A2 Licence: Everything You Need To Know Before You Ride
Getting your motorcycle licence is a major milestone. This guide walks you through exactly what the A2 licence is, what bikes you can ride, how much it costs, and what the test involves—from CBT to full qualification. We’re going to cover requirements, step-by-step process, power limits explained simply, and whether upgrading to full A makes sense for you. Before we continue, I want to be transparent: I’ve been riding motorcycles in the UK for over seven years and have helped dozens of friends navigate the licensing process from CBT through to full A.
Let us share what I’ve learned from sitting alongside them in training, listening to their exam frustrations, and seeing which advice actually helps.
Key Takeaways
- The A2 licence allows you to ride motorcycles up to 35kW (approximately 47 brake horsepower) with a power-to-weight ratio of 0.2kW per kilogram, available from age 19
- Total costs typically range from £500 to £1,100 depending on your location, prior experience, and training provider—exact figures vary by school and region
- The step-by-step path is: CBT → Theory (if needed) → Module 1 → Module 2
- Popular A2-compliant bikes include the Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM 390 Duke, and Yamaha MT-03
- You can upgrade to full unrestricted A after holding A2 for at least two years
Table of Contents
A2 Licence
From my time going through the system, I see the A2 licence as the UK’s mid-tier motorcycle category that sits between A1 and the full A licence. I was 19 when I became eligible, which is the minimum age for this entitlement. With an A2 in my licence I could ride without L-plates, I could carry a passenger, and I could use motorways — three freedoms that made a big difference to how and where I rode. For me this was the right step once I’d built basic skills on A1 but didn’t feel ready for an unrestricted superbike.
What Is An A2 Motorcycle Licence And Who Is It For?
In my view the A2 motorcycle licence is designed for newer riders who want more performance than a 125cc A1 machine but still want some power restriction in place for safety. I chose A2 because I wanted a bit more speed for longer journeys but wasn’t comfortable jumping straight to a 100 bhp bike. Compared to A1, A2 allows larger engine sizes in practice but caps power to 35 kW; compared to the full A licence there is no upper power cap after you progress. The entitlement lets me ride motorcycles that are A2-compliant (either factory-built or properly restricted) and gives those key riding privileges I mentioned.
What Are The A2 Licence Power Limits?
When I was bike shopping I had to pay close attention to the numbers. The legal limit for A2 is a maximum power output of 35 kW (47 bhp) and a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg. I also discovered an important rule: a motorcycle that produces more than 70 kW (94 bhp) from the factory cannot be restricted to meet A2 compliance at all. In plain terms that meant I couldn’t take many 600cc sports bikes and make them legal for A2 no matter what a dealer told me. For everyday understanding, think of typical A2-ready machines as middleweight nakeds or small sports bikes that are engineered to stay at or below 47 bhp.
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How Much Does An A2 Motorcycle Licence Cost?
I tracked every pound I spent, so I can give you a realistic breakdown. From my experience the total cost to get an A2 licence is usually between £500 and £1,100. The final figure depended on how many training hours I needed, my location (London prices were higher), and whether I hired a school bike for tests or used my own.
Below is the cost breakdown table from my own spending (approximate ranges I encountered):
| Item | Typical Cost Range (UK) | Notes from my experience |
|---|---|---|
| CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) | £100 – £160 | I paid £130; prices vary by school and region. |
| Motorcycle Theory Test | £23 | Standard DVSA fee at the time I took it. |
| Module 1 Practical Test | £15.50 | Off-road manoeuvres test fee. |
| Module 2 Practical Test | £75 – £88 | On-road test fee (weekday/weekend rates). |
| Training lessons (if needed) | £150 – £400+ | I took a couple of extra half-days to feel ready. |
| Bike hire for tests (optional) | £50 – £150 | I hired the school bike for both modules to be safe. |
Most UK training providers quote a similar total range for the full A2 direct route.
How Do You Get An A2 Licence?
From my step-by-step journey, here’s how I got my A2 entitlement:
- I made sure I was 19 or older.
- I completed a valid CBT course (this gave me a provisional entitlement to ride on L-plates with restrictions).
- I passed the motorcycle theory test (multiple choice and hazard perception).
- I booked and passed Module 1 (off-road practical test covering slow control, figures of eight, emergency stop, etc.).
- I booked and passed Module 2 (on-road practical riding assessment with an examiner).
Once I passed Module 2, the DVLA added the A2 category to my driving licence automatically in most cases.
Can You Go Straight To An A2 Licence?
I was asked this a lot by friends. The answer is yes — you can go straight to A2 without holding an A1 licence first, as long as you are 19 or older and have a valid CBT. I didn’t do A1; I went directly for A2 when I turned 19. There is no requirement to pass A1 tests before attempting A2. That’s the direct access route for the A2 category.
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What Does The A2 Licence Test Involve?
I found the testing process straightforward once I’d had enough training.
- Theory test: I sat the standard motorcycle theory test which includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception video section. You must pass this before booking Module 1. (In some older progressive routes there were exceptions, but for the standard A2 direct route theory is required.)
- Module 1: This is an off-road test at a DVSA-approved centre. I was assessed on manoeuvres like slow riding, U-turns, figure of eight, controlled stop, and emergency stop. I practised these a lot until they became automatic.
- Module 2: This is the on-road test taken on public roads with an examiner following. I was tested on my general riding ability, observation, road positioning, and hazard awareness over a set route.
Should You Get An A1 Or A2 Licence?
When I was deciding, I compared the two categories carefully. Here’s the table I put together to help me choose:
| Feature | A1 Licence | A2 Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17 | 19 |
| Power limit | 11 kW (15 bhp) | 35 kW (47 bhp) |
| Power-to-weight | 0.1 kW/kg | 0.2 kW/kg |
| Typical engine size | Up to ~125cc | Medium bikes (often 300–500cc A2-compliant) |
| Progression to full A | After 2 years (or direct access at 24) | After 2 years on A2 you can take full A test |
From my perspective: if you’re 17 and just starting, A1 is the entry point. If you’re 19+ and want a noticeable step up in power and flexibility, A2 is the better fit. I chose A2 at 19 because I wanted to commute longer distances.
What Bikes Can You Ride On An A2 Licence?
I quickly realised there are two ways a bike can be legal for A2: it can be factory-built as A2-compliant, or it can be a more powerful machine that has been derestricted in the opposite sense? No — restricted down. Some dealers can restrict certain bikes to 35 kW to meet A2 rules, but only if the original bike is eligible. I stuck to factory A2 models to avoid any paperwork complications.
Below is a small table of common A2-compliant bike examples I looked at (models that are widely available as A2-ready):
| Make / Model | Type | Approx. Power (A2 version) | Why I considered it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja 400 | Sport | ~33–35 kW (restricted/ready) | Lightweight, easy to handle for newer riders |
| Yamaha MT-03 | Naked | ~30–35 kW | Upright riding position, good for commuting |
| KTM 390 Duke | Naked | ~32 kW | Agile, strong low-end torque |
| Honda CB500F | Naked | ~35 kW | Smooth engine, very forgiving |
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Can You Ride A 600cc On An A2 Licence?
This is one of the most common questions I heard. In my experience the answer is: you cannot ride a standard 600cc sports bike on an A2 licence, because most 600cc production bikes produce well over 70 kW (often 90–120 bhp) so they are not eligible for restriction to 35 kW under the DVLA rule. Even if a garage claims they can “chip” it down, the law says bikes exceeding 70 kW cannot be made A2-compliant. I avoided that route completely.
Is The Ninja 400 A2 Legal?
Yes. When I researched, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is available in an A2-compliant version (or its power is tuned to meet the 35 kW limit in the UK market for A2 riders). I also compared it with others: the Ninja 500 is a newer model and I checked its A2 status at the time (availability varies), and the Yamaha R7 is a different platform — I made sure to confirm each model’s exact power figures before considering. Always check the manufacturer’s UK specification for the specific model year.
Is It Worth Restricting A Bike For A2?
I weighed this up myself. Here’s a quick pros/cons table from my decision process:
| Option | Pros (my view) | Cons (my view) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy an A2-compliant factory bike | No restriction hassle, fully legal, easier to insure, better resale to A2 riders | Sometimes fewer high-performance options |
| Buy a larger bike and restrict it | Can get the bike you really want now | Only possible if original < 70 kW, restriction cost/time, may affect warranty/resale, insurance can be trickier |
For me, buying an A2-native bike was worth it for peace of mind. I didn’t want to risk any compliance issues.
Can A ZX6R Be Restricted To A2?
No. I looked into this specifically because a friend asked. The Kawasaki ZX6R produces significantly more than 70 kW from the factory (standard models are around 95–100 bhp / ~71–75 kW), so it cannot legally be restricted to meet A2 power limits under current UK rules. The DVLA states that if a motorcycle’s original power output is more than twice the A2 limit (2 × 35 kW = 70 kW), it is ineligible for A2 restriction. If you like sporty styling, I suggest looking at genuine A2-compliant sport models instead.
Can You Do Your A2 Test On Your Own Bike?
Yes, you can use your own motorcycle for Module 1 and Module 2, but I chose to use the training school’s bike. To use your own, the bike must be A2-compliant, road-legal (taxed, MOT if required, insured for the test), and in a safe condition. It also needs to meet the test requirements (e.g. mirrors, L-plates if still provisional in some cases, etc.). I found hiring the school bike was less stressful because they knew it was test-ready and insured for the exam.
How Does The A2 Licence Compare To A Full Motorcycle Licence?
After two years on A2 I planned to upgrade to a full A licence. Here’s how they compare:
| Aspect | A2 Licence | Full A Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Power restriction | 35 kW (47 bhp) max | No upper power limit |
| Bike eligibility | A2-compliant machines only | Any motorcycle (category A) |
| Minimum age to obtain | 19 | 21 for direct access (or 24), or 19+ with 2 years A2 |
| Progression | Can take full A test after 2 years | End of progression |
For me, A2 was the perfect stepping stone: I gained experience without being overwhelmed, and after two years I could do the full A test to ride unrestricted bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions About A2 Licence
What Are The Rules And Requirements Of An A2 Licence?
From my experience the main rules are: you must be 19 or older, hold a valid CBT, pass theory, Module 1, and Module 2, and only ride motorcycles that are A2-compliant (≤35 kW, ≤0.2 kW/kg). You can carry a passenger and use motorways once you have the full A2 entitlement on your licence.
What Is The Total Cost Of Getting An A2 Motorcycle Licence?
As I tracked, total costs are typically £500–£1,100. This includes CBT, theory test, both module tests, and any training lessons or bike hire. Your exact cost will depend on location and how much tuition you need.
