A CBT certificate is great, until it’s not. Once you’ve got the hang of riding, it’s natural to hanker after bigger bikes. A boost to your riding power means upping your licence level. If you’re 19 or older, that means making the leap from your CBT certificate or A1 to an A2 motorcycle licence.

Your CBT certificate is a stepping stone to a full motorcycle licence. Once that’s in hand, you can move to an A2 motorcycle licence as long as you’re old enough. Most local motorcycle training schools will recommend Direct Access Scheme (DAS) motorcycle classes. This structured training takes you through all the steps necessary for gaining the highest licence level you can get at your age.

It sounds complicated, but really, it’s not. Improving your skill with an approved motorcycle training school is part of upping your access to more powerful motorcycles. In this blog, we take a look at the motorbikes you can ride with an A2 motorcycle licence, the process for obtaining your licence, and how much it costs to get that licence. So jump on and let’s rev up your power!

What your A2 motorcycle licence allows

The A2 motorcycle licence is one step removed from a full unrestricted A licence. You can ditch the L plates, but you still have a few restrictions. Namely your age (19+) and the power of the motorcycle you can ride. That’s anything up to 35 kW (engine power) or 47 bhp (horsepower) with a power to weight ratio of 0.2kW per kilogram.

Power to weight ratio influences how quickly you can accelerate relative to weight. Higher power to weight ratios give better acceleration.

Some riders are happy with the range of machines available to A2 motorcycle licence holders. Others of us are keen for a little more power. There’s no requirement to keep moving up the motorcycle licensing ladder. If you’re happy with the revs you get on an A2 licence, why fix what isn’t broken?

Examples of what you can ride with an A2 licence

Feel a bit overwhelmed with all the power to weight ratios and kW power figures? We’ve put together a list of A2 licence compliant motorbikes for you. And the good news is, most motorcycle dealers will display the motorbikes in their showrooms as ‘A2 bikes’. That makes motorcycle shopping a little easier and way more fun!

• Honda’s A2 licence range includes the CRF 300 Rally, CB and CBR 500s range and the CMX500 Rebel. There’s no need to have these machines restricted. Honda’s motorcycles are renowned for their easy maintenance and manoeuvrability.
• Kawasaki’s Z400 and Ninja 400 offer an exciting, responsive ride.
• KTM’s RC 390 and Duke 390 promise racing performance for A2 licence holders.
• Suzuki’s sv650 with power restrictors is a great option if your A2 licence is merely another stop on the way to a full unrestricted A licence. After two years you can have the restrictor device removed to enjoy the full revs of your new A licence.

Motorcycle restrictors limit the power of the engine. This can be done in several ways; either by limiting the throttle, inserting small plates in the manifold to limit engine air intake, or remapping the ECU to limit fuel injection and ignition timing.

A2 licence training and testing

You’ll need more than bare enthusiasm to gain your A2 motorcycle licence. Structured training will help you pass the stringent testing on your first try.

Find a comprehensive motorcycle training course near you with instructors you like. Professional training is crucial. Remember, it’s not just about passing the tests but, more importantly, it’s about developing safe riding skills with confidence. So look for instructors with proven track records and positive reviews. And give yourself the time you need to develop your riding skills.

If you don’t already hold a valid CBT certificate, this is your starting point. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) equips you with the fundamental skills needed to ride safely on public roads. It’s a day of practical training and assessment, and is a legal requirement before you can take further licence tests.

Once you have a CBT in hand and you’ve reached your 19th birthday or beyond, it’s time to prepare for Module 1 and Module 2 tests. Any A2 licence training worth its salt will focus on off-road manoeuvres before moving onto on-road manoeuvres. That’s in keeping with your test days too.

Module 1 training focuses on off-road manoeuvres, developing your machine control and precision. Expect exercises like a slalom, figure of eight, and emergency stops. Practicing these skills with your motorbike lessons is key.

Module 2 focuses on your on-road riding skills. Your trainer will help you develop your ability to handle various traffic situations, road signs, and overall road safety.

A2 licence testing with Phoenix Motorcycle Training

If you’re stepping up to the 400cc motorcycle training category (A2), we’ll tailor your training to your skills. It will prepare you for the increased power and handling of these bikes. You’ll gain skills in managing higher speeds, effective braking, and confident cornering. Your training also emphasises the importance of smooth throttle control and hazard anticipation. Both of these are crucial skills for handling the extra power of an A2 motorcycle.

Tests for module 1 and 2 are taken separately. And you can take your module 2 test only when you’ve passed your module 1 test. At our schools, you’ll do Module 1 and 2 training as close as possible to your test days. And we’ll ride with you from our school to your test centre, for a little pre-test practice. That gives you the best chance of retaining all you’ve learned and performing well on your test day.

How much will an A2 motorcycle licence set you back?

There’s a few costs associated with getting your A2 motorcycle licence. The most significant expense (aside from purchasing a new bike!) is your motorcycle training cost. This can vary depending on several factors, including your location and the chosen training school. If you choose to train for your A2 licence with us, your test fees, motorcycle for the training and test, petrol and safety gear is included.

Your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate, is the first outlay. Our courses start from £180.

Next is the training to prepare you for the Module 1 and Module 2 tests. There are a few ways to do this. Our A2 licence DAS training courses are priced from £790. That gives you split training to focus on Module 1 training and testing, then takes you through Module 2 training and testing. Fast track training for experienced riders starts at £690.

Each module test also incurs a fee, currently around £15.50 for Module 1 and £75 for Module 2. We include that cost in our training fees for you, some other motorcycle training schools will charge separately. If you don’t own a motorcycle, you may also need to hire one for your training and tests. Of course that will add to your overall expenses. We don’t charge you for motorcycle hire on top of your training, our fees are all inclusive.

Remember, motorcycle training costs fluctuate based on location. Urban areas are often more expensive than rural ones. The reputation and experience of the training school will also influence pricing, so check the finer details before you book your course.

Fees after getting your A2 motorcycle licence

Once you pass your Mod 2, you’ll get a pass certificate and the examiner will take your old licence so a new A2 licence can be sent to you. The turn around for this is pretty quick, usually within a week of you passing your module 2 test.

Finally, don’t forget the other costs associated with motorcycling. You’ll need to sort out:

• Motorcycle insurance, which can vary greatly depending on your age, experience, and the motorcycle you choose.
• Essential riding gear, such as a helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, and boots.
• A new higher-powered motorcycle!

Time to boost your power?

If you’re feeling the need for a power injection, an A2 motorcycle licence unlocks a wider range of experiences. The A2 licence is more than just a stepping stone, some of us riders are more than happy with the range of bikes available at this licence level.

Our expert instructors and all-inclusive packages help you gain the skills and confidence to handle more powerful machines faster. So why hang about? Find our nearest school to you and begin your A2 journey today. Whether it’s adventure, sport, or flexibility you seek, the A2 licence opens up new possibilities. Rev up your enthusiasm and experience the freedom and power of a bigger motorcycle.