Buy a Motorcycle Driving License A1 and A2
The first step towards becoming a full biker is to buy an A1 motorcycle driving licence and A2. It allows riders to operate a bike up to 125cc, with the maximum power of 11 kW and to carry passengers.
The license can be upgraded at the age of 19 upon the completion of CBT Theory and Practical Tests to category A, which allows the driver to drive any motorbike and to carry a passenger.
Compulsory basic training (CBT)
CBT is a compulsory course that is needed before you can purchase a motorcycle driving licence A1. The CBT consists of both classroom and practical training. The classroom portion of the course teaches you about the safety aspects of riding a bike while the practical component is completed on state-owned motorcycles. Your instructor will show you how to operate the basic controls of the bike. They will also demonstrate pertinent low-to-mid speed maneuvers.
Module 1 is about demonstrating maneuvers in front of an examiner at the center that has been approved. It may sound daunting, but you will have been through this process numerous times on your trainer that you can perform it without looking. The test is split into two parts. The first one involves you demonstrating your ability to "wheel" a motorcycle, and the second part requires you to navigate an eight-point figure. You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to effectively use your mirrors and maintain a 2-second gap between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
After having completed Module 1, you'll be able to move to the A2 licence. This permits you to ride any motorcycle or scooter with the maximum power output of 35 kW. You can also upgrade to the full A licence after two years of riding on your A2 licence, which unlocks bikes with a power outputs of up to 47 kW.
Only go now who are over 24 are eligible for an A license. If you choose the Direct Access Scheme (DAS), you can skip both the A1 and A2 test and use a full-category A bike when you turn 21.
You must score at least 10 minor mistakes to pass the Module 1 test. This can range from not using your mirrors properly to not keeping a two-second gap between yourself and the vehicle in the front. You should be able to perform life-saving tests and not cause drivers to stop or swerve. The examiner will also check your road location and your perception of hazards, which is why it's crucial to study for this test thoroughly.
Theory Test
You must pass the theory test to buy a motorcycle driving license A1. This is not the same as the car theory test, and the questions are specifically for motorbikes. You have 57 mins to take the 50-question test. The best method to prepare for this is to learn the Highway Code, and practise answering some practice questions. You can also download a theory-based practice application.
Once you have successfully completed the theory test, you can take your A1 practical motorcycle test. It can be scheduled up to three months before the date of your 17th birthday. you need to have a valid certificate of theory in order to take the test. You can also purchase a book on motorcycle theory which will help you to prepare for the test and increase your chances of success.
If you've passed the A1 test You can then begin to consider upgrading to a full A license. It is essential to think about your long-term goals when deciding the right route. If you are planning to ride faster and larger bikes in the near future A2 restricted license may be more appropriate. A2 restricted license could be more appropriate for you.
A1 holders can upgrade to a full-time A license by passing two tests. The first test takes place on moped with a maximum power of 11 kW, and the second one is on smaller bikes up to 120cc. Once you pass these tests, you can ride your motorcycle or scooter with a person as a passenger, and without an L plate.
You must be at least 24 years old and have held your A1 license for a minimum of two years before you can take the A2 test. If you're younger you can upgrade to full A licence however you'll need to keep your A2 licence for two years, and the licence must be in good standing. You can also take the A1 and A2 test simultaneously and then go straight for the full A licence once you turn 21.
Practical Test
The practical test is a vital element of your education program and is the last step before you can be eligible to purchase a motorcycle license A2. The course will prepare you for the actual exam, which will consist of two sections referred to as modules one and module two. Both modules will follow the same format but they will be different in their content.
Module one focuses on closed circuit riding, whereas the second module is on roads that are public. The tests are based upon your riding abilities that you've acquired during your CBT or motorcycle lessons. They are designed to test your ability to manage the motorcycle and demonstrate that you are aware of the dangers that come with motorcycling.
Both modules require you to complete a series of exercises including left and right circles and figure-eights on the road. You will also need to perform a controlled U-turn. You'll need the bike you will be using for the test, along with an driver to carry the examiner. The driver must be over 21 years old and be able to demonstrate their ability to safely drive a car and a motorcycle.
If you've passed the practical test and passed the practical test, you can buy the motorcycle with a motor size up to 125cc and a power output of no more than 11 kW (around 14.8 horsepower). This category is perfect for riders who are looking to begin small and build up their experience slowly. You cannot ride a motorbike with an A1 license if you wish to carry pillion riders.
After a set period that is determined by the region you can upgrade to A1. You can then move on to the A2 licence and, after a period of time, you'll be eligible for the full, unrestricted A licence.
It is crucial to think about your future plans and level of comfort before deciding on which licence you should obtain. Some riders will find their A1 license too restrictive and choose the A2 route and others might want to obtain the A license as quickly as possible.
Upgrade to A2
The upgrade to A2 is the first step towards obtaining a license that is free of restrictions. It allows you to drive motorcycles up to 125cc without a sidecar and up to 35kW/47hp. That is quite a bit more power than what the A1 license offers. It also lets you carry passengers and use motorways.
The new rules were enacted as part of the government's policy to ease regulations whenever possible to benefit drivers, riders, and the industry. The government believes the changes will increase the number of people who ride as a hobby and as profession. So, they permit people to complete their motorcycle tests on bikes with lower power than previously allowed. The lower-powered bikes are required to comply with the other requirements of the test of category A2 such as the size of the cylinder and the power-to-weight ratio.
To upgrade from an A1 licence to a category-A unrestricted licence, you must be minimum of 24 years old and have a valid pass certificate for the theory test. You must have completed your A2 practical test in less than two years following the completion of your CBT or you must have completed the entire process of progression starting with an A2 restricted license before upgrading to a full A licence two more years later.
Other restrictions apply for example, the requirement that you have been a holder of your A2 licence for a minimum of two years prior to applying for an upgrade. The cost for the upgrade to a category A licence is about EUR400, which includes the DGT fees, psychotechnical exam the theory and practical tests, and driving school practices if needed.
It's a lot less than the total cost of an A1 license which includes CBT, theory, and tests in the practical. It is because many people already have the experience needed for A2, and therefore the initial steps can be omitted. This doesn't affect the time needed to complete the process as most people already are aware of the requirements.