Southern Sporting Motorcycle Club

What are the full motorcycle license options?

There are 4 types of full licence to aim for:

• AM (Moped) –Up to 50cc with a maximum design speed over 25 km/h but not more than 45 km/h (28mph). Minimum age 16. Note pre June 2003 machines cannot be ridden on an AM licence, only on the old “P” category.
• A1 (Small Motorcycle) – Cylinder capacity not more than 125cc Power output not more than 11kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.1kW/kg. Minimum age 17. Your practical test must be taken on a machine of at least 120cc and capable of at least 90km/h.
• A2 (Medium Motorcycle) – Engine power output up to 35kW. Power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg & the motorcycle must not be derived from a machine of more than double its power. Minimum age 19. Your practical test must be taken on a machine of at least 395cc and with a power output of at least 25kW.
• A (Large Motorcycle) – Engine power output above 35kW. Minimum age 24 unless via an A2 licence with 2 years experience. Your practical test must be taken on a machine of at least 595cc and with a power output of at least 40kW.

Figure 1 below illustrates the different routes that are available to you:-

All learning riding and training for categories A2 and A must be undertaken in the presence of a qualified instructor via Direct Access or Accelerated Access. Unfortunately the Southern Sporting Training Scheme being voluntary in nature is unable to assist with Direct or Accelerated Access, although we can assist with preparing you for module 1 and 2 tests but using a 125cc machine.