At 17 or over, your provisional motorcycle licence will allow you to ride up to a 125cc bike, once you have completed a CBT course.

If you are over 21, you may train and test on a larger motorcycle, provided you are supervised by a qualified DSA instructor who is in radio contact with you at all times.

L-plates and pillion riders
Until you have passed the practical test to gain a full motorcycle licence for the category of machine you wish to ride, you must display L-plates on the front and rear of your machine. You are not allowed to travel on motorways or carry pillion passengers.

UK Licence categories.
According to the power output of the motorcycle you are riding, successfully completing the practical test will lead to a full licence in one of the categories below. Before you can undertake a practical test you must complete the motorcycle theory test.

A1 Light
The test is taken on a machine of between 75cc and 120cc. On passing, this allows the holder to ride a motorcycle of up to 125cc.

A1
The test is taken on a machine of between 120cc and 125cc and capable of at least 100 kph (62.5 mph). This licence will entitle you to ride motorcycles not exceeding 33bhp for a two year period after which full power machines can be ridden.

A
This is the full licence entitlement that allows the holder to ride any motorcycle. It is gained after the two years wait (see above) or may be taken via the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) by candidates over 21 years of age. The training and testing must be completed on a machine of greater than 47bhp.