Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Can I drive a motorbike if I have a category A on my driving licence?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Can I drive a motorbike if I have a category A on my driving licence?

I passed my driving test nearly 60 years ago and have held a licence ever since. I am aware of the present requirements regarding riding a motor bike, though I've never owned or driven one. My present photocard driving licence covers me for AM/A/B1/B/BE/f/k/l/n/p/q. It seems I could ride a motor bike of any description Cat A without needing to take any sort of preliminary test. Can this be right?

Asked on 20 October 2018 by John Keith Barlow

Answered by Honest John
If you go to: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence / and input your driving licence number, national insurance number and postcode you can get an explanation of precisely which groups you are still entitled to drive. There is no D1 or C1 on your list, which indicates to me that you did not take the eye test and medical at 70 and thereby gave up your right to drive vans 3500kg to 7500kg and mini buses up to 16 seats. A is only a right to ride motorcycles up to 125cc provisionally. To ride one up to 125cc without L Plates you need A1 and for bikes bigger than 125cc you need A2.
Similar questions
Would a BMW Isetta be suitable for a sixteen year old with a motorbike licence?
As a motorbike owner and enthusiast, I'm keen to know what the future holds for these petrol vehicles and whether they are likely to be subject to higher road tax, vehicle emission controls or taxation....
I'm taking direct access lessons soo, though I'm not in a rush. I want to buy a good used Honda CB125R to practice. I'm large and 6'2" and I am not planning on long trips or to keep the bike for that long,...