Difference Between A1 And A2 Motorcycle Licence
Are you interested in getting a motorcycle licence but confused about the different types available? If yes, then you've come to the right place. In the United States, there are two main types of motorcycle licences, which are A1 and A2. In this article, we'll discuss the differences between these two types of licences, their requirements, and restrictions, so you can make an informed decision when choosing which one to go for.
What is an A1 Motorcycle Licence?
An A1 motorcycle licence is the entry-level licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW (14.6 bhp). To obtain this licence, you must be at least 17 years old and pass both the theory and practical tests. The practical test includes a module one off-road test, which assesses your ability to control the motorcycle at low speeds, and a module two on-road test, which tests your ability to ride safely on public roads.
With an A1 licence, you can only ride a motorcycle that has a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) and a power to weight ratio of no more than 0.1kW/kg. You cannot carry passengers or tow a trailer, and you must display L plates on your motorcycle at all times. However, after completing a CBT (compulsory basic training) course, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc without L plates for up to two years.
What is an A2 Motorcycle Licence?
An A2 motorcycle licence is the intermediate-level licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle with a maximum power output of 35kW (46.6 bhp). To obtain this licence, you must be at least 19 years old and have held an A1 licence for at least two years or pass both the theory and practical tests. The practical test includes a module one off-road test and a module two on-road test, similar to the A1 licence.
With an A2 licence, you can ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 35kW (46.6 bhp) or a motorcycle that has been restricted to no more than 35kW (46.6 bhp) from its original power output. You cannot carry passengers or tow a trailer, and you must display L plates on your motorcycle at all times. After two years of holding an A2 licence, you can take a further practical test to upgrade to a full category A licence.
What is the Difference Between A1 and A2 Motorcycle Licence?
The main difference between an A1 and A2 motorcycle licence is the level of power output that you are allowed to ride. With an A1 licence, you can only ride a motorcycle with a maximum power output of 11kW (14.6 bhp), while an A2 licence allows you to ride a motorcycle with a maximum power output of 35kW (46.6 bhp). Another difference is the age requirement and the type of licence you need to hold before taking the test. For an A1 licence, you must be at least 17 years old and pass both the theory and practical tests. For an A2 licence, you must be at least 19 years old and have held an A1 licence for at least two years or pass both the theory and practical tests.
Additionally, the restrictions on carrying passengers and towing trailers are the same for both licences. However, an A2 licence has the advantage of allowing you to ride a wider range of motorcycles, including those that have been restricted to no more than 35kW (46.6 bhp) from their original power output. This means that you can ride some of the more popular motorcycles on the market, such as the Honda CBR500R or the Yamaha MT-07.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between an A1 and A2 motorcycle licence is the level of power output that you are allowed to ride. If you're looking for an entry-level licence that allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc, then an A1 licence is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a licence that allows you to ride a wider range of motorcycles with a maximum power output of 35kW (46.6 bhp), then an A2 licence is the better option. Whatever your choice, make sure you have the proper training and equipment to ride safely on the road.
