There are two paths to getting a motorcycle licence in the UK. Which you choose will influence the cost. Both paths to a full motorcycle licence begin with Compulsory Basic Training. Where you go from there depends on your age and your riding aspirations.

Each step to a full motorcycle licence for UK roads comes with a cost for training and testing. Some steps are easier on your wallet than others. All steps are necessary to become a competent and confident rider.

Your UK motorcycle licence cost doesn’t have to be paid in one go. It’s broken down over the time you need to develop your skills and confidence with training.

The progressive path to a UK motorcycle licence

The progressive path to a UK motorcycle licence can begin as early as your 16th birthday. You’ll need a provisional or full driving licence. A provisional driving licence costs £34 if you apply for it online. You can apply for a provisional licence from 15 and 9 months of age.

Compulsory Basic Training

The next step is booking and taking a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. CBT courses typically take a day to complete and costs start from £180. The price covers everything you need to learn to ride a motorbike or moped on the road including the certificate you get at the end.

This course teaches the basics of handling a motorcycle or moped and riding on the road. There is no test. Instead, your instructor gives you a certificate when they see you have reached a safe level of competence. The CBT certificate allows you to ride on the road alone.

Once you’ve been riding alone for a few years, you’ll be able to progress to the next licence level. The A1 motorcycle licence is sometimes called a ‘permanent CBT licence’.

A1 Licence

A1 licence training costs start from £790. This covers everything you need to learn how to ride a 125cc motorbike or moped safely on the road. That’s your gear, the motorcycle, insurance, petrol and test fees.

The A1 motorcycle licence is for 17-year-olds, or older people who wish to ride a 125cc motorcycle or scooter on public roads. This motorcycle training course UK licence ends with two pass/fail tests. The training is usually taken over a few weeks. It’s a good idea to book and pass the motorcycle theory test first. Then you’ll be ready for the two-part A1 licence training and testing process.

The first part of your A1 licence training focuses on the manoeuvres you’ll need to take for your Module 1 motorcycle licence test. This usually takes one day. After your training is complete, your motorcycle training school will take you to a pre-booked Module 1 motorcycle test.

You need to pass your Module 1 motorcycle licence test before you can take Module 2. If you fail your Module 1 licence test, you’ll have to wait a minimum of three days before retaking it. After passing Module 1, you’ll return to your motorcycle training school for Module 2 training. Module 2 training usually takes a day. Once you’re ready, your instructor will take you to a pre-booked Module 2 licence test.

A2 Licence

You’ll need to be 19 years old, or older, to book A2 licence training and tests. Once you get your A2 licence, you don’t have to renew or move up licence levels. A2 motorcycle licence training in the UK costs with Phoenix Motorcycle Training start from £790.

A2 licence training is taken over a few weeks using a 500cc motorcycle or scooter. This is known as ‘split-test training’. This is because you’ll train, take the Module 1 test, return for Module 2 training, and finish with the Module 2 test.

The A2 motorcycle licence is sometimes referred to as a ‘restricted motorcycle licence’.

A Licence

The UK’s A licence for motorcycles is the pinnacle of motorcycle licencing – unrestricted by road use or power-to-weight ratios and available to anyone over the age of 24. It’s the final step in the progressive route to a full UK motorcycle licence and costs start at £790. That covers everything you need to train for the unrestricted licence.

Your split-test training is taken on a 600cc motorbike. So are your Module 1 and Module 2 tests. Once you pass both of these practical tests, the unrestricted freedom of two wheels is yours!

The progressive UK motorcycle licence cost

• Provisional driving licence: £34
• CBT training and certificate: from £180
• Motorcycle theory test: £23
• A1 motorcycle training and testing: from £790
• A2 motorcycle licence training and testing: from £790
• Unrestricted A motorcycle licence training and testing: from £790

Total motorcycle licence UK cost for the full progressive route: ~£2607 over five to six years

It is worth noting that because the A1, A2 and A motorcycle licences don’t need to be re-tested to remain valid, riders can skip from their A1 licence to an unrestricted A licence. This can be done by sticking with the A1 licence ‘til your 24th birthday and then booking DAS training for an A licence.

The direct path to a full motorcycle licence in the UK

The Direct Access Scheme (DAS) route to a full motorcycle licence is faster and a little cheaper – but you’ll also need to be older to take this path.

The first step is a CBT course. Then you can jump straight to the highest level motorcycle licence for your age. The A1, A2 and A motorcycle licences are regarded as full motorcycle licences because they don’t need to be renewed with more training or testing once you have them. Plus, there is no requirement to keep moving up motorcycle licence levels if you don’t want to.

Let’s dive into the details of how much it costs to get a full motorcycle licence with the DAS route.

The first motorcycle licence step: a CBT course

Compulsory Basic Training costs start at £180 with Phoenix Motorcycle Training. We include everything you need for a great fun and informative day that leaves you with the skills you need to ride on your own. Everything that is, except your boots and your lunch. Bring a packed lunch because a CBT course usually lasts for a whole day.

Once you have your DL196 certificate in your hot little hand, we advise you to get out on the road regularly to practise your skills.

DAS training: A1, A2 and A motorcycle licences

When you feel ready, you can book DAS training. You’ll need enough time left on your CBT certificate to train and pass the motorcycle licence test. Our customer service team will ask you a few questions about your current licence, age and motorcycle licence aspirations to help you book the right level of DAS training.

DAS training for a motorcycle licence in the UK costs from £790. This course has two pass/fail tests. It’s a good idea to book and pass the motorcycle theory test first because you need a valid theory test pass to take the practical motorcycle licence tests. You’ll take DAS training on a motorcycle or scooter to match the power level of the licence you are aiming for. 

Training is usually over a few weeks. It’s referred to as ‘split-test training’ because it wraps around the licence tests you take.

The first part of your motorcycle licence training covers the manoeuvres you’ll do for your Module 1 motorcycle licence test. It usually takes one day. After training, you’ll take a Module 1 motorcycle test. At Phoenix Motorcycle Training, we pre-book these so you can take the test as close to your training day as possible.

You need to pass your Module 1 motorcycle licence test before you can take the Module 2 test or training. If you fail your Module 1 licence test, you must wait at least three days before retaking it.

Once you pass your Module 1 test, you train for your Module 2 test with the same training school. This is generally another day of training. When you’re done, you’ll take the Module 2 licence test.

UK motorcycle licence cost for the DAS training route

• Provisional driving licence: £34
• CBT training and certificate: from £180
• Motorcycle Theory test: £23
• DAS training and testing: from £790

Total motorcycle licence UK cost for the DAS route: ~£1027 over two years

Cut the cost of getting your motorcycle licence in the UK

Whether you choose the progressive path or the direct access scheme for gaining a motorcycle licence, Phoenix Motorcycle Training has got you covered. We offer affordable and all-inclusive training to suit your needs and budget.

Are you ready to take to the road on two wheels? Get in touch with our team to talk about your options. We can book your CBT course or DAS training with you. Our first-time pass rates are excellent, thanks to our experienced and knowledgable instructors. We’re dedicated to helping you become a safe and confident licenced rider cost-effectively!