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United Kingdom · Theory test

The A1 motorbike test for a 125cc licence

The A1 motorbike test gets you a full licence for light motorbikes up to 125cc and 11kW, and you can take it from 17. You complete compulsory basic training (CBT), pass the motorcycle theory test, then ride module 1 and module 2 on a 125cc-class bike. A full A1 licence means no L plates, and the provisional rules against carrying a passenger or using motorways no longer apply.

  • At least 115ccEngine size the law sets for the test bike
  • Up to 11kWPower of an A1 test bike
  • 90 km/h (56 mph)Top speed the law sets for the test bike
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What can you ride with an A1 licence?

  • Motorbikes up to 125cc with a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1 kW per kg
  • Motor tricycles with a power output up to 15kW

What are the steps for the A1 motorbike test?

  1. Complete CBT, unless you hold a full moped licence from a moped test passed since 1 December 1990.
  2. Pass the motorcycle theory test, unless you passed a moped test after 1 July 1996.
  3. Pass module 1 on an A1 bike.
  4. Pass module 2 on the same type of bike, with the same transmission.

If you take both modules on an automatic or semi-automatic bike, your licence covers only those.

The bike you take the test on

The minimums for an A1 test bike differ slightly between sources:

  • Driving licence regulations: an engine of at least 115cc and a top speed of at least 90 km/h (about 56 mph), with no more than 11kW
  • GOV.UK’s test page: 120 to 125cc and 55 mph or more

If your bike is between 115 and 119cc, check with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) before you book.

Bikes and kit for the practical test →

CBT or a full A1 licence?

A CBT certificate already lets you ride a 125 at 17, but only as a learner: L plates, no passenger, no motorways, and it runs out after 2 years. The A1 motorbike test removes those limits.

Learner rules on a provisional licence →

Moving from A1 to A2

After 2 years on a full A1 licence you can take module 1 and module 2 on an A2 bike, from age 19. You don’t need another theory test or CBT for this.

A2 motorbike test →
Sources: GOV.UK · legislation.gov.uk and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewWhere to learnBookingCostPass markHazard perceptionLicenceCBTRiding test

Licence categories

Moped (AM)A1A2Full A

Modules and training

Module 1Module 2Training

Theory test help

BooksCar vs bikeChanges

Where to take it

Test centresNorthern Ireland