Don’t have a motorcycle license? Motorbikes are the ideal form of transport

We have written this useful guide for anyone who is looking to get a motorcycle, but this shouldn’t stop experienced local riders from learning something new!

Types of motorcycle license

Many are surprised to hear that there are a few different categories of motorcycle licenses. The different categories vary based on the rider’s age and restrict the rider to motorbikes of a certain power.

16 or over

If you’re 16 or over and have a provisional driving license, you can complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

A CBT is required before you can ride any motorbike on the road. These are provided by training schools throughout the country, rather than the DVSA.

At 16, with a completed CBT, you can ride a 50cc moped.

17 – 20 years old

When you have a provisional driving license or car driving license, can you complete your CBT and then do a motorcycle theory test and standard motorcycle test.

Completing the standard motorcycle test you will be able to ride bikes up to 125cc, but you will need to display L plates at all times and won’t be able to ride on motorways or take pillions passengers on your motorbike.

19 – 20 years old

This is essentially the previous group. However, if you’re 19 to 20 years old, and have held your standard A1 motorcycle license for at least two years, you can complete the A2 bike category tests. If you haven’t held your standard license for at least two years, you will need to abide by the above rules for 17 – 20 year-olds.

The two-part A2 category test will allow you to take off your L plates, ride on motorways and carry a pillion passenger on your motorbike.

In addition to this, you can ride more powerful bikes which produce no more than 35kW of power, or can be restricted by no more than 50% to 35 kW.

You can use websites such as A2 Motorbikes to find motorcycles which fit within this category. You’ll be surprised how many A2 bikes exist; from standard to off-road, from cruisers to classic. Some are efficient, while others have engines bigger than 1500cc!

For more information about the A2 license, visit A2 Motorbikes’ A2 license page.

21 – 23 years old

If you’re new to this group and haven’t held a license for two years, you’ll land in the A2 category. Following your CBT and theory test, you will need to take the two-part A2 motorcycle license.

This will allow you to ride motorcycles with no more than 35 kW power output. However, as mentioned above, you can restrict bikes that have as much as 70 kW of power, to make them A2 legal. Again, look at A2 Motorbikes to learn what motorbikes you can ride on an A2 license, which ones need to be restricted and by how much. The site also provides information about the bikes themselves; including fuel economy, video reviews, road tax info, etc.

As part of the A2 license, you can ride on motorways, with passengers and without L plates.

If you’re 21 – 23 years old and have held your A2 license for at least two years, you can move onto the full category A motorcycle license. This will allow you to ride any motorbike you like; whether that’s a moped or the fastest production bike in the world.

24 years old, or over

If you’ve completed your CBT and theory test, you can approach any motorcycle category tests, including the A1, A2 and full category A motorcycle license.

Motorcycle training schools in Sturminster Newton

A2 Motorbikes have over 400 motorcycle training schools and instructors on their site. These motorcycle training schools are where you can obtain your CBT and training required for your A1, A2 and A category motorcycle licenses.

The nearest motorcycle training school is On The Road, which is run by Richard in Rolls Mill, Sturminster Newton. They’re relaxed, safe, funny and will lend you anything you need (including motorcycle and gear).

Where to get a motorcycle MOT near Sturminster Newton

Again, A2 Motorbikes saves the day! The site has the latest and most up-to-date information about all 3,000+ MOT testing stations that are authorised to carry out motorcycle MOT tests.

The nearest to us is Cooks Garage in Marnhull. Alternatively, you also have Fred’s Motorcycles in Blandford and Just Bikes in Shaftesbury.