The full category A licence is the only license you can obtain that has no power restrictions. Having the full category A license allows you to take pillions, ride on the motorway and of course…ride any bike you want regardless of the size or power! There are two ways to obtain your full category A license;

The Progressive Route

If you have held an A2 licence for at least two years you can upgrade to your full category A licence by passing the two-part practical test, without taking your theory again.

This means you can take the test when you are 21 instead of 24, as with the direct access route.

The test must be carried out on a motorcycle that weighs at least 175kg (without rider), have an engine capacity of at least 595cc, and have an engine power of at least 50KW.

The Direct Access Route (DAS)

If you are aged 24 or over you can go straight for your full category A license, you will need to pass the theory test and the two-part practical test.

The test must be carried out on a motorcycle that weighs at least 175kg (without rider), have an engine capacity of at least 595cc, and have an engine power of at least 50KW.

The course

All sessions are completed in three-hour slots and are planned to work around you.
Module One is a structured course with a combination of both car park and road-based riding. A higher percentage of riding will be focused towards the module one manoeuvres, which enables us to develop the skills needed to pass the Module one. Prior to going to test we will complete a mock session which not only shows that you have the skill sets required, but also gives you confidence knowing that you have done it all before.
Module Two is now all about polishing your skill sets and focusing on your roadcraft. We will cover the procedures within the module two test such as normal, angled and hill starts as well as some independent riding. During the course we will take you to the test centre, so you can get comfortable with the layout and get familiar with the area. Like your module one, prior to your test we will complete a mock session which again confirms that you have the ability and skill sets to be successful.
As not everyone comes with the same skill set or picks up new skills at the same rate, lessons can be added or removed to suit the individual’s needs.

Types of full licence

There are different types of full Licence on offer, to suit what you’re looking for.

The types available are all dependent on your age and the bike you take your test on:

AM Licence (50cc) – If you only want to ride a scooter (16+)
A1 Licence (125cc) – Ideal for younger riders (17+)
A2 Licence (500cc) – More freedom and choice (19+)
A Licence (650cc+) – Also referred to as full catergory A or Direct Access. It is the only option if you want to ride any bike. (Min 24+ or 21+ if you’ve held an A2 Licence for 2 years)

Course Requirements

To take your full catergory A/Direct Access Course you will require:

UK Provisional Licence / UK Full Car Licence / EU Licence with a Confirmation of Registration Certificate (D91)
If you still have an old style paper Licence (without a photo) you must bring a valid passport as proof of ID
You must be over 24 years old, or have held an A2 licence for 2 years
Your compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate (DL196)

The Ride Academy provides everything you need on the day. Bike hire, clothing (helmet, jacket, gloves, waterproof trousers) & all insurances.

You will need to wear sensible clothing – we suggest jeans and boots / trainers. Strictly no shorts, sandals or flip-flops. When you arrive for your lesson, if your instructor feels that you are not sensibly dressed they could reject you for training.