The A2 motorcycle licence - sometimes called the motorbike A2 licence - is the sweet spot of UK motorcycle licensing. Available from age 19, it raises the power limit to 35kW, which is enough for motorway riding, touring, and real-world daily use.
Manufacturers have built outstanding machines around the A2 limit. The BMW G310GS, Ducati Monster, Kawasaki Z400, Honda CB500 family, and Yamaha MT-03 all sit comfortably within the A2 motorcycle licence category.
What is an A2 motorcycle licence?
The A2 licence is a UK motorcycle licence category that allows you to ride standard motorcycles up to 35kW. It sits above the A1 licence (which covers bikes up to 125cc and 11kW) and below the full A licence (which is unrestricted).
Detail | A2 Licence |
Maximum power output | 35kW (approximately 47bhp) |
Power-to-weight ratio | No more than 0.2kW per kg |
Additional restriction | The bike must not be derived from a motorcycle with more than twice its power output (no restricted-down bikes) |
Minimum age | 19 |
What can you ride on an A2 licence?
Any motorcycle that meets the A2 category specifications: up to 35kW, a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2kW per kg and not derived from a vehicle with more than twice the power.
In practice, this covers a wide range of A2 motorcycle licence bikes from all the major manufacturers, including adventure bikes, naked roadsters, sports bikes, and tourers. Many riders consider this the best category for getting serious about motorcycling without the full-power risks that come with an unrestricted machine.
Top choices for the A2 licence
The Honda CB range are a great starting point, including the naked street CB500F, the adventure-tourer CB500X and CBR500R as they’re all built specifically for A2 licence holders. If you’re looking to grow into your bike, the Honda CB500R and CB650R can be legally restricted to be A2 compliant, and once you’ve progressed to the full A licence you can have the restrictions removed.
From BMW, you can choose either the lightweight roadster G310R or the larger, more adventure-styled G310GS. Both are A2 compliant from the get-go. If again you’re looking for a bike that can stay with you through licence progressions, the BMW F700GS and F750GS can be restricted to an A2 licence and later removed after passing to your next licence.
Ducati, while known for its rubber-ripping sport bikes, does still cater to A2 licence holders. The well-known Ducati Monster is available in an electronically restricted A2 compliant option. The Scrambler has a dedicated model, the Scrambler Sixty2 or you could also choose a restricted 800cc version. Another dedicated A2 licence option is the Hypermotard 698 Mono, which are all available to A2 licenced riders.
Two routes to the A2 licence
Direct access route
Take your theory test and both practical modules on an A2-category motorcycle. No previous motorcycle licence is required.
Minimum age: 19.
Progressive access route
Hold an A1 licence for a minimum of two years, then pass a Module 2 practical test on an A2-category bike. No fresh theory test is needed.
The progressive access route rewards A1 riders who have built two years of genuine road experience. In practice, if you got your A1 licence at 17, you can progress to A2 at 19.
Difference between A1 and A2 motorcycle licence
The A1 licence covers light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW. The A2 licence raises the power ceiling to 35kW and removes the 125cc cap, opening up a much wider range of mid-range motorcycles with real touring, commuting, and performance capability.
Both licences require CBT, a theory test, and two practical modules – the difference is the category of bike you take the tests on.
Read our full guide to the A1 motorcycle licence.
Progressing from A2 to the full A licence
Two years after passing your A2 test, you can progress to the full A licence at age 21 via the progressive access route. This requires only a Module 2 practical test on an A-category bike. Alternatively, you can take the direct access route to A at age 24.
Read our full guide to the full A licence.
Also in this series:
- UK Motorcycle Licence Types Explained
- Provisional Licence and CBT Licence Explained
Motorcycles at Vertu
Honda School of Motorcycling and BMW Rider Training are available to help you prepare for the A2 testing. If you would like to discuss your options with us, our team at Vertu Motorcycles are always here to help. Get in touch with your local dealership today.
Ready to get on the road? Read our guide to motorcycle insurance.
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