I want to do a A2 license

[Noob_Zenturon]

So I've been in UK for a while, I'm 18 years old and I am thinking of trying to do an A2 License. I know that I need to be 19 years of age to get A2, however I just need some help with what should I expect and give me a bit of in depth on how the CBT and theory test works.

I'm not looking to be a crazy biker with a sumo or a sport bike, but I'll be looking out for a Sport touring bike mainly for commuting and having some occasional fun. The thing that really got me to want a motorbike is during my recent summer holiday I went to Poland and got a scooter (you don't need a license for those in Poland apparently). I have really enjoyed riding it, even though it barely went 30 km/h and wasn't the best of the machines. My grandad is also offering me his old classical bike (he doesn't want to give it to anyone else except me) and it needs a bit of work but I think that it would be quite cool to have one of those atleast for a start.

So now I'm wondering if there is any precautions I should look out for when I want to take the exam? Another thing which is really confusing me is do I have to do a theory test and pass it before the CBT or CBT and then pass the test within the 2 year gap? Do I have to do a A1 prior to doing A2 when I'm 19? And is there a possibility of changing an A classification motorbike to an A2? Could I possibly do a theory while I'm still 18 and then do my CBT when I'm 19 for a license?

Kind regards,

Noob that wants to have a motorbike.

[Guest]

There is no 'theory' component to the CBT aside from a few basics.. which are all part of the day. many people take their CBT with zero experience of riding or driving.. so your time on a scooter gives you an advantage.

Edited November 4, 2016 by Anonymous

[mas101]

First things first - you'll need to make sure that you have a suitable licence which has provisional motorcycle entitlement on it. You can check your entitlements online.

Then CBT - after this point you can ride a 125 below 15hp on your own with L plates.

Then theory test.

Then practical tests.

You need to do mod 1 and mod 2 in the same class - ie the same type of bike.

You don't have to work your way up through the classes so if you are old enough you can go straight from cbt to full A.

[Noob_Zenturon]

@Shorty,

All I know is that CBT gives you an allowance and you need to refresh it, but the confusing part is actually getting the license which is what I want. Then later in few years upgrade it to A license.

[Noob_Zenturon]

So if I do my CBT now, will I be able to do A2 license later when I'm old enough? That is to consider that I am old enough before those 2 years in which the CBT expires.

[mas101]

So if I do my CBT now, will I be able to do A2 license later when I'm old enough? That is to consider that I am old enough before those 2 years in which the CBT expires.

 

Yes, but you will have to keep the L plates.

Its your call, but I'd suggest that you want to have proper training just from a safety point of view. CBT is very much an absolute minimum.

How long until you are 19?

[bonio]

Don't know if this helps, but it's the best explanation I've found of how to get a motorcycle licence:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/551465/routes-to-your-motorcycle-licence.pdf

This is the bit on how to get an A2 licence.

http://i.imgur.com/7N7zPy9.png

So, if you've already got a valid CBT, it means you don't have repeat it again (as long as it's still valid i.e. less than two years old.) You also don't need to do your theory test until you come to do the first module of the 2-part practical test.

And once you've got the A2, this is how to convert it to a full A licence:

http://i.imgur.com/T5rtRVH.png

Basically, you have to do the same two part practical test again, but on a bigger bike.

[Noob_Zenturon]

So if I do my CBT now, will I be able to do A2 license later when I'm old enough? That is to consider that I am old enough before those 2 years in which the CBT expires.

 

Yes, but you will have to keep the L plates.

Its your call, but I'd suggest that you want to have proper training just from a safety point of view. CBT is very much an absolute minimum.

How long until you are 19?

 

Just below 7 months, I just want to know everything before I start trying to get it. I am unable to buy a bike right now and not thinking about it too much however I want to get a decent bike (maybe get an A bike and put a governor on it to make it A2 licensed bike so I don't have to buy another bike after I get my A license). I don't want to go through the shenanigans of having A1 license now, since it seems like unnecessary spending and waiting those 7 months will save me a few pounds for a motorbike I want.

[Noob_Zenturon]

Don't know if this helps, but it's the best explanation I've found of how to get a motorcycle licence:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/551465/routes-to-your-motorcycle-licence.pdf

This is the bit on how to get an A2 licence.

http://i.imgur.com/7N7zPy9.png

So, if you've already got a valid CBT, it means you don't have repeat it again (as long as it's still valid i.e. less than two years old.) You also don't need to do your theory test until you come to do the first module of the 2-part practical test.

And once you've got the A2, this is how to convert it to a full A licence:

http://i.imgur.com/T5rtRVH.png

Basically, you have to do the same two part practical test again, but on a bigger bike.

 

Thanks for the diagrams, cleared up few of the questions I had.