Motorbike licenses in the United Kingdom?

I wouldn't bother trying to read the DVLA website, it's horribly confusing the way they explain it.

At 17 years old you can take your motorcycle test on a 125cc bike to gain a Category A1 or A2 license; forget the A1, just go straight for the A2 license which lets you ride "33bhp" bikes (actually I think it's a power-to-weight ratio but everyone will know what you mean if you say you want a 33bhp restricted bike) and after 2 years automatically upgrades to allow you to ride ANY motorcycle.

Be warned the total cost is a little expensive, you won't see any change from £500 to complete the course and take your motorcycle test. If you fail the test (it happens to most people) just re-book for another one and try again.

At 17 years old, realistically you will be limited to riding a 125 (partly due to the cost of insurance) but at 18 you can ride a 600cc bike providing you have a full (A2) licence and it is restricted to 33bhp.

http://www.geton.co.uk/content/getting-started

At 17 you can ride any 125cc but be careful, as some, like the Honda nsr 125cc are not learner legal due to the bhp. If you take your test test at 18, you will be tested on a 125cc and have to stay on a bike that's 33bhp or less I.e a 250cc for 2 years or until you are 21? after 21, as long as you have a full licence you may time any bike you like. Common sense however should tell you to work your way up. I.e when your 21 get a 500cc then take your time to gain experience and find your comfortable level.

Check on Dvla website as the whole issue is confusing. You can ride a 125 but will need to take the appropriate tests within 2 years of you CBT else you have to resit the CBT. Then you are placed on a 2yr power restriction.

Your 125 can be a manual bike

Your 600cc will require a theory test and two part test.

There is no other test for a 1000cc