A2 Motorcycle Licence – In-Depth Guide [2023]

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In this article, we take a close look at the A2 bike licence.

For many young riders getting the A2 licence at 19 is the quickest and most cost-effective way to progress to a full unrestricted motorbike licence.

Firstly we’ll take a look at how to get the licence and the laws and regulations around it.

Then we will look at your training options and the costs involved.

After that, we’ll dive into what you need to know about restricting an A2 bike and finally have a look at some of the more popular motorbikes available at this level.

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Getting an A2 Licence – Laws and Regulations

First things first,  to qualify for an A2 licence and take the relevant practical tests, you must be:

Training

It is advisable to do some training before taking the practical tests.

Check the schools in your area here.

Each school will offer various training options, generally ranging from a 2 to a 5 day course.

They will assess your riding skills and advise what training is needed depending on your experience and confidence.

How much does it cost to get an A2 motorcycle licence?

You will need:

  • Completed CBT (budget around £110)
  • A valid Theory Test (£25)

Most likely you will also need some training so budget around:

  • 2 days traing approx £400
  • 5 days training approx £900

Total approximate cost to get an A2 motorcycle licence in 2019: £550-£1100

Generally, the school will book the MOD1 and MOD2 practical tests for you and these prices will include test fees although always check what is included in the price before parting with your hard-earned.

Test

As with all full motorcycle licence categories the test will consist of two sections;

MOD 1

Takes place at an off road test centre.

You will be assessed on low and high speed manoeuvres.

Full details here.

MOD 2

Takes place on the public road.

You will be riding in radio contact with an examiner who will be assessing your riding.

Full details here.

Power Restrictions

The test must be taken on a machine of at least 245cc with a maximum power output of 35kw (47bhp)

Most people will do their test on a training school bike which will be A2 legal.

Passed

After passing your A2 you will be able to ride any A2 legal bike (more on this below).

You can also ride without L plates, ride on the motorway and take pillion passengers.

After having held your A2 licence for 2 years you will be eligible to take your full unrestricted licence.

This will require retaking the MOD1 and MOD2 practical tests on a machine with a minimum 595cc.


A2 Licence – Which Bikes?

You’ve passed the practical tests and are itching to get out on the road on your own A2 legal motorcycle.

The rules can be somewhat complex so lets break it down and see what your options are.

Bike Spec

  • You are restricted to a bike with a limit of 35kW or 47bhp
  • The power to weight ratio must be no more than 0.2kW or 0.26bhp per kilogram (more on this below)

It is important to understand the power to weight restriction as you can’t just look at the bhp number to decide if a bike is A2 legal.

In reality, if you want to ride any bike using a full 47bhp then it will need to come in with a minimum kerb weight of 175kg. This means some lightweight bikes with less than 47bhp are not A2 legal.

A2 licence restrictions

The A2 licence allows you to ride a bike that makes more than 47bhp if it is restricted. (See our guide to the fastest A2 bikes.)

Again there are some limitations;

  • Any motorcycle more powerful than 94bhp in standard manufacturers trim cannot be restricted down
  • The power to weight ratio must be no more than 0.2kW after restriction

How to Restrict your motorbike

When it comes to getting the bike restricted there are two options. You can have a workshop do the work or if you are handy you can buy a kit off eBay and do the work yourself.

Restrictor kits are unique to each motorcycle but the main types are;

  • Throttle stop – Limits the maximum opening of the throttle
  • Inlet reducer – Limits airflow to the engine
  • Exhaust reducer – Usually a washer or restrictor pipe in the exhaust neck
  • ECU restrictor – Manages power output via the engine ECU unit

A2 Restrictors and the law

The laws surrounding A2 restrictions are often misunderstood.

There is no legal requirement to have a certificate or documentation to say that the bike has been restricted.

Some unscrupulous companies have sprung up and will tell you that the police and insurance require these certificates.

In fact, these certificates are worthless and not recognised by the law.

BOTTOM LINE:

It is up to you as the rider to ensure the motorcycle is within the legal limits; a certificate or document from a dealer or garage isn’t regarded as proof as there is nothing to stop the restrictor from being removed after receiving the paperwork.

If the police have doubts, they will have the bike examined, and its power output will be tested.

Some A2 bikes to consider

There are plenty of bikes that can be restricted to play nicely with A2 licence rules and it is best to check each manufacturer’s website to confirm on a particular model.

But here are a few bikes to consider that are A2 compliant straight off the shelf and require no modifications.

(Check out our guides to the best A2 bikes and the best cheap A2 bikes if you want to see some more choices.)

Yamaha mt03

Yamaha MT-03

Nice perky 41bhp engine. This bikes lightness and easy handling make it perfect for any new rider. One of the most popular bikes in the class with a very competitive £4500 price tag.

Yamaha-tmax

Yamaha T-Max

Slots right in at the 47bhp limit. Perfect commuting bike in the large scooter class.

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

A nice entry level sports bike. Novice friendly and looks great.

Honda-cb500x

Honda CB500x

Decent A2 compliant bike for the bigger rider. A great junior adventure bike coming in at the magic 47bhp mark