For riding a motorbike, you need a motorcycle class licence; the exact class name varies by country and engine size.
What This Guide Covers
Riders ask one core question: which licence is required for a bike, and how early can they get it? This guide lays out the classes used in major regions, age limits, engine and power caps, and the steps to move from a learner stage to a full motorcycle licence. You’ll also see a broad comparison table and practical checklists so you can match your bike to the right credential without guesswork or wasted appointments.
Global Snapshot: Bike Licence Names And Minimum Ages
The label on your motorcycle licence changes by jurisdiction, but the logic repeats: a moped tier, a small-bike tier, a mid-power tier, and an unrestricted tier. Use this table to map the patterns fast before you book training or a test.
| Region | Licence Class For Motorcycles | Usual Minimum Age* |
|---|---|---|
| India | MC50CC, MCWOG (auto), MCWG (geared) | 18 for geared bikes |
| Bangladesh | Non-professional Motorcycle Licence (via BRTA) | 18 for non-professional |
| United Kingdom | AM (moped), A1, A2, A | 16–24 depending on class |
| European Union | AM, A1, A2, A | 16–24 depending on class |
| United States | Motorcycle endorsement or Class M | Varies by state (often 16–18) |
| California (US) | M1 for bikes; moped rules differ | 16+ |
| New York (US) | Class M or MJ | 16+ |
*Local rules apply. Always check the official portal before training or a test slot.
Which Licence Is Required For A Bike? (By Region)
India: MCWG, MCWOG, And Moped Categories
In India, motorcycle classes appear on the smart card using short codes. MCWOG means a motorcycle without gears, which fits most twist-and-go scooters. MCWG means a motorcycle with gears, which covers geared scooters and standard bikes. There is also MC50CC for very small engines. Applicants start with a learner permit, then progress to the road test for a permanent licence. When booking a slot, bring a bike that matches the class you want printed on your card; turning up on the wrong machine can cost the appointment and delay your upgrade.
Bangladesh: BRTA Path From Learner To Smart Card
Bangladesh uses a staged system. First you apply for a learner permit, train for a few months, then sit written, oral, and field tests. The non-professional motorcycle card is available from age 18; higher commercial classes build on experience. Apply through the correct circle office for your address, carry the learner card during training rides, and arrive early on test day with the original learner document and a working pen for the written paper.
United Kingdom: AM, A1, A2, And Full A
The UK ladder starts with compulsory basic training (CBT), then a theory exam and a two-part practical. AM covers mopeds. A1 unlocks up to 125 cc and 11 kW. A2 allows up to 35 kW with a power-to-weight cap, either by test at 19 or by progressive access after time on A1. Full A removes the power cap by age 24 or via progressive access. Bring the right category bike to the test or you risk walking away with a lower entitlement than planned.
European Union: Harmonised Categories
Across the EU, licence names mirror the UK set: AM, A1, A2, and A. Minimum ages typically start at 16 for AM and A1, 18 for A2, and 24 for A, with a progressive route that lets riders move up after holding the lower tier. Power and power-to-weight caps matter, so read the spec sheet before you buy, especially for A2-restricted models that are detuned from bigger engines.
United States: Endorsement Or Class M
States issue motorcycle rights either as an endorsement added to a standard card or as a Class M licence. Training and age rules vary. Two quick snapshots show the range. California uses M1 for full motorcycle access and treats motor-driven cycles under 149 cc as needing the same card. New York issues Class M for adults and MJ for juniors, with a learner-permit stage and then either an approved course or a road test to convert.
Licence Required For A Bike — Rules And Steps
The phrase which licence is required for a bike hides two tasks: picking the right class and plotting the steps to earn it. Work through the two lists below and you’ll avoid the most common delays.
Pick The Right Class For Your Bike
- Moped and small scooter: look for AM or a moped tag; in India, MCWOG often applies.
- 125 cc commuter: A1 in Europe and the UK; in the US, the same Class M usually covers it.
- Mid-power 35 kW tier: A2 in the EU and UK with a strict power-to-weight cap.
- Unrestricted motorcycle: A in the EU/UK or a full Class M in the US; in India, MCWG.
Map The Steps From Learner To Full Card
- Apply for a learner permit online where available and save the receipt.
- Complete basic training if mandated, and keep the completion slip with your ID.
- Pass the theory test covering road signs, hazard response, and bike-specific rules.
- Book the handling module and the on-road module where used; bring a bike that matches the target class.
- Carry the right safety kit; some centres verify gloves, jacket, and ankle-protecting boots.
- Keep insurance and registration tidy during training rides; fines and impounds ruin timelines.
Proof And Official References You Can Trust
For India’s abbreviations and learner flow, see the official Parivahan FAQ on motorcycle categories and learner services. For the UK, read the government page listing bike categories, ages, CBT, theory, and practical test steps. Bangladesh riders should use the BRTA service portal for learner applications, circle office routing, and test scheduling. US riders can confirm wording on their state DMV sites; California and New York pages show how labels like M1 or Class M/MJ are used.
For quick checking inside the text: India’s abbreviations are listed under the learner services FAQ on Parivahan; the UK lays out AM, A1, A2, and A along with age gates and training; BRTA explains the learner stage and test sequence; California clarifies the M1 label and motor-driven cycle definition; New York outlines the learner-permit stage and conversion path. Link through the phrases below to reach the most relevant pages.
You can scan the Parivahan MCWG/MCWOG codes and the UK’s CBT and licence categories directly from here.
Common Mistakes That Slow Approval
- Booking a test with a bike that doesn’t meet the class spec, which can downgrade the result.
- Letting the learner permit lapse before the practical; renewal queues cost weeks.
- Skipping mandatory training, such as CBT in the UK or state-approved courses that waive a road test.
- Misreading age and engine caps when moving from A1 to A2 in Europe.
- Riding geared bikes on an auto-only mark like MCWOG and getting stopped during a spot check.
How To Read Licence Codes On Your Card
Cards print categories, dates, and codes in tiny cells. The category column holds the class (AM, A1, A2, A, or local marks like MCWG). The next columns list the start date and expiry for that class. The conditions area holds restrictions such as automatic-only, corrective lenses, or other notes. When you upgrade, the authority adds a new row for the higher class; the old class stays as proof of the lower entitlement.
Buying A Bike Before You’re Fully Licensed
Plenty of riders buy the motorcycle first and train on it. That can work, but match the machine to your next test: an A2 candidate needs a compliant bike with proof of power rating and a legal restrictor kit if it’s derived from a larger engine. An MCWG candidate should bring a geared machine in safe condition. If you’re staying on a moped tier, confirm the speed cap and any plate rules so the registration and insurance paperwork aligns with the class.
Insurance, Gear, And Training Days
Insurers sometimes price learner coverage higher. Shopping quotes around the test date helps; many carriers re-rate the policy once you pass. Training providers usually supply a bike, which removes the risk of turning up on a non-compliant model, but ask first. Bring gloves, a sturdy jacket, long pants, and boots that cover the ankle. A clear visor helps when the examiner reads hand signals or plates from a distance, and earplugs keep you fresh for the on-road module.
Licence Classes Versus The Bike You Own
Match your motorcycle to the card you hold. If you ride a scooter with an auto transmission in India on MCWOG, stay off geared bikes. In the EU and UK, check the power and power-to-weight ratios for A2 before you buy or rent. In the US, read the state’s definition of a moped, motor-driven cycle, or motorcycle, then check if you need a full Class M. When in doubt, pick training on a school bike that clearly fits the target category; that removes most pitfalls on test day.
| Bike Or Scenario | Typical Licence Tier | Gotcha To Watch |
|---|---|---|
| 50 cc moped | AM or local moped tag | Speed cap may apply |
| 125 cc commuter | A1 / state Class M | Power cap applies in EU/UK |
| 35 kW twin | A2 | Power-to-weight ratio matters |
| 600 cc sport bike | A or Class M | Age gate in EU/UK |
| Auto scooter with gears | MCWG in India | Don’t ride on MCWOG |
| Training day bike | Matches test tier | Wrong bike voids the slot |
| Junior rider (NY) | MJ | Graduated restrictions |
Travel, Rentals, And International Moves
If you plan to rent abroad, bring your home card and, where requested, an international driving permit that mirrors the motorcycle class. Rental desks often ask for proof of class matching the bike booked; an A2 rider may be limited to restricted models. Insurance at the counter will exclude riders who only hold a moped entitlement. Read the fine print and keep digital copies of your card and permit on your phone to speed up the paperwork in case the clerk needs to verify the codes.
Workshop Tip: Choose The Right Test Bike
Examiners look at what you arrive on. If you want A2 printed on the card, turn up on an A2-compliant bike with the power rating clear on a manufacturer plate or documentation. If the model is factory-restricted, bring proof of the kit and the original rated output, since some rules bar bikes “derived from more than double the power.” If your goal is MCWG in India, bring a safe, geared machine; riding in on a scooter can result in a lighter entitlement than you expected.
Which Licence Is Required For A Bike? Final Check
Run these four boxes before you lock a date: confirm the class that fits your bike, confirm the age gate, check the training step, and bring a test bike that matches the target tier. Print your confirmation email and pack ID, learner permit, and proof of insurance. With those sorted, the examiner can see you’re ready—and you’ll walk out with the right letters on the card.