When you’re 19+ you have the option to take the Category A2 test.
Cat A2 is restricted but still means great riding on really fun bikes! They’re not small bikes!
If you’re 19+ it’s really worth taking your Test! All bike tests are the same, it’s just the size of the bike that’s different. Category A2 allows you to ride bikes with a power output up to 35kw or a restricted bigger bike. It really is worthwhile doing your A2 test, otherwise you have to wait until you’re 24 to ride more than 125cc. Why miss 5 years of marvellous riding?!
Staged Access: Two years after passing A2 you have the option to take Cat A test which de-restricts your licence allowing you to ride anything you wish. So, if you took A2 at 19, at 21 you can get an unlimited licence.
The Test Process!
As with all tests - there are several stages! Worth a read if you want to know what’s involved! We can tailor the amount of training to suit you.
Staged Access
Staged Access has a few stages! It might seem like a long process, but doing A2 means you get on big, fun bikes at 19, ride for 2 glorious years, and then do an easy retake for an unlimited licence. If you restrict a bigger bike, when you pass Cat A, you can just derestrict your bike and away you go! Saves having to change your bike immediately, and from a safety point of view probably good to get used to that bit more power on a familiar bike.
See the Simple Steps to Gaining your License:
STEP 1
If you’re not already riding, complete CBT. Book it with us!
STEP 2
Take your motorcycle Theory Test (even if you’re a car driver!). We can offer helpful tips and recommend useful learning materials for your Theory. Book through gov.uk
STEP 3
Module 1 training. Usually 1 full day training, but you can add a ‘taster’ session, and additional training. It all depends on your experience and we’re always happy to tailor the training to you.
STEP 4
Module 1 Test. After some really good training, we take you and the bikes to our nearest test centre for Module 1: Carlisle. Mod 1 is entirely off-road manoeuvring around cones. Not too tricky but a long way to go, and good control is needed of the bike and your nerves!
STEP 5
More good training. Having conquered the cones, the following week or so, depending when we can get test dates from the DVSA, more training to get ready for Module 2. Most people do a whole day but if you’re an experienced road user, very confident on the big bike, and can demonstrate good habits with observations, then you may be fine with half a day. We can advise, having seen you ride prior to Mod 1.
STEP 6
Module 2 Test, the bike equivalent of the driving test. About 40 minutes riding on various road types, demonstrating good road knowledge and safe riding. We will make sure you’re well prepared and fully understand what’s involved in the test. There are a couple of specific elements and things they want to see - it is a test! You are now a full licence holder, no L-plates, and can ride one of many excellent A2 bikes. Gain experience, have fun and enjoy the adventure!
STEP 7
Ride around for 2 long, tedious years, trundling on a really slow and boring restricted bike! (joke!) Actually it’s hardly a chore having to ride a glorious MT07 or a Ducati Monster, even if they’re a bit restricted! You’ll love it! They’re not slow - the 2 years will whizz by!
STEP 8
Anytime after the 2 really fun years, if you wish, you can do Cat A. This involves re-taking Module 1 again, on a Cat A bike. At least 600cc and min 40kw power. We can provide a bike obviously, and give you any revision needed. Shouldn’t be hard if you’ve been riding for 2 years.
STEP 9
Last stage, retake Module 2 again, with a bit of training maybe, and then you have an unlimited licence, full Cat A!
Costs and Booking
Let us know when you start thinking about Tests! It can be tricky getting dates from the DVSA - we can’t just book you in for next week! If only! Send us an email and we’ll get back to you, or give us a ring. We’ll explain the options and send you some info and links, and let you know when we have a Test date. We can get you booked in and arrange the training when convenient.
A2 Package
The cost of the standard A2 package is £620. This includes a full day’s training for Mod 1 and Mod 2, the two test half-days, bike hire, the DVSA test fees for Mod 1 and 2. It excludes CBT and Theory Test fees. You can spread the cost by paying via a credit card!
Additional Training
The ‘standard package’ can be tailored to suit your experience. Do a taster for a couple of hours, or do an additional half or full day’s training before getting to grips with the cones. You can also add more training before Module 2 if you feel your road knowledge isn’t great. An additional day’s training prior to Mod 1 or 2 costs £185. An extra half-day costs £95. Big bike taster session is £75
Staged Access Training for Cat A: stage 8&9
If you’re retaking your tests to gain an unlimited Cat A licence, 2 years after A2, then you won’t need a ‘standard package’ if you’ve been riding for 2 years! We can offer a bespoke package to suit your experience. Perhaps a half-day prior to each Module or maybe even no practice before Mod 1. We would always suggest at least half a day before Mod 2 though! It is a test so no ‘bad habits’ allowed! Talk to us and we can advise and recommend. We’re real riders so we will understand your experience and can offer you an economic and flexible route to full Cat A. If you did A2 with us we’ll be very keen to sort you out!
What can I ride?
Category A2 is about a 4-500cc bike. A lot of good 600+ bikes which can be easily restricted.
Example A2 bikes:
- BMW G650GS
- Honda CB500X
- Yamaha MT07 (res)
- Kawasaki ER-6n (res)
- Suzuki SV650SA (res)
- Triumph Tiger 800 (res)
- Ducati Monster 821 (res)
A2: max 35Kw and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.2 Kw/kg, The bike mustn’t be derived from an original one more than twice its power. See this useful site: A2bikes.co.uk
Straight up advice and learning on great bikes with a full team of helpful guys from CBT (Andy) that took me successfully to MOD1(Martin) and on to Dennis (Mod2) thanks so much with coaching and with the right encouragement was a breeze! Top team!
Did CBT with Real Riders and when I had passed my Theory, booked with these guys to do Mod 1 and 2. Great instructors with some sound advice. Passed with flying colours. Money well spent. Definately recommend for any motorcycle training.
Still going well on my bike, racked up over 2000 miles in 2 months. Thanks for getting me through my test. Big thanks again to Martin. Patience of a saint
I just wanted to drop an email and say thanks. I completed my CBT on Saturday on a moped as you suggested, and the instructor was really helpful. As I’d said before I'd had my confidence knocked previously, it was great to not feel patronised!!
I really enjoyed the road element of the day and I’m now going to look to progress onto a 125 of my own. When I decide to make the move up to big bikes I’ll be sure to come back to you. Thanks again.