UNDERSTANDING MOTORCYCLE LICENCES IN SCOTLAND
There are three simple stages to getting a full motorcycle licence in Scotland:
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Pass your motorcycle theory test
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Complete your compulsory basic training (CBT)
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Pass your MOD1 and MOD2 motorcycle tests
The motorcycle licence you qualify for depends on your age and the size of the motorcycle on which you pass your test.
Navigating the various licence categories can be confusing for new riders. This guide is designed to help you understand the process of getting your motorcycle licence in Scotland and how we can support you.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us – we're always happy to help.
Along with the motorcycle theory test, CBT is what’s known as ‘Part I Training’ of the motorcycling licence requirements in Scotland and the UK.
REQUREMENTS
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From age 16, you can sit your CBT on a 50cc moped – this restricts you to a 50cc moped
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From age 17 and over, you can sit your CBT on a 50cc or a 125cc motorcycle – this restricts you to a 125cc motorcycle
RESTRICTIONS
Normal learner restrictions apply:
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you cannot carry a pillion passenger
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you cannot ride on a motorway
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you must display L plates
VALIDITY
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Your CBT certificate is valid for 2 years. It is not a full motorcycle licence and only allows you to ride on a valid provisional licence.
COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING (CBT)
CATEGORY A1 (AGE 17+)
REQUREMENTS
To pass your A1 Light Motorcycle Licence, you must:
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Be aged 17 years or older
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Pass the theory test
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Have a valid CBT
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Pass both the MOD 1 and MOD 2 tests as part of a Restricted Access Course
TEST VEHICLE
You can take your test on a learner 125cc bike.
RESTRICTIONS
Pass this test and you can ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125cc, with a maximum power output of 14.6bhp.
VALIDITY
No expiration.
Together, Categories A1 and A2 are what’s referred to as ‘Part II Training’ in Scotland and the UK.
REQUIREMENTS
To pass your A2 Medium Motorcycle Licence, you must:
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Be aged 19 years or older
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Pass the theory test
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Have a valid CBT
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Pass both the MOD 1 and MOD 2 tests as part of a Direct Access Course
TEST VEHICLE
You can take your test on a motorcycle with a minimum of 395cc and a power output between 33Bhp and 46.6Bhp.
RESTRICTIONS
Pass this and you can ride a bike with a power output of up to 46.6 Bhp. You will be restricted to this power output indefinitely and will need to sit another test to ride a more powerful motorcycle. You can restrict any motorcycle to this power so long as the original manufacturer's declared output was less than 92 Bhp.
Large bikes, such as the Honda CBR1000, Suzuki GSX1000, and Triumph Sprint, are not permitted.
VALIDITY
There is no expiration, but you must wait a minimum of two years to qualify for the next test or reach the eligible age bracket. You can then choose to stay on your restricted bike or take the training for the next stage of the motorcycle licence requirements, Category A.
CATEGORY A2 (AGE 19+)
CATEGORY A (AGE 24+)
Learn to ride a 650cc motorcycle and obtain your full unrestricted Category A motorcycle licence.
REQUIREMENTS
To pass your Category A Motorcycle Licence, you must:
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Be aged 24 years or older, or have held your A2 licence for a minimum of two years
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Pass the theory test
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Have a valid CBT
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Pass both the MOD 1 and MOD 2 tests as part of a Direct Access Course
TEST VEHICLE
You will take your test using a 595cc minimum motorcycle producing at least 53.6 Bhp.
RESTRICTIONS
Pass this test, and you can ride any motorcycle of any size with any amount of power.
VALIDITY
There is no expiry, but your Category A licence is subject to renewal every 10 years, similar to a full driving licence.
LICENCE CATEGORIES
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