Getting your motorcycle licence in the UK depends on your age, your current licence, and how far you want to go. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of every route — and where MotoJoe fits in.
Step 1: CBT — where everyone starts
Whatever licence you’re going for, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the starting point. It’s a one or two-day course that covers basic bike control and a road ride with an instructor. Once you pass, you can ride solo on L-plates on a 125cc motorcycle for up to two years.
CBT is not a test — you complete it, not pass or fail it. There’s no minimum standard beyond demonstrating that you can ride safely enough to go out on the road.
MotoJoe runs CBT from our training centre in Bonnyrigg, near Dalkeith, just 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. We offer a 2-Day CBT Plus for complete beginners and a 1-Day renewal for riders with previous experience.
Step 2: Motorcycle Theory Test
Before you can go for any full motorcycle licence (A1, A2, or full A), you need to pass the Motorcycle Theory Test. This is separate from a car theory test — you’ll need to sit it even if you already hold a car licence.
The theory test has two parts: a multiple choice section and a hazard perception video test. You can book it online at gov.uk. It’s valid for two years — so book your DAS training before it expires.
The licence routes
A1 Licence — age 17+
Allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a power output no greater than 11kW. You need a valid CBT and passed theory test. Requires Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests on a qualifying 125cc machine.
Most riders skip A1 and go straight for A2 at 19 — the bikes are more capable and the cost difference is small.
A2 Licence — age 19+
The most popular route for new riders. Allows motorcycles up to 35kW (around 46bhp) — plenty of real-world bike options, from the BMW F 800 GS to the Yamaha MT-07.
Requirements: Valid CBT, passed theory test, Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests.
MotoJoe’s 5-Day DAS course covers A2 training and test preparation for riders aged 19 and over.
Full A Licence — age 24+, or 21+ via progressive access
The unrestricted licence. Any bike, any power output, no restrictions. If you’ve held an A2 licence for two years you can take the full A from age 21 via the progressive access route.
Requirements: Valid CBT, passed theory test, Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests on a bike over 40kW.
MotoJoe’s 5-Day DAS course covers full A training for riders aged 24 and over, or 21+ on the progressive route.
DAS course details and prices →
Direct Access Scheme (DAS) — the fast track to full licence
DAS is the term for going straight to a full A or A2 licence without working through the lower categories first. It’s what most people mean when they say they want to “do their DAS.”
You must be at least 19 (for A2) or 24 (for full A), hold a valid CBT, and have passed your theory test. MotoJoe’s 5-Day DAS course covers everything — big-bike handling, Mod 1 preparation at the test centre, and Mod 2 road riding — with test fees included.
Mod 1 and Mod 2 — the tests explained
Mod 1 is an off-road test at a DVSA test centre. You’ll demonstrate controlled manoeuvres: a U-turn, figure of eight, slalom, emergency stop, and swerve. It takes about 20 minutes. You must pass Mod 1 before taking Mod 2.
Mod 2 is an on-road test lasting around 40 minutes. An examiner follows you by car while you ride a set route covering a range of road types — including dual carriageway where possible. You’ll also be asked two safety questions at the start.
Both tests are included in MotoJoe’s DAS course price.
Which route is right for me?
| Your situation | Route |
|---|---|
| Never ridden before, want to get on the road now | CBT → ride on L-plates |
| Under 19, want to ride something bigger than a moped | CBT → theory test → A1 Mod 1 & 2 |
| 19 or over, want a real bike without restrictions | CBT → theory test → A2 DAS |
| 24 or over, want any bike with no limits | CBT → theory test → full A DAS |
| Already have CBT, want to build confidence before DAS | Road Confidence Course → DAS |
| Just passed DAS, want to develop real-world skills | Post-DAS Confidence Course |
Based in Bonnyrigg, near Dalkeith and Edinburgh
MotoJoe Training is DVSA-registered and runs all courses from our Bonnyrigg centre — 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, just outside Dalkeith, and easily reached from across the Lothians and Scottish Borders.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.