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United Kingdom · Theory test

The direct access motorbike test for a full A licence

The direct access motorbike test takes you straight to a full category A licence, which covers any motorbike, from age 24. You need compulsory basic training (CBT), the motorcycle theory test and both riding modules on a category A bike. If you’re 21 or over and have held an A2 licence for at least 2 years, progressive access gets you there with module 1 and module 2 alone.

  • At least 595ccEngine size of a category A test bike
  • At least 50kWEngine power of a category A test bike
  • More than 175kgUnladen mass 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 do you need for the direct access motorbike test?

  • To be 24 or over
  • A valid CBT certificate, unless you already hold a full motorcycle licence in another category
  • A motorcycle theory test pass
  • A category A bike for module 1 and module 2, with the same transmission in both

While you learn, you ride a bike this size only with a direct access scheme (DAS) instructor.

DAS and other rider training →

Progressive access to category A at 21

With an A2 licence held for at least 2 years, you can take module 1 and module 2 on a category A bike from 21, without another theory test or CBT. The Highway Code gives this as its own example of progressive access.

A2 motorbike test →

The bike for a full motorbike licence test

The figures for a category A test bike differ slightly between sources:

  • Driving licence regulations: more than 175kg unladen, at least 50kW and, for a petrol engine, at least 595cc
  • GOV.UK’s test page: at least 175kg without the rider
  • The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) licence flowchart and list of test bikes: a minimum kerb weight of 180kg

If your bike is close to either weight, check that it’s on DVSA’s list.

DVSA on GOV.UK: Motorcycles that can be used for riding tests ↗

What a full category A licence covers

  • Motorbikes over 35kW, or with a power-to-weight ratio over 0.2 kW per kg
  • Motor tricycles over 15kW
  • Everything in categories A1 and A2

If you held a category A licence before 19 January 2013, it still shows category A and you keep your entitlements.

Sources: GOV.UK · legislation.gov.uk · DVSA on GOV.UK and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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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