course. Prices begin at PS400 for introductory courses of a short duration and range up to the PS900+ range for complete training that includes mod 1 and 2.
To obtain your A2 licence you must pass two portions of the practical test - Mod 1 and Mod 2 that you can pass on any bike that is road-legal and that meets the power output requirements of the A2 licence. It is common for dealership and online sellers to market their bikes as 'A2 bikes' - so make sure to verify the specifications before you purchase one as not all of them be able to meet the specifications.
After passing your A2 driving test, you can remove your L plates and enjoy riding a more powerful motorbike. You can also take a ride on motorways with an additional passenger, and you won't have to display the learner plates in the front and back.
If you decide to upgrade from your A1 licence to a full A licence you'll have to go through the entire training program in addition to both parts of the practical test, but it can be much faster and less stressful if are already used to the higher level of bike.
The A1 license is valid for 2 years. After that, you can choose to take a practical test to upgrade to an A license. However, you must be aware that the A licence restricts your ability to drive certain vehicles. It also increases the legal limit for alcohol for drivers to 80mg/100ml.
How do I get an A1 license?
The first step towards getting an A1 license is to complete a Compulsory Base Training (CBT) Course. This course will teach you all the skills and knowledge you need to ride on two wheels safely. This includes road rules such as hazard perception, motorcycle-specific regulations. You will also learn to operate the vehicle and perform basic maintenance.
After you have completed your CBT it's time to körkortonline test take the Theory Test. It's a multiple-choice test and it's a good idea to purchase the official DVSA revision book to ensure you pass. The next step is taking your actual A1 licence test, which gives you the ability to ride a moped of up to 125cc without plates or carry a pillion. This is a more thorough exam than the CBT, and includes manoeuvring activities like wheeling your bike and the completion of an eight-figure figure.
After two years, if you are over the age of 19, you can upgrade from an A1 to an A2 licence. This permits you to ride motorcycles or scooters of up to 125cc, with 11kW and without L plates. Then, you can upgrade to a full A licence by taking the Direct Access route once you're older than 24.
There are certain riders who prefer to remain on an A1 license for the rest of their lives, but if you want to upgrade to bigger and more powerful bikes in the near future, it's best to pass your A2 test so that you can upgrade your licence category. After completing your CBT it's worth considering additional training to improve your riding and boost your confidence.
If you're looking for an affordable and reliable motorbike or scooter to get started on your A1 license the range of Honda bikes is a great place to start. We have bikes such as the Honda Monkey, CB125F and MSX125 which offer a blend of quality and affordability. We can also find you the best financing package for your requirements.
How do I get an A2 license?
An A2 licence is a limited version of a full category A motorcycle licence. It permits you to ride motorbikes or scooters that have an engine size of more than 125cc and a maximum power output of 35 kW (47bhp). The licence also permits you to carry passengers on pillion and to ride on motorways. The license is available to people who are over the age of 19 and will speed up the process for upgrading to a full-A licence through progressive access.
The first step towards obtaining an A2 license is to get a CBT. This is a one-day course that will cost you around PS70-PS100. It teaches you the basics of riding a scooter or motorbike. The course will include both theoretical and practical instruction.
After completing your CBT, you can then move on to taking the A2 Restricted Motorcycle Test. This test consists of two parts: Module 1 as well as Module 2. You'll need to bring your bike to both tests. It must meet the minimum cc requirements for A2. This bike must have an engine that is at least 395cc with a maximum power output of 37bhp.
Once you pass your A2 Restricted Motorcycle Test, you will be able to ride any motorcycle or scooter that has an engine size of more than 125cc. This includes the majority of scooters. In dealerships and online, it is common to see bikes advertised as "A2" when they meet power requirements. This is particularly true for bikes that are more expensive and offer the highest level of performance.
The A2 licence can breathe new life into the bike. Achieving your A2 licence allows you to enjoy faster and more powerful bikes and it can also make you much more confident on the road. It will also allow you to save money on insurance since the majority of A2-ready bikes will be in group 10, whereas the fastest superbike could be in group 19. The A2 motorcycle license is not a permit that allows you to ride any motorcycle. However it can help you gain experience and confidence prior to upgrading to the full A licence.