A1 License questions (I'm new)

[EvBxx]

I've just recently received my provisional drivers license, and on Wednesday, I will be taking my CBT test to receive my certificate to drive with my 125cc motorbike, however... I am wanting to be able to carry pillion passengers, travel on the motorway and be able to travel across different countries in the European union, including France, and Sweden. (Even though Norway is out of the European Union, I would also like to travel there). I understand that to be able to travel with passengers, I will have to obtain my A1 license, but will this also allow me to travel across other European Countries? What benefits will I get from obtaining my A1 license, and will this be classed as a full license? (I'm 18 by the way) Could you please go into as much detail as possible about this license and what it involves, thank-you.

[Rogerborg]

As far as I'm concerned, it's a "full" motorcycle license, and allows you to do anything that any other category does, just not on all motorcycles.

However, it's been over 2 decades since A1 was introduced as a category and you'll find that insurers, the insurance ombudsman, coppers and possibly even the DVLA still don't really have a clue about different bike categories, and you may find yourself having to argue the toss with them.

What I'd suggest that you do is to address your question to the DVLA, documenting your specific concerns with cross border travel and (potentially) insurance for same.

I actually got a surprisingly decent and well informed answer from them on a licensing issue a few years back. It wasn't the answer that I wanted, but the answer was clear.

If you get the answer that you want, print it off or ask them to send you a proper headed letter, laminate it and go for it.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[stuarthouston]

I'm almost 100% certain that A1 will allow you to do everything you want to do. I looked in to this when I was thinking about bringing my bike with me to Belgium, and deduced that passing the new A1 test would allow me to do so. Insurance companies were happy to insure me for riding on the continent as well with the A1 licence.

As our licences have now been homogenised with the EU, we have the same categories as our European counterparts, with the same restrictions (to a point). As to Norway, the new licensing directive has EEA application, not just EU, so you shouldn't have a problem having your licence recognised there, either.

An unhelpful, but perhaps interesting, aside in derogations from the 3DLD: in Belgium, after holding your B (car) category for two years, you get automatic entitlement to 125cc bikes, no CBT-esque training required! (Only valid in Belgium for Belgian licence-holders)
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'96 Honda CG125 BR-T

[Rogerborg]

[stuarthouston]

[EvBxx]

Thank-you for the help. Much appreciated. This has helped me out, I'm much more confident on my decision now, thanks And I'll look into that idea about the A2 license abroad, good idea lol.