What is progresive access?
The progressive access scheme is a series of tests designed to give young riders staged access to motorcycles based on the engine size/power rating. This process allows a rider with at least 2 years experience on a lower category motorcycle licence to take the next level up practical test without the need for an additional theory test.
This is broken down into:
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- AM – This licence entitles you to ride a moped that can reach up to 28 mph(45 km/h)
- A1 – This licence entitles you to ride light motorcycles up to 11kW (no more than 0.1 kW per kg) and no more than 125cc.
- A2 – This licence entitles you to ride standard motorcycles up to 35 kW (no more than 0.2kW per kg)
- A – This licence entitles you to ride motorcycles of any size/power
Category AM
If you are aged 16 you may wish to complete your training and test(s) to gain an AM licence. On successful test completion you will be able to ride mopeds without the use of L plates that can reach up to 28 mph(45 km/h) This does NOT allow you to ride on motorways.
To take this test you must:
- Be a minimum age of 16
- Hold a valid CBT
- Hold a valid theory test certificate
This course is designed to prepare candidates for their category AM moped practical test. This test must be taken on an all powered 2-wheeled moped. We can provide a suitable bike or if you wish to use your own moped it must meet the following criteria:.
- Be an all powered w-wheeled moped
- Be no more than 50cc
- be no more than 4kW engine power
- Have a valid MOT certificate
- Have a valid certificate of insurance
Our AM courses are designed for people who have passed their CBT certification and wish to ride a moped and carry passengers. The category AM is of particular interest to riders over 16 years of age who are not eligible for the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) or category A1 or higher.
It may also be of interest to those who only wish to ride mopeds.
Category A1
If you are aged 17-19 you may wish to complete your training and test(s) to gain an A1 licence. The training and tests are identical to DAS/A2 except that the bike will be a maximum of 125cc. On successful test completion you will be able to ride a 125cc machine without “L” plates, travel on motorways and carry a pillion passenger. Your licence will NOT automatically upgrade after two years as was the previous rule.
To take this test you must:
- Be a minimum age of 17
- Hold a valid CBT
- Hold a valid theory test certificate
This course is designed to prepare candidates for their category A1 motorcycle practical test. This test must be taken on a bike of no more than 11kW(14.6bhp). We can provide a suitable bike or if you wish to use your own motorcycle it must meet the following criteria:
- Be a solo motorcycle
- Be between 120cc and 125cc
- Be no more than 11kW engine power
- Have a power to weight ratio no more than 0.1kW/kg
- Have a valid MOT certificate
- Have a valid certificate of insurance
Our A1 courses are designed for people who have passed their CBT certification and wish to carry passengers and ride on motorways. The category A1 is of particular interest to riders over 17 years of age who are not eligible for the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
It may also be of interest to those who do not wish to ride bikes more powerful than the A1 restrictions.
Category A2
Riders aged 19-23 are eligible to do the test on a machine restricted to 47bhp. The training and tests are identical to DAS/A1 except that the bike will be a maximum of 47bhp. After successfully passing your A2 test you must either wait until you are 24 or two years after you pass A2 before re-taking the test to ride an unrestricted bike. You do NOT need to do your CBT or theory test again. Re-taking the test after two years is known as “progressive access”.
MANY OF TODAY’S MODERN BIKES CAN BE QUICKLY AND EASILY RESTRICTED TO 47BHP
To take this test you must:
- Be a minimum age of 19
- Hold a valid CBT
- Hold a valid theory test certificate or hold a category A1 licence with at least 2 years experience
This course is designed to prepare candidates for their category A2 motorcycle practical test. This test must be taken on a bike of at least 20kW(47bhp). We can provide a suitable bike or if you wish to use your own motorcycle it must meet the following criteria:
- Be a solo motorcycle
- Be at least 395cc
- Be between 20kW and 35kW engine power
- Have a power to weight ratio no more than 0.2kW/kg
- Have a valid MOT certificate
- Have a valid certificate of insurance
Our A2 courses are designed for people who have passed their category A1 licence and wish to progress onto larger bikes, carry passengers and ride on motorways. The category A2 is also of particular interest to riders over 19 years of age who are not eligible for the Direct Access Scheme (DAS).
It may also be of interest to those who do not wish to ride bikes more powerful than the A2 restrictions.
Category A
For details of our category A/Direct access course please click here.
What do I do next?
We can train you from complete novice through to category A, or begin at any point in between. Your first step is to undergo a CBT course. From there, arrange to sit the theory test, which you must pass before your practical test. We have the theory test on a computer in our classroom and students may practice as much as they wish prior to the actual test. After an agreed number of days training we will accompany you to a nominated test centre, where you will carry out the practical test.
Contact us for further details, availability and costs.
Whatever the course, you can rest assured that you are being trained by some of the best and most highly qualified instructors available. Why not get in touch and take the first step in passing your motorcycle test?
Intensive courses are our speciality!